B/R Names Spurs' Derrick White as Target for 3 NBA Teams

The NBA trade deadline is two weeks away, and speculation and rumors continue to swirl around the San Antonio Spurs.

While I've already dismissed so-called chatter about Dejounte Murray being moved and the Jakob Poeltl rumor seems to have fizzled into nothing, there are bound to be more rumors hitting the circuits.

Before jumping into what's being said about Derrick White, let me first preface this by saying there hasn't been any substantial talk from the Spurs about making him available. There also haven't been credible sources stating anything about specific teams making an offer for him.

In Greg Swartz's January 24th column for Bleacher Report, he's essentially looking at teams that have a need and could have the means for pursuing White if they're so inclined to by February 10th. While anything is possible, this isn't to say any of these teams have a real shot at him, but it isn't ruling that out either.

1. Denver Nuggets

Swartz lists White as a "dream target" for the Denver Nuggets, meaning he thinks it's probably a longshot they would be able to get him. Given how many injuries they have, Derrick would be an instant boost on both ends of the floor, particularly on the defensive end.

I don't really see a trade package the Nuggets could offer for White, but there's no denying it would be a perfect match given he was born in Colorado and would be contending for a title with them once they got fully healthy. If the Spurs ever felt like they could afford parting with Derrick down the road, Denver would be a great option. I just don't see it happening this year.

2. Houston Rockets

The Bleacher Report column lists Derrick White as a "realistic target" for Houston, and I'm not so sure about that. Like Denver, I have a hard time finding something the Rockets would be willing to part with that the Spurs would want. They won't be giving up Christian Wood in a trade for White -- something San Antonio should jump on if offered.

As we saw on Tuesday night, the Rockets pretty much need help at all positions and they could use a ball-handling, cool presence like White. But would Gregg Popovich part with his two-way talent to help a division rival that will probably need to rebuild for at least another two or three seasons? I doubt it.

3. Portland Trail Blazers

While not getting into any specifics, the article also calls Derrick White a "realistic" target for the Trail Blazers. "Portland should be stockpiling defenders for a run next year," says Swartz.

While Derrick is a good on-ball defender and can handle point guard duties as he points out, plugging him into Portland wouldn't make a lot of sense given their current roster.

"It makes almost zero sense to ship off McCollum and Powell only to bring White back to start alongside Dame and relegate Simons back to the bench," said our colleague Andy Quatch at Rip City Project.

The emergence of Anfernee Simons has made CJ McCollum a bit more tradeable, but I don't see White being any part of such a package.