7 Veteran trade candidates worth Spurs acquiring for multiple draft picks

The Spurs may try to pull off a blockbuster trade before the 2024 NBA Draft.

San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich
San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 7

The San Antonio Spurs had a bit more lottery luck. They moved up to fourth and watched the Raptors tumble to eighth, which forces them to convey their pick to San Antonio from the Jakob Poeltl trade. The Spurs have two top-eight selections, which will help them put talent around Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.

Wemby is special. He wants to win immediately but needs help. The Spurs have some young talent, but the pieces currently do not fit. San Antonio may look to make a trade to accelerate their timeline, and it could involve their 2024 draft capital.

There is a ton of uncertainty in this draft class. Standouts will emerge, but there is little consensus at the top and even more questions down the board. Could that open the door for the Spurs to make a blockbuster move? These veterans are worth giving up multiple draft picks to land.

7. Anfernee Simons

The Blazers have a surprisingly expensive roster for a rebuilding team. They are just $9 million under the first tax apron with one open roster spot. Portland will likely make changes in hopes of building a more cohesive rotation, which could put Simons on the move.

The 24-year-old averaged 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game in 2024. He is a career 38.6 percent 3-point shooter and an absolute bucket. San Antonio needs more playmaking and offensive punch.

Simons has two years left on his deal, but the Blazers cannot play Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Simons in the backcourt. They need more size and defense. Simons is the only one not on his rookie deal, which could put him on the trade block.

The Spurs would love to add a young 20-point-per-game scorer with room to grow. Victor Wembanyama could hide Simons' defensive shortcomings, and San Antonio should be willing to give up multiple picks to land the talented 6’3 guard. He is not the only one worth targeting.

Schedule