3 Game-changing trade scenarios the Spurs must prepare for this summer

Despite having nearly a month left in the 2024-25 season, San Antonio Spurs fans, and perhaps even the front office, are already looking ahead to the summer.

They could have not only a top 10 pick in this year's draft but also a top 15 pick courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks. And while they won't have cap space after acquiring star De'Aaron Fox at the trade deadline, they could still have the $14 million mid-level exception to work with.

Adding two top prospects and a key veteran or two could help the Spurs but they may need to make a big trade to truly propel themselves back into playoff contention. They still have plenty of draft picks and even big contracts to cobble together matching salary to make another big trade to surround Fox and rising superstar Victor Wembanyama.

That gives the Spurs a golden opportunity to make a big leap next season and thrust themselves back into title contention by making a big trade. Let's take a look at three potential trade scenarios for the Spurs.

3) Kevin Durant

Some Spurs fans may balk at the idea of the Spurs trading for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, but there is a strong case to be made for them doing so. For one, Durant is still an elite player, and while he is 36 years old, he has shown very little sign of decline, with him averaging nearly 27 points per game this season.

If San Antonio feels that a core consisting of Wembanyama, Fox, Stephon Castle, and Durant can compete for a championship next season and perhaps a season or two after that, then they should at least consider registering interest in the future Hall of Famer.

As for a potential trade package, they would likely have to part with two of three players between Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes as well as a couple of first-round picks.

The argument against trading for Durant is that it would accelerate the Spurs' timeline too much since they would only have a two- or three-year window with Durant to try and compete for a championship. That wouldn't be entirely true with Wemby being just 21 years old, though.

He would still be under the age of 25 if Durant wanted to play three seasons in San Antonio before retiring. Meanwhile, Fox would be 30 while Castle would be just 23 years old.

It would make them more expensive, sure, but two of those seasons would coincide with the final two years of Wembanyama's rookie deal and the final three of Castle's. They'd also offset costs by trading Vassell and Johnson. After all, Durant is still clearly better than both players. The Spurs should at least consider trading for Durant, even if it's not the prevailing sentiment from fans.

2) Cam Johnson

Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Cam Johnson was seen as one of the top available trade targets near the deadline but wasn't moved. However, he could be moved this summer and the Spurs should have interest in acquiring him.

After all, he is having a career year, averaging 18.9 points and shooting a ridiculous 39.8% from 3 on 7.2 attempts per game. In fact, over his career, he has shot 39.3% on 5.9 3-point attempts per game.

Johnson's elite shooting ability would be huge for the Spurs, who currently rank 18th in 3-point percentage. His size at 6-8 could make him a viable Harrison Barnes replacement in the starting lineup.

Moreover, his floor spacing paired with two athletic guards, a streaky wing, and a big man who can both shoot from outside and score in the paint would really open things up for San Antonio's offense. The cost might be Keldon Johnson and possibly the Atlanta Hawks 2027 1st top 3 protected pick. Nevertheless, that seems reasonable considering what Johnson could do for the Spurs offense.

1) Anfernee Simons

Lastly, we arrive at a potential sleeper trade target, Anfernee Simons. Simons is currently averaging 19.5 points and 4.8 assists for the Portland Trail Blazers this season but his future in Portland is up in the air. He is currently blocking 2023 third overall pick Scoot Henderson from playing big minutes and Henderson has finally started to play well.

Heading into the offseason, Simon could be moved to try and carve out more minutes for Henderson while giving Portland the opportunity to further build out their young roster. He is also entering the final year of his contract and after seeing his numbers drop this season, he may not be worth as much as he was during his career year last season.

His trade value could also be depressed by players such as Trae Young and even LaMelo Ball potentially being available this summer, as well as a lottery team landing Dylan Harper. That could mean fewer teams will be in need of a starting-caliber point guard. San Antonio wouldn't need Simons to start but he could be an elite sixth man with him being among the league's best shooters.

Over the last four seasons, Simon has averaged 20 points while shooting a blistering 38.4% on 8.5 3-point attempts per game. Having a player like that come off the bench and play alongside either Fox or Castle would give San Antonio the best three-man guard rotation in the NBA.

It may cost them Keldon Johnson and possibly the Atlanta Hawks pick in this year's draft but that could be worth it to upgrade their shooting and scoring ability on the bench.

Overall, this summer is shaping up to be a crucial one for San Antonio. If they can nail their draft picks, make use of the mid-level exception, and perhaps make a big trade, they could quickly emerge as contenders in the West.