NBA Insider: Spurs targeting point guards as they look to trade back into the lottery

The San Antonio Spurs are a mere month from taking Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and coronating him as the centerpiece of their franchise. But they still have tons of work left on their plate as they prepare for what could be a crucial offseason in determining the direction of their rebuild. Free agency, contract extension discussions, and trade chatter could all further reshape their trajectory.

Wembanyama is undoubtedly the most integral piece of the puzzle for the Silver and Black, though their front office must take a comprehensive look at the roster and determine which players earned a shot to be here for the long haul. Aside from Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell, no one should be untouchable. According to Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board (subscription required), San Antonio is exploring trades to shuffle their hand.

""The San Antonio Spurs are said to be working the phones looking for deals to acquire an additional first-round pick, preferably in the lottery, to add a point guard.""

Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board

Barlowe has been a reliable source, and his recent report makes sense after news dropped that the Spurs arranged meetings with Cason Wallace and Amen Thompson at the NBA Draft Combine last week. The former is a lockdown perimeter defender with underrated playmaking chops and enticing scoring potential. The latter is an explosive athlete with phenomenal court vision who most experts project as a top-four pick. Both could cost a fortune.

While the Spurs possess a stockpile of valuable draft picks and a handful of moveable contracts they could trade to add a second lottery selection, it might be wise to re-sign Tre Jones and offer him another audition to be their long-term answer at starting point guard. The 23-year-old provided a consistent playmaking presence to a shorthanded club, and he could be the perfect person to get Wembanyama the ball in his favorite spots.