San Antonio Spurs: 3 Trades to acquire an extra first-round pick

Trade 3: Luke Kennard, 25th pick to the San Antonio Spurs

The Los Angeles Clippers project to be nearly $20 million over the luxury tax, resulting in a more than $60 million dollar tax payment unless they shed salary. Luke Kennard is the ideal candidate due to being owed $41 million over the next three seasons and better options at guard. Furthermore, by salary-dumping Kennard, the Clippers could save more than $50 million in luxury tax and team salary, giving them a major incentive to do so.

The Spurs could be an option to absorb his contract in exchange for the 25th pick and would be wise to do so. In doing so, San Antonio would not only receive an extra first but could also benefit from having Kennard. In fact, despite the negative perception of his contract, he might be of use in San Antonio where his 3-point shooting is certainly needed.

Additionally, while the length of his deal would tie up an average of $13 million in cap over the next three seasons, his salary is actually in line with a good bench player. While he's currently overpaid, it's possible that Luke could live up to his contract in a different setting.

As for the 25th pick, San Antonio could take a chance on an intriguing player like JT Thor or a safer pick like Chris Duarte. Ultimately, this potential trade could be a solid one for the Spurs.

With at least three possible options, San Antonio should look to be aggressive in acquiring an additional first rounder in this year's draft. And with the Spurs abundance of cap space to entice teams desperate to offload salary, San Antonio actually has the means to do so.