5 Spurs who are expendable, 3 they can't afford to trade

The San Antonio Spurs found their superstar in Victor Wembanyama, but it has been a rough start to the 2023-24 campaign. The 7’4 big man is showing why he was viewed as a historically great prospect, but San Antonio has just three wins in their first 19 games. They will be back in the lottery and looking to add young talent around Wemby.

This season should be about finding who fits around the French prodigy. Wembanyama wants to win quickly, so the Spurs need to start putting the right pieces around him. Finding a point guard should be atop the priority list, but San Antonio has to decide what to do with the players they have.

Some have already become expendable. Here is a closer look at who the franchise should prioritize developing and which players should be dealt if the right trade comes along.

Expendable: Doug McDermott

Every team wants shooting, and McDermott is one of the best in the league. The 6’6 forward has made over 41 percent from 3-point range for his career, which is ninth among active players. He has plenty of flaws in his game, but no team is leaving him open from beyond the arc.

Dougie McBuckets is on a $13.7 million expiring contract, and the Spurs should shop him before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. He turns 32 in January, and San Antonio is multiple years away from being a contender. Let the veteran go chase a ring and get a draft pick in return.

The San Antonio Spurs need shooters around Victor Wembanyama, but Doug McDermott makes too much money and does not fit the franchise’s timeline. That makes no mention of his problematic defense or lack of other skills. Now is the time to move on and get something in return. If not, McDermott likely departs in free agency unless the Spurs overpay.