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.

4. Spurs trade Sochan for an upgrade

San Antonio drafted Jeremy Sochan with the ninth overall pick in 2022. He quickly became a starter and key contributor for the Spurs, but the franchise is still trying to figure out how to maximize him. They tried the point Sochan experiment to begin the season, but it flopped. His talent is clear, but his unique skill set may not fit next to Victor Wembanyama.

Remember, they are both 20 years old. Neither player is a finished product, but the Spurs have a negative-4.5 net rating in 1,156 minutes with the duo on the floor this season. Their 111.1 defensive rating would be tied for fourth best in the NBA, but their offensive rating would be the worst. Both players are shooting 32.7 percent from 3-point range this season and floor spacing will be an issue with neither being the primary creator.

It is early. Jeremy Sochan could develop a consistent jumper. He went from 24.6 percent as a rookie to 32.7 percent on his threes. Can he get to 35 percent and draw respect from the opposition?

If not, the Spurs should explore his trade market. The 20-year-old has significant value. He can guard multiple positions and make plays. San Antonio could acquire a better fit around Wemby and potentially upgrade to a star. The franchise would prefer trading another forward, which is the most likely of the deals this summer.

3. Spurs trade Keldon to the highest bidder

Keldon Johnson is in the first season of a four-year $74 million contract that declines. It only gets more team-friendly, but San Antonio cannot play multiple questionable shooters and defenders for 30-plus minutes every night and be a contender. Johnson is shooting 35.1 percent from 3-point range this year but has been inconsistent throughout his five seasons in the NBA.

His size and defense are concerns. Victor Wembanyama is already one of the best defenders in the NBA, but the Spurs need talent around him. Johnson is a 6’5 forward who has produced a negative box score plus-minus in four of his five seasons and rated as below league average by win shares per 48 minutes since his rookie season.

The 24-year-old continues to improve, but the Spurs should try to trade him for a 3-and-D wing or a point guard. They need a lead ball-handler to run their offense and someone spacing the floor who offers stout perimeter defense. San Antonio has a ton of draft capital and should try to couple it with a significant salary to upgrade their roster.

The Spurs will be in the market for a star this summer. It is their quickest path to moving into contention, but it won’t come cheap. San Antonio never overpays, but they may have to when building around Wemby.

2. Spurs convince Cavs to part with Darius Garland

San Antonio may be tempted to add a veteran point guard to stabilize their offense. It would make them significantly better, but Victor Wembanyama is elite. The game’s best do not just want to make the playoffs and bow out in the opening round. They want to chase a championship, which should force the Spurs to set their aspirations at star point guard.

The Cavaliers will face turmoil this summer if the franchise makes another quick playoff exit. Donovan Mitchell has just one season plus a player option remaining on his contract. If he declines an extension, the Cavs could look to trade him. Spider agreeing to stay could mean revamping their roster and splitting their two undersized guards.

Cleveland is only trading Darius Garland for a massive haul. The 24-year-old is an All-Star and a proven difference-maker. This trade was offered on Fanspo and drew unfavorable reviews from both sides.

Giving up Keldon Johnson and six draft picks is a massive haul, but one San Antonio can afford. Garland is an upgrade and a better fit next to Wemby. The Spurs would still have six tradeable first-round selections to further improve their roster. This move makes sense even if fans are unhappy about the cost.

Darius Garland is unlikely to be available, but one divisive point guard is in the rumors.

1. Spurs give up massive haul for Trae Young

The Hawks have been one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments this season. They are eight games under .500 and barely in the Play-In Tournament. Barring a miraculous run, Atlanta will be searching for how to replicate their success of 2021 after a third straight quick postseason exit. Everything will be on the table this summer, including trading Trae Young.

The three-time All-Star was in rumors before the deadline, but no trade was made. Young is an elite scorer and playmaker but struggles on defense. Building a winner around him is not easy, but San Antonio could solve the puzzle.

The Spurs would have to pay handsomely to get Ice Trae. It likely costs at least three first-round draft picks plus some young talent. Fans won’t be happy with the package, but getting a 25-year-old All-Star is never easy. Young gives the Spurs a star point guard to lead their attack and could launch them toward contention.

The San Antonio Spurs front office will have difficult decisions to make this summer and beyond. They cannot fall in love with their players. It is all about building a championship team around Wemby, which will take some bold and unpopular moves. Have faith in the Spurs. If any organization can do it, they are the most likely.