ESPN cap expert proposes game-changing trade idea to land Spurs a star

The San Antonio Spurs find themselves flirting with making the playoffs for the first time in five years. That has led to speculation that they could make a big move to help their chances. They are currently just a game back from the sixth seed in the tough Western Conference, and making a big trade now could solidify themselves as a playoff team.

ESPN's Bobby Marks believes he knows the perfect player for the Spurs to target, New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram. Ingram's fit with the Spurs is an interesting one, though it raises a lot of questions about the team's future. Ingram reportedly wanted a $50 million-a-year extension, suggesting that he wants to get paid big bucks this summer.

Even if the Spurs were to work out a more modest 3-year, $120 million extension, that would make him far and away their highest-paid player if they were to trade for him. That, in and of itself, isn't that big of a deal considering that Victor Wembanyama is still on his rookie scale contract for two more seasons, but it could impact the Spurs' ability to make moves in those seasons.

Should the San Antonio Spurs trade for Brandon Ingram?

The proposed framework would involve sending Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, and a first to the Pelicans for Ingram. The Spurs should jump at the chance to move Collins, but does Ingram make sense for the Spurs? The Spurs desperately need more shooting, and Ingram would provide that.

Statistically, he's averaging 22 points per game, though his advanced numbers are either middling or below his career average. On the plus side, he is taking a career-high 6.4 threes and drilling them at a 37.4% clip. That would give the Spurs a knockdown shooter who can also create his own shot in the midrange. His skill set would allow him to fit in as a third option.

A starting five consisting of Chris Paul, Stephon Castle or Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Brandon Ingram, and Wembanyama offers San Antonio plenty of shooting.

It would also help to clear up the logjam in their second unit with Tre Jones, Castle or Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and Charles Bassey. That would be a better bench that would potentially have enough shooting with Vassell and Barnes, playmaking with Jones and Castle, and defense anchored by Charles Bassey.

There is definitely a way that the Spurs could talk themselves into dealing for Ingram. However, they would have to work out the kinks on a possible extension before trading for him. If he is willing to take something closer to 3 years, $110 million with up to $10 million in incentives for games played, then that might be closer to fair value and make him a more viable option for the Spurs.