5 No-brainer trades Spurs should make before the deadline

The San Antonio Spurs are in the middle of a rebuild but have found their superstar in Victor Wembanyama. It is all about putting the right pieces around him and building out their roster. The Spurs desperately need a point guard and have been linked to a Dejounte Murray reunion. Does the franchise make a massive splash before the deadline?

San Antonio has ten wins and is not making the playoffs in 2024. They could in 2025 if they improve their roster around Wemby. The 20-year-old is already an elite score, rim-protector, and rebounder. He is on the path to superstardom and wants to win. It is on the Spurs to make the moves.

Their front office should be exploring the market before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Several difference-makers will be available, and the Spurs have more draft picks than they can make in the coming years. Here are five trades the franchise should explore.

5. Spurs get young point guard

San Antonio should be searching for a young point guard who can grow next to Wemby. They likely have two lottery selections in the 2024 NBA Draft to add to their core, but the Spurs would prefer to get their lead ball-handler as soon as possible. No team is eager to part with a young talent unless they have a glut at the position.

The Pistons struggle to find minutes for Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, and Killian Hayes, especially with Cade Cunningham playing some at the one. Detroit could trade a young guard before the deadline, and Hayes is the most likely as he heads into restricted free agency this summer.

The Spurs give up Osman’s expiring contract and three second-round draft picks to land Hayes. The 6’5 guard is a flawed player. He is a plus defender and playmaker, but struggles to score efficiently and cannot consistently hit jumpers. The Spurs would have to build around his issues, but he could thrive setting up Wemby and being a perimeter stopper in the Alamo.

The San Antonio Spurs would love to find a better all-around option, but that may not be possible before the trade deadline. Could they settle for a veteran with a close connector on their current roster?

San Antonio's rebuild is already off to a good start and you can make it even better thanks to DraftKings! Simply sign up, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more on Spurs vs. Pelicans. You'll instantly win $200 in bonus bets! Sign up with DraftKings today.

4. Spurs fill point guard need

Jones was traded to the rebuilding Wizards in part because he was eager to be their starting point guard. The 27-year-old was arguably the best backup in the NBA for a couple of years, but he is trying to prove he deserves to start. His younger brother already plays for the Spurs, and Tyus could give San Antonio an instant boost at the one.

Jones is on a $14 million expiring contract and is firmly on the trade block. The Spurs need a point guard and the asking price could make the 6’1 guard the best available option.

The Wizards are in year one of a total rebuild. Their focus will be on draft capital, but no team is reportedly offering a first-round pick. San Antonio has a glut of draft selections and should have no qualms about offering multiple second-rounders to get a quality point guard who just entered his prime.

Tyus Jones may even take his game to another level in San Antonio. He is averaging 12.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals this season, but will be even more open with Victor Wembanyama drawing the defense. He may not be the biggest name available, but Jones could certainly help the Spurs win more games.

3. Spurs convince Pistons to part with Jaden Ivey

It has been a roller-coaster season for the fifth overall pick in 2022. New Pistons head coach Monty Williams began the year with Ivey coming off the bench and his playing time was inconsistent. Ivey has started the team’s last 21 games and is producing, but does Detroit trust him as their point guard of the future?

The Spurs would love to add a 21-year-old lead ball-handler capable of averaging 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists every night. Ivey is far from a finished product, but the 6’4 guard has immense potential, which is precisely what San Antonio should be looking to acquire.

Osman is on an expiring contract, but what would it take for the Pistons to consider trading Ivey? They get a top-ten protected first-round pick in 2025 via the Bulls and two second-rounders in this trade. Ivey is a career 34.0 percent 3-point shooter and the Pistons depressed his value by not playing him to start the year. It is likely the best offer they receive, but may not be enough for Detroit to accept.

The San Antonio Spurs should make the call and try to find a package that works. Jaden Ivey would be a fantastic fit next to Victor Wembanyama, and they could form an elite young duo that helps the franchise get back into contention.

2. Spurs get a long-term piece in the backcourt

Grimes is back in trade rumors and could be on the move before the deadline. The 23-year-old has seen his minutes and production dip this season as the Knicks have continued to upgrade their roster. Grimes averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 29.9 minutes per game in 2023. Several teams figured to be interested, and New York may be able to get a significant haul.

New York has had injuries at the five and could be searching for a reserve big man. How much would head coach Tom Thibodeau trust Charles Bassey? Likely not much, but he is a 6’10 big man to eat minutes for the Knicks. The Spurs also have several first-round picks available, but one unprotected could be enough to get this trade done.

Grimes is known as a stout defender and plus shooter. The 23-year-old is still getting better and could shine in the Alamo playing off Victor Wembanyama. He would not solve the Spurs point guard woes, but Grimes could be a key floor spacer and defender in their second unit immediately.

The Spurs need more talent. Getting a young guard capable of filling a crucial role is enticing, but their front office may opt for a blockbuster move before the Feb. 8 deadline.

1. Spurs reacquire former All-Star point guard

Murray was an All-Star and elite point guard in San Antonio before being traded to the Hawks. The Spurs got a massive haul and were starting a rebuild. Atlanta dreamed of Murray and Trae Young forming a star backcourt and leading the Hawks to playoff success. It hasn’t happened, and Murray is on the trade block.

Hawks reportedly want two first-round draft picks for Murray, which is less than the Spurs got for him in 2022. San Antonio has a bevy of selections and could deal two expiring contracts plus draft capital to land him.

Murray needs to be the point guard to showcase his talent. He would be the lead ball-handler in San Antonio and could help Victor Wembanyama become a superstar. The 6’5 guard would be happy coming back to the Spurs. It could be beneficial for both sides and put San Antonio back into contention.

The San Antonio Spurs can make any move before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Do they think it is best to stand pat or upgrade their roster? They have enough draft capital to acquire any player, but what gets them back into title contention? Stay tuned to find out how aggressive they are and what the front office believes is best to maximize Wemby.