5 spicy summer trades that would make the Spurs surefire contenders

The Spurs add a veteran starting guard for cheap

If the Spurs aren't interested in trading Johnson, then there may be another potential deal involving the Portland Trail Blazers, this one with Malcolm Brogdon. Brogdon is entering the final year of his deal, and while he is a reliable shooter, playmaker, and finisher in the paint, the 31-year-old should cost less to acquire than Simons.

Brogdon would be a great short-term option for the Spurs for those reasons, with them offering up multiple second-round picks (Charlotte's first converts into two second-rounders if it doesn't convey). Possibly more importantly, being able to absorb his contract without Portland having to take a player back.

Despite being one of the worst teams in the NBA, the Blazers are within $5 million of the luxury tax. Therefore, moving on from Brogdon, clearing out $22.5 million off their books, and picking up three potentially good second-rounders might be a deal that they'd consider.

Adding Brogdon would give the Spurs a scoring boost at point guard, with him being terrific at shooting both at the rim and from beyond the arc, in addition to being able to create in the pick-and-roll. As a result, he would be a noticeable improvement at the one next season, giving whichever point guard they draft time to develop behind him. Getting better next season without having to sacrifice any major assets should be a tempting option for the Spurs.