5 Perfect fits next to Victor Wembanyama the Spurs should try to acquire

The San Antonio Spurs should be focused on building around Victor Wembanyama. The 20-year-old prodigy is already doing things no other player can match. He leads the league in blocks per game and is just getting his feet under him. Wemby will be a superstar, but can the Spurs put enough talent around him to contend for a championship?

San Antonio is not making the playoffs in year one. They have won just ten of their first 49 games with Wembanyama and have the worst record in the Western Conference. That should not stop the front office from exploring the trade market in hopes of upgrading their roster. Wemby will be an All-Star in year two and eager to lead the Spurs to playoffs. They need more talent to make that a reality.

Everything should be about fit around the 7’4 big man. His best position is center, but the Spurs desperately need a point guard, shooting, and versatility flanking him. There are a handful of strong fits available, and San Antonio should try to land one of these players.

5. Jaden Ivey

Ivey may not be the perfect fit next to Victor Wembanyama right now, but both have immense potential. The fifth overall pick in 2022 struggled to get consistent minutes to begin the season and his production has fluctuated. As a starter, Ivey is averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game. The Pistons have guard depth and could look to move on if they lose faith in Ivey being their point guard of the future.

The 21-year-old struggles on defense and is a career 34.0 percent 3-point shooter. It would be fun watching him grow next to Victor Wembanyama. They may form an unstoppable duo or Ivey could fail to develop into a star. Both need playing time and the freedom to fail to reach their ceilings. If the Pistons are unwilling to give Ivey that, they should trade him.

Jaden Ivey is a target based on his potential. The San Antonio Spurs should be searching for young talent with room to grow. Ivey is not the only guard potentially available before the Feb. 8 trade deadline who should interest the Spurs.

4. Quentin Grimes

Grimes is rumored to be available and his minutes are down this season. The Knicks have depth and plan to continue improving their roster. Grimes averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 29.9 minutes per game in his second NBA season, but he is only getting 20.2 minutes each night this year. A fresh start may be the best thing for both sides.

Grimes is a career 37.9 percent 3-point shooter who is known for playing stout defense. The 6’5 wing is not a primary ball-handler, but the 23-year-old has not reached his ceiling. He could be a strong 3-and-D wing with some shot-creation ability for the next decade-plus.

Several teams will be interested if Grimes is truly available. The Spurs need strong perimeter defenders who can sink open shots and create plays around Victor Wembanyama. Grimes would be a strong fit at the two but would need to play next to a pure point guard.

The San Antonio Spurs cannot just acquire the 6’5 wing. He does not solve their biggest issues, but Quentin Grimes could become a key rotation piece in the Alamo. The Spurs need shooters and offense punch. Grimes would provide both if given consistent run, but San Antonio may try to add a bigger name to their roster.

3. Dejounte Murray

Murray was an All-Star with the Spurs in 2022 as he led the league in steals. The 6’5 guard played so well that San Antonio traded him to the Hawks for four first-round draft picks. Atlanta dreamed of a star backcourt, but things have not worked out. Murray is back on the trade block (subscription required), and the Hawks reportedly want two first-rounders in return.

Could the Spurs reacquire Murray? It is not out of the question. The 6’5 guard is at his best as the team’s primary ball-handler. He would get that opportunity in the Alamo and head coach Gregg Popovich would have him locked back in on the defensive end.

Murray’s age and 3-point shooting would likely be the Spurs' biggest worries. He is just entering his prime at 27 and should be elite for the next five years. San Antonio does not have to worry about an immediate drop-off. The 6’5 guard is a career 34.5 percent shooter from long range but has been inconsistent. Murray should get plenty of open looks as Victor Wembanyama draws the defense and he is shooting 38.3 percent from three this season.

The San Antonio Spurs are interested in a reunion with Dejounte Murray, but it may be another Hawks point guard who is the ideal fit.

2. Trae Young

Young is a polarizing star, but nobody can question his production. The 25-year-old is averaging 27.0 points, 10.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 36.3 minutes per game this season. Young is one of the NBA’s best scorers and shot-creators. He can fire from the logo, but his shooting efficiency could stand to improve.

Young led the Hawks to the conference finals in 2021, but they have not been able to recreate that magic. The 6’1 guard is rumored to be untouchable, but Atlanta’s struggles could change that. The Hawks are well under .500 and fighting for the final Play-In Tournament spot. They would have to win two straight games just to get back into the playoffs.

The Spurs desperately need a point guard and lead ball-handler. If there is any player who can hide Young’s defensive deficiencies, it is Victor Wembanyama. They could form a legendary guard and big man duo. It is not often a 25-year-old two-time All-Star becomes available, but it may be the Hawks' only choice if the losing continues.

Trae Young is not the only star who will be available over the next year. The San Antonio Spurs could avoid having to remake their defense around Young by acquiring someone who can hold their own on that end of the floor.

1. Donovan Mitchell

Mitchell may not be available before the trade deadline, but the Cavaliers have a difficult decision to make over the next year. The four-time All-Star has a player option in the summer of 2025, but Cleveland cannot afford to let him hit the open market. They need to re-sign him to a long-term deal this summer or explore his trade market.

Mitchell is an elite scorer and a proven playoff contributor. The 6’3 guard is just entering his prime and is unquestionably a star. The Spurs are going to need a number two if they want to contend for a championship. Victor Wembanyama is ready to be their number one, but having a star guard to complement him takes San Antonio to another level.

It does not hurt to take Cleveland’s temperature now. The Cavaliers are fourth in the Eastern Conference and believe they can contend for a title. If Mitchell refuses to sign a long-term deal, the franchise has to get something in return. It will certainly be a blockbuster trade, and the Spurs figure to be one of several teams with interest.

The San Antonio Spurs need more talent around Victor Wembanyama and that includes stars. They have the assets to make a massive splash, but when will they do it? The Spurs will build a contender around Wemby. They are taking their time, so stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.