1 trade, 1 signing that could make Spurs competitive next season
By Cal Durrett
One Trade that could make Spurs competitive next season
A recent report by Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer states that the Spurs are unlikely to trade for Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, leading to questions about who they might target instead. If they aren't interested in Young, it's hard to see them making a move for Cleveland Cavaliers guards Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland.
Instead, former Spurs guard Dejounte Murray may still be an option. After all, he would probably cost less than any of the aforementioned players, and he also still has a close relationship with coach Gregg Popovich.
With higher-profile players available, San Antonio could go after him in hopes of bringing Murray back on a bargain deal. The Hawks tried and failed to receive two first-round picks and a good young player for Murray near the trade deadline.
Therefore, the Spurs could offer Zach Collins, Devonte Graham, and Charlotte's lottery protected first, as well as the least favorable of Chicago's, Atlanta's, and San Antonio's first-round selections in 2025. That would probably still be a lottery pick but with the Spurs keeping the most favorable selections while still giving the Hawks a better offer than they have received for Murray thus far.
Even with Charlotte's pick unlikely to convey next season, it would still convert into two useful second-round picks. With Murray, the Spurs would upgrade at point guard with a player they know can fit in and run the offense. That's important because he would be able to get Wembanyama the ball more consistently than anyone they have on the roster.
He also has the highest defensive ceiling of any point guard available and the hope would be that he could get back to his peak level and help San Antonio on both ends of the floor.