ESPN insider just revealed the real reason for Spurs' silent trade deadline

After having won eight straight games for the first time in seven years, the San Antonio Spurs are the talk of the NBA. Not only have they far exceeded expectations, but they are looking more and more like a contender.

Despite them being a true contender, they chose to not make a move at the trade deadline, and we may now have a reason why. ESPN NBA Insider Tim MacMahon recently revealed that he's spoken to people inside the Spurs front office.

MacMahon mentioned that the team didn't make a big move at the deadline because they want to see what their young core can do come playoff time. That's understandable given that this roster is brimming with young talent, though that strategy comes with risks.

Their rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, attempted to strengthen their team. That makes it even more surprising that the Silver and Black didn't try to improve their roster at the trade deadline.

The Spurs are supremely confident in their young roster

ESPN's Brian Windhorst questioned the Spurs' lack of a trade deadline move, citing the 5% rule that Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey created.

The gist is that if a team has at least a 5% chance to win a championship, they should aggressively trade assets and maximize their title hopes. Obviously, the Spurs didn't do that, but they clearly believe in their roster.

After all, this team has shown significant internal improvement this season, and that could prove superior to whoever they could have reasonably traded for.

The Spurs are banking on internal improvement

Part of their internal improvement has been the play of Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Carter Bryant. Castle has steadily improved as a shooter as the season has progressed, with him drilling 35.3% of his threes over the last seven games.

He is also shooting an impressive 44.2% on mid-range jumpers. That proves that his biggest weakness has slowly but surely become a strength.

Meanwhile, Harper went through a brutal January but has been terrific in February. Over his last seven games, he's averaging 13.3 points and 4.6 assists while shooting 58.5% from the field.

Last but not least is Bryant, who is rapidly improving, going from being a net negative to a positive in a matter of weeks. His perimeter defense is already above average, and his 3-point shooting has given San Antonio's offense a boost of late.

Bryant is shooting 40% on five threes per game over his last five games. Obviously Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox's play will determine how far this team goes. Nevertheless, Castle, Harper, and Bryant developing in-season has helped the Spurs exceed expectations.

They may even help them win it all this season, giving them more than a 5% chance to compete for a championship.