Grade the Mock Trade: Spurs get center insurance and help Trail Blazers breathe

The San Antonio Spurs became one of the biggest winners of the offseason from the moment they secured Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft and cemented him as the face of their franchise. Gregg Popovich and the front office could rest easy at night knowing the teenage phenom gives them a centerpiece to build around for years to come, but they have tons of work to do before this roster is ready to compete for a championship.

Despite rumors the team was interesed in bringing veteran centers aboard to bolster their frontcourt lineup alongside Wembanyama, San Antonio has sat on the sidelines in the free agent frenzy, instead taking care of some housekeeping duties by re-signing Tre Jones, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Julian Champagnie. Although some fans have been disappointed to see the Spurs playing things safe, there is still plenty of time for them to make a splash later this offseason.

Without any significant additions up to this point, the Silver and Black are looking at a big man depth chart that consists of Zach Collins, Khem Birch, Charles Bassey, Dominick Barlow, and Mamu. With a handful of talented youngsters among that group, San Antonio could trot out numerous lineups that complement Wembanyama on both ends of the court. However, most of those names are unproven, and it still feels like they are missing someone that ties everything together.

The organization seems fine exercising patience and taking things slowly as they figure out a timeline that best suits Wembanyama. With that said, a recent article from Bleacher Report suggests they call up the Portland Trail Blazers to make a trade that fulfills their reported wish to slot a traditional bruiser next to their once-in-a-lifetime prospect.

Laying Out the Trade

The details of the hypothetical deal are fairly straightforward. San Antonio would send Khem Birch to the Blazers for Jusuf Nurkic, creating a $16.2 million trade exception for Portland in the process. This is far from the worst swap for the Spurs, but it is certainly one-sided in favor of their conference foes.

While Khem Birch adds almost no value to a rebuilding team, the Blazers could waive him and face no long-term financial repercussions since he is entering the last season of his three-year contract. The 30-year-old rim runner does the Spurs no good warming the end of the bench. Nevertheless, there is no reason for them to be in a rush to rid themselves of the veteran for a lackluster return.

Nurkic might sound like the big body San Antonio is searching for, but his name carries more cachet than the realistic production he might offer the Spurs. The 6-foot-11 center has missed 157 out of a possible 310 games over the previous four seasons, and several lower extremity injuries have sapped his already limited mobility. He has some juice left on offense, but his defense is a serious concern.

Would the Spurs say yes?

The Bosnian Beast has forged an impressive career in the NBA, but he is no longer the dominant post presence he was in his mid-20s. Though he could still supply the Spurs value as a reliable playmaking hub and a devastating screener, his questionable floor spacing and inability to defend in space on the perimeter create more problems than solutions for a team that is heading toward a modern approach.

San Antonio would also be on the hook to pay Nurkic roughly $54.4 million in guarateed money over the next three years, which is a hefty sum for an aging player that doesn't necessarily fit the mold of where the league is heading. The soon-to-be 29-year-old will be paid like the 14th best center in the association, and the Spurs might have a tough time moving him to another club if things go south.

General Manager Brian Wright has hinted that the franchise will use year one of the Wembanyama experience to evaluate the roster, with calculated moves coming in the following summers. Saying yes to a uninspiring deal that doesn't move the needle or set up future success is perhaps the last thing the Spurs should do. Roll the dice on Bassey, Mamu, and Barlow, and see how they pan out.

Grade: C-