7 Players the Spurs could replace Keldon Johnson with by the trade deadline

3. OG Anunoby

Anunoby will be the hottest non-All-Star name on the trade market if the Raptors decide to rebuild. The 6’7 wing was second-team All-Defense last season and led the league in steals. He can score 15-plus each night and shoot over 37 percent from 3-point range while being one of the best perimeter defenders in the world. Anunoby is the 3-and-D wing that every team desires.

The Spurs have a 119.8 defensive rating, which is 29th in the NBA and 13.3 points per 100 possessions worse than the top-ranked Celtics, despite Victor Wembanyama blocking 2.6 shots per game. The prized rookie will eventually slide down and play more center, but San Antonio desperately needs some perimeter stoppers to make his life easier.

Toronto has turned down an offer of three first-round picks for Anunoby, so he won’t come cheap. The Spurs have more draft picks than they can make over the next seven years. Would they be willing to offer a massive haul for the 6’7 wing?

Anunoby instantly solves their defensive issues and puts San Antonio just a point guard away from being a playoff contender. They could start Wemby, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan next to OG. The Spurs would have a young and dangerous core that is ready to leap.

OG Anunoby is 27 and in the middle of his prime. The Spurs may decide they need a star over an elite role player, which could push them toward Anunoby’s teammate in Toronto.