3 way-too-early trade deadline targets if Spurs stumble out of the gate

After an encouraging offseason that saw the San Antonio Spurs improve, there are increased expectations that they will make a playoff push in 2024–25. The signing of Chris Paul and the addition of veteran Harrison Barnes allowed them to shore up their biggest weakness at point guard and upgrade at small forward. 

Factor in that star Victor Wembanyama spent the off-season playing against some of the best competition in the world, and both he and the Spurs could be much better next season. The tools are there for San Antonio to shock the NBA world, but what if they underachieve early on?

The NBA recently released the league schedule, and the San Antonio Spurs will face several tough stretches next season. Although they will have more veteran leadership and another year for their young players to develop, there is always the chance that they come out flat and dig themselves into an early hole in the standings.

Depending on how far behind they find themselves, they could make a desperate move to bring in more talent to ensure they make the playoffs. If that were to happen, here are three way-too-early trade deadline targets if Spurs stumble out of the gate.

3) Darius Garland

For a while, it seemed as though the Cleveland Cavaliers wouldn't be able to retain their young core, with all the trade rumors swirling. To their credit, they managed to extend Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen while still retaining Darius Garland. However, if the Cavaliers get off to a poor start or lose ground in a highly competitive Eastern Conference, those trade rumors could resurface. Garland seems like he would be the most obvious trade candidate due to his potential redundancy with Mitchell.

If that were the case, then the Spurs should register interest in him since they have only temporarily resolved their issues at point guard. Garland is just 24 years old and under contract for the next three seasons after next year. Better still, he is on an affordable deal that would make trading for him easier ahead of the trade deadline without San Antonio having to gut their roster.

The Cavs would be able to see how likely the Spurs' picks are to convey, and that may increase the likelihood that a trade between the two teams happens should he become available. Ultimately, Garland fits the team's timeline perfectly, and his scoring, shooting, and playmaking check all the boxes at point guard.

2) Trae Young

At the moment, it seems that Atlanta guard Trae Young is unlikely to be traded this upcoming season due to the Hawks not owning their first-round pick and not having any incentive to tank. Despite that, it's not impossible to think that he might be available again next season.

He could improve his trade value during the first half of next season and get a team to offer more than they had during the summer. Or, the Hawks realize that he may not re-sign with Atlanta after the end of the 2025–26 season, when he can become a free agent.

In that case, they may see what they can get rather than risk Young potentially affecting his trade value by having his agent hint that he wouldn't re-sign with certain interested teams. The Spurs could circle around and make an offer, possibly even dangling Atlanta's 2025 first in their face, especially if the pick doesn't appear likely to be in the top five.

Adding Young mid-season would give San Antonio's playoff chances a shot in the arm and give them a season and a half to see how he fits before having to pay him. If Young becomes available again during the 2024–25 season, they should jump at the chance to acquire him.

1) Anfernee Simons

The Portland Trail Blazers are apparently looking to move on from either Jeremy Grant or Anfernee Simons. Although the Spurs have little need for Grant, they could use Simons long-term. After all, he has been one of the best shooters in the league over the last three seasons, hitting a terrific 38.8% of his 8.2 3-point attempts per game as a member of the Blazers.

He has also steadily improved as a passer, making him a good fit for just about any team. That includes the Spurs, who don't have a clear replacement for Paul should he retire after next season. Trading for Simons now alleviates those concerns while also potentially helping to clear out the log jam on the perimeter.

Small forward Keldon Johnson makes the most sense to be moved after the Spurs acquired Barnes, and adding a first-round pick might be enough for the Blazers to move Simons. He could slot in at shooting guard alongside Paul, with Vassell moving up to small forward and Barnes moving to backup power forward. That would give San Antonio plenty of shooting around Wembanyama, and once Paul retires, that would give them a point guard entering his prime.