Grading trade targets: Spurs open war chest to find the perfect Wemby partner

The San Antonio Spurs are looking more and more like a playoff team but may need some help to get where they want to be. This could potentially necessitate a trade, and Greg Schwartz of Bleacher Report has identified several potential targets who could help the Spurs. Let's take a look and see which makes the most sense.

Anfernee Simons

NBA analyst Zach Lowe previously suggested a trade between the Blazers and the Spurs involving Anfernee Simons and Keldon Johnson. Simons was coming off the best season of his career then but isn't having as strong of a year now, which could lower his trade value.

The same could be said of Johnson, who has played well in stretches but has seen his production drop while playing a smaller role. Swapping players might make sense with the Blazers being able to give the point guard reigns to Scoot Henderson, who would make for a heck of a tank commander.

As for the Spurs, their second unit is full of non-shooters, forcing them to get into rock fights. Adding one of the best high-volume 3-point shooters to the bench would boost the team's offense. They should strongly consider this type of trade.

Grade: A

Collin Sexton

Spurs fans have had plenty of chances to see Collin Sexton play with the Spurs, having faced the Utah Jazz four times in the first five weeks of the season. Sexton is known for his scoring ability, particularly as a 3-point shooter and driver, which might make sense for the Spurs off the bench. Especially once Devin Vassell returns to the starting lineup.

His contract lines up well with Johnson's, making a straight-up swap possible if the Spurs see Sexton as an upgrade.

Grade: B-

Santi Aldama

The Memphis Grizzlies forward is having a solid season in the absence of their best players. At 6'11, he has good size and can knock down open threes, drive, and score off of cuts to the basket. However, the Spurs already have a good stable of big men surrounding Victor Wembanyama with Zach Collins, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Charles Bassey, and Sandro Mamukelashvili.

As a result, they have less of a need for a player such as Aldama, despite being an interesting option based on his playing style. Of the three players on Bleacher Reports' list, he may make the least amount of sense since he wouldn't dramatically improve the Spurs' options at power forward.

Grade: C

As for the best fit, Simons would probably make the most sense with Johnson and perhaps another asset such as the Charlotte Hornets' lottery-protected 2025 first being used in a potential deal to acquire him.

Overall, with the Spurs playing their best basketball in the last few seasons, it makes sense for them to look to make a deal to further improve. As they look to make a playoff push, Simons should be at the top of their list.