Spurs' surprise trade target is now very much a reality if latest NBA rumors are true

Just two days before the NBA trade deadline, the San Antonio Spurs have finally been linked to two intriguing players.

According to NBA insider Mike Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Spurs are targeting Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze. They have also been linked to Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams. Those are two surprising trade targets, but perhaps less so when you look a bit closer.

San Antonio entered the season with Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk, and Bismack Biyombo at center. Jeremy Sochan is also capable of playing some at the five.

Nevertheless, that depth has suddenly evaporated with Olynyk, Biyombo, and Sochan all out of the rotation. Therefore, adding a third center makes plenty of sense for the Silver and Black.

The Spurs are smartly targeting Goga Bitadze

Bitadze has been on the fringe of the Magic's rotation of late and suddenly looks like a solid trade target for San Antonio.

Although he has seen his role decrease of late, he has been surprisingly effective in limited minutes. In 41 games this season, he's averaging 5.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 stocks (steals plus blocks).

He's also a terrific finisher, connecting on 71.2% of his shots. Defensively, he has historically been underrated, with him being a solid rim protector and having shown improvement guarding away from the rim.

Bitadze has likely fallen out of favor in Orlando due to their depth at center with Wendell Carter Jr., Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Wagner. Given that he is only set to make around $15 million this season and next, he should be easy to acquire for the Spurs.

His contract matches up almost with Sochan's. However, it's unclear why the Magic, who can't hit the broadside of a barn when it comes to shooting, would target him.

Or, perhaps the Spurs could save the Magic some money by trading Jordan McLaughlin and Lindy Waters III for Bitadze. Either way, San Antonio shouldn't look a potential gift horse in the mouth.

Especially if they can get a skilled third center for the rest of this season and next for a player that's already on the outs in Sochan.

Robert Williams is a reasonable backup trade target

As for Williams, he has been largely injured over the last several seasons but has been mostly healthy this year. In fact, he is on pace to play more games this year than the last three seasons combined.

He's been effective too, posting 6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in 16.3 minutes per game. Timelord is also well regarded as a passer. Still, he's probably not going to move the needle for San Antonio, and neither is Bitadze.

Then again, swapping Olynky for Williams may be done to give the Spurs a more traditional big man. One who can set screens, roll to the rim, and finish at the basket. He can also protect the rim and rebound. Kornet can do all of the same things, but two is better than one.

The Spurs are clearly prioritizing center depth by targeting Bitazde and Williams at the deadline. Even so, hopefully, they can also add a power forward at the trade deadline to bolster their front court.