After striking out on Markkanen, the Spurs can chase another top trade target

The San Antonio Spurs have been active this summer, working to improve their roster, including making a pair of trades. However, the Spurs were linked to Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as a potential trade target but he signed an extension that will take him off the market until next summer.

While it always seemed like a long shot that he would be traded, let alone to the Spurs, he would have fit well next to Victor Wembanyama. With the possibility of acquiring Markkanen now off the table, the team has two options: pivot to another trade target or head into training camp as is.

Are the San Antonio Spurs done making offseason moves?

At the moment, the Spurs appear to be done adding to their roster, with all 18 spots filled, though there may be another trade target available. The Portland Trail Blazers are shopping Anfernee Simons and he would make sense to the Spurs as a long-term answer at point guard given his sharpshooting and improved passing. Moreover, trading Keldon Johnson and the 2025 Bulls first-round pick could be the ideal framework for a potential deal.

Moving on from Johnson would help the team clear out the log jam on the wing, with Harrison Barnes, Stephon Castle, and Julian Champagnie remaining and capable. There is less of a log jam at guard, with Chris Paul and Tre Jones at point guard and Devin Vassell at shooting guard.

Acquiring Simons would likely push Vassell up to the three, joining Jeremy Sochan and Wembanyama in the front court, while Simons would be paired with CP3 in the back court. Meanwhile, Jones, Malaki Branham, Castle, Barnes, and Collins would make up their second unit, giving the Spurs a more balanced rotation.

Absent a move for Simons, the Spurs have sufficiently upgraded their roster to be better next season and may want to see how it performs before making another move. With Markkanen no longer an immediate option, they can at least focus on their current roster as well as other potential trade targets.