3 Trades to put Spurs one step from contention after adding Victor Wembanyama

1. Warriors shed salary as Spurs look to capitalize

Golden State will have to do some serious roster shuffling to get under the second tax apron. They have over $209 million committed in salaries for next season, assuming Draymond Green returns. Both he and Klay Thompson are hoping for extensions this offseason, but at some point, the Dubs must shed salaries, and it could begin this summer.

Poole averaged over 20 points per game during the regular season, but his minutes and production dropped off in the playoffs. The 23-year-old is about to begin a four-year $128 million extension, and he is the most likely Warrior to be moved this summer.

This trade knocks $33.6 million off the Warriors' salary and puts them within $1 million of dropping below the second tax apron. Yes, losing Poole and Payton II will hurt their depth and overall talent, but it gives the Warriors some flexibility and draft capital to improve their roster.

The Spurs get two quality rotation players out of the deal, and they start the season with two young 20-point-per-game scorers flanking Victor Wembanyama. Payton II upgrades their perimeter defense and Poole could be just the scorer they need to get close to contention in year one of Wemby.

How will the San Antonio Spurs use their cap space this summer? Fans know they have a plan in place on how to build around Wembanyama, but what will they do? Stay tuned to find out.