Spurs trade targets ranked from probable to pipe dream

With the NBA trade deadline just weeks away, the San Antonio Spurs could be active as they look to improve their roster. While a trade appears likely, given that they have three players on expiring contracts, it is unclear which player they could receive in return.

Spurs fans certainly hope that they will aim high so that they can build around the number one overall pick and Rookie of the Year frontrunner, Victor Wembanyama. Moreover, there are several intriguing trade targets that they can pursue—some more realistic than others.

5) Dejounte Murray

The once and future Spur? Former Spurs all-star Dejounte Murray is on the trade block, and rumors have it that the Spurs are interested in re-acquiring their former player. If that's true, then it makes sense. Murray is still only 27 and just signed a relatively affordable 4-year, $120 million deal that should age fairly well since the salary cap is set to explode.

He also has plenty of experience playing with an all-NBA big man in LaMarcus Aldridge, which would help him consistently deliver the ball to Wembanyama in the post, in pick-and-pops, or by tossing lobs. He has also developed into a more than respectable 3-point shooter, hitting 38.3% of his 6 attempts per game this season, resulting in the best efficiency of his career.

The cost of bringing Murray back into the fold would be two first-round picks, a reasonable price considering he is under contract through his prime and has improved on his biggest weakness. Whether the Spurs pony up that much or another team, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, will be known soon, but if San Antonio does end up being the team that lands him, they could be much better for it.

4) Malcolm Brogdon

With the Spurs in the market for a starting point guard, they could look at Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon, who will probably be moved ahead of the deadline. With several teams pursuing Murray, Brogdon has gone under the radar as a potential trade candidate, meaning that he could be a cheaper alternative for the Spurs.

Despite playing on a poor Blazers team, he has still managed to put up impressive numbers in fewer than 27 minutes per game, including averaging nearly 15 points, more than 5 assists, and shooting 41.3% on more than five threes.

With two seasons remaining on his contract after this season, the Spurs would get a terrific short-term starter. Not only that, but it would allow them to dramatically improve at their weakest position while also providing space to draft the point guard of the future, giving them a couple of seasons to develop. As far as the Blazers asking price, they may seek two firsts for Brogdon, but Doug McDermott, Cedi Osman, and the Bulls 2025 first-round pick is a competitive enough offer.

3) Chris Paul

With the Golden State Warriors continuing to underperform, the odds of a big trade seemingly increase. That could benefit the Spurs since one of the most likely trade candidates is Chris Paul, who is making nearly $30 million this season but is not guaranteed for next season. With Paul potentially being used as a matching salary in a trade for a star, his new team will likely waive or buy him out to give him the flexibility to choose his next team.

Normally, a seven-win team wouldn't be high on the list of a future Hall of Famer. But thanks to a new rule in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, players who were making $12.9 million or more before being waived or bought out are prevented from signing with a second-apron team, with second-apron referring to teams well over the $136 million salary cap limit, reaching $182.5 million.

That would prevent teams such as the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks from signing him, possibly bumping the Spurs up on his list. While he could still sign with a team such as the New York Knicks and ring chase, he may not have as big of a role. At least in San Antonio, he'd be able to start, play with a rising superstar in Wembanyama, and play for a Hall of Fame coach. It's not as far-fetched as it might seem.

2) Lauri Markkanen

With small forward Keldon Johnson moving to the bench, perhaps permanently, these Spurs could be in the market for a new starting forward, and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen would fit the bill. Markkanen is one of the premier scorers on the perimeter in the NBA, averaging 25 points per game while shooting nearly 50/40/90 over 100 games for the Jazz.

With offense like that, he'd fit in anywhere, including in San Antonio, where they already have Jeremy Sochan starting at the four. Sochan could guard small forwards next to Markkanen, and his improved shooting and passing might make it possible for him to start at the three, especially with a shooter like Markkanen at power forward.

Of course, he would probably cost an arm and a leg to acquire, with the Jazz presumably asking for at least three first-round picks in exchange for the best player. San Antonio is one of the few teams that could pony up those assets, but they may wait to see what the 2024 NBA draft has to offer, especially with potentially two top-10 picks.

With the Jazz owing a top-10 protected pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, they have little incentive to win this season and may not be able to build a contender around their 26-year-old star. As a result, it is not impossible that he could be moved before the February 8th deadline.

1) Trae Young

With Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young reportedly open to playing with Wembanyama, the Spurs shouldn't be shy about pursuing him ahead of the trade deadline. Despite the Hawks making him off-limits in trade talks to retool around him, they may listen to a potential offer from San Antonio.

After all, the Spurs own the rights to their 2025 and 2027 first-round picks and swap rights in 2026, making it much harder for them to rebuild through the draft without control of their own selections. For the Spurs, they would probably be willing to give back all three picks and possibly even the Chicago pick or Toronto's pick in this year's draft for the gifts of Trae Young.

Doug McDermott, Devonte Graham, Cedi Osman, and four picks—none of their own—for an elite scorer and passer who's just 25 and under contract for the next three years is a worthwhile gamble with huge upside. This is considering that he's a top-8 scorer and ranks second in the NBA in assists.

The scoring would draw significant attention from opposing teams, while his passing would ensure that Wembanyama consistently had great looks. Not only that, but it would push Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson down to third and fourth in the pecking order, giving San Antonio plenty of offensive firepower. It's worth a shot.