Ranking 5 trade deadline moves by how fast they make Spurs contenders

The San Antonio Spurs are not jumping into contention this season. They have won just ten of their first 50 games, but Victor Wembanyama is a future superstar. The Spurs should be searching for pieces that fit next to the 7’4 big man. There is zero reason to wait. San Antonio should try to acquire those pieces as soon as possible and return to the playoffs in 2025.

The Spurs need a point guard capable of running their offense. They must acquire another top-end talent and have more draft picks than the franchise can make. San Antonio should strike whenever a no-brainer trade becomes available.

They could make a significant move before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. There will be several point guards and difference-makers available. Here is a look at five the Spurs could add ranked from slowest to fastest in helping them jump into contention.

5. Killian Hayes does not move the needle in San Antonio

The Pistons are rumored to be looking to move on from Hayes, and the Spurs need a point guard. The former seventh overall draft pick is 22 years old with room to grow. He is a flawed player, who struggles on the offensive end. Hayes plays stout defense and has averaged over six assists per game for a full season.

The Spurs are no closer to title contention by adding Killian Hayes, but he is a young point guard capable of blossoming into a key rotation piece for years to come around Victor Wembanyama. The 6’5 guard may be better off as a defensive-minded wing, but his jumper would have to improve. Hayes has work to do, and San Antonio is committed to moving slowly and building their roster correctly around Wemby.

The San Antonio Spurs would love to add a young point guard with significant upside. Killian Hayes may never be their starter, but he has a plus skill. Can the 22-year-old round out his game and become a significant role player? The Spurs should acquire him before the deadline if they believe the answer is yes.

There will be several players available, but what if San Antonio cannot find a ball-handler? They may target a young guard on the Knicks to improve their roster.

4. Quentin Grimes leaves Spurs with massive issues

Grimes is another young talent rumored to be available. He is struggling to get minutes in New York, but the 6’5 guard showed what he could do last season when he averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 29.9 minutes per game. The 23-year-old is still improving and several teams have registered interest.

Grimes figures to be a strong 3-and-D wing in his prime. He has made 37.9 percent of his 808 career 3-point attempts. The 6’5 guard has the size to guard multiple positions, but he must improve his efficiency, ball-handling, playmaking, and defense to reach his ceiling.

The San Antonio Spurs would love to add a young wing with 3-and-D potential. They need shooters and floor spacers around Victor Wembanyama. Having the 7’4 superstar protecting the rim will make everyone’s defense look better. Grimes could thrive in the Alamo, but he leaves the Spurs with a massive playmaking hole.

The franchise is slightly closer to contention if they acquire Quentin Grimes. Without a point guard, the San Antonio Spurs will not be in the playoff mix. They could get Grimes to be a key role player, but he is not what the franchise needs.

3. Tyus Jones solves PG woes but leaves Spurs needing star power

Jones went to Washington to be their starting point guard, and the 27-year-old is having the best season of his NBA career. He has been one of the best backup point guards in recent years and hopes to prove he can shine in an expanded role. The rebuilding Wizards are shopping his expiring contract, and Jones will likely be searching for a landing spot where he can start.

The Spurs desperately need a point guard. Jones could organize their offense, create open looks, and form a devastating two-man game with Victor Wembanyama. His younger brother is already playing for the Spurs, which should ease the transition.

Jones would improve their chances of winning on a nightly basis, but San Antonio would have a major void in top-end talent. Even with the 6’1 guard having the best year of his career, the Wizards have fewer wins than the Spurs this season. Jones is not going to come to the Alamo and instantly lift the franchise to 50 wins.

The Spurs need a second star if they plan on jumping into title contention. They have Victor Wembanyama and a few quality role players. Their focus should be on acquiring an All-Star point guard to lead their offense.

2. Dejounte Murray could be the second star on the Spurs

Murray is the top player rumored to be available just days before the deadline. The former All-Star has seen his playmaking and defense slip since joining the Hawks, but he was an elite two-way guard playing under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio. Murray led the league in steals and averaged over nine assists while scoring 20 each night.

The 27-year-old needs to be his team’s top playmaker to be at his best. He had that in San Antonio but is the secondary creator behind Trae Young on the Hawks. Murray would love to be traded back to the Spurs, and it would be a beneficial deal for all involved.

His 3-point shooting has improved since 2022. Over his last 683 attempts, Murray has made 35.4 percent from long range. One of his biggest knocks has been his shooting, but the 6’5 guard is taking and making triples in Atlanta.

Dejounte Murray could return to his All-Star form in the Alamo. He is just entering his prime and continues to improve. The Spurs would love to add a point guard capable of scoring 20 every night while running their offense and guarding the opposition’s lead ball-handler. Victor Wembanyama would make his life easier this time around, but San Antonio may attempt a bigger swing.

1. Trae Young gives Spurs star PG they must acquire

The Hawks are a rumored seller before the trade deadline, but Young is reportedly one of their untouchables. If they part with most of the talent around him, will the 25-year-old be willing to captain a rebuild over the next few years? He has yet to reach his prime, but the Hawks' 2021 run to the conference finals may have Ice Trae looking to join a contender.

Young is an elite playmaker and scorer. He is averaging 27.3 points, 10.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 36.6 minutes per game this season. The 6’1 guard has deep shooting range and will maximize the space on the floor.

He struggles on the defensive end, but who better to boost him than Victor Wembanyama? Having the 7’4 big man on the backline cleans up a lot of messes. The Spurs would have to hide Young and protect him on defense, but his issues are mitigated playing next to Wemby.

With Trae Young and Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs would be a playoff contender in 2025. They would need more pieces to jump into the title race, but having an All-Star point guard and budding star big man is a fantastic start. The Spurs have work to do and will likely make a massive splash soon. Wemby won’t want to wait, and his play is rapidly improving, so stay tuned.