5 Unpopular trades the Spurs should explore this summer

The San Antonio Spurs have a budding superstar in Victor Wembanyama, but sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. They won’t be there long and pressure will mount to build a contender around the record-breaking talent. The Spurs must put more talent around Wemby if they want to climb the standings.

San Antonio will enter the offseason with options. They will likely have two top-ten selections in the 2024 NBA Draft plus nine other tradeable first-round picks. The Spurs can match any offer and have cap space to add in free agency. It is all about finding the right pieces.

Their front office may have to make some unpopular moves to maximize their roster. Wembanyama is not going anywhere, but the other players may be on the trade block if the right deal comes along. Here are some deals fans won’t be happy about that should be explored this summer.

5. Devin Vassell gets dealt for a star

The Spurs signed Vassell to a five-year $135 million contract, which begins next season. He continues to improve and could be a key piece for the franchise moving forward. It is not easy finding a 6’5 wing capable of shooting 37 percent from 3-point range and handling the ball. The 23-year-old must improve but still has time.

Vassell is not a star. He has had a negative defensive box score plus-minus for two straight years and rated as a below-league-average player by win shares per 48 minutes in each of his four NBA seasons. The Spurs need a second star to pair with Wembanyama, and the team trading one away will want young talent with draft picks in return.

The San Antonio Spurs should try to trade other players first, but if the opposition insists on getting Vassell in return, the franchise must consider it. More likely, they will ask for a young forward that the Spurs do not want to lose.