Spurs: The 4 Best free agents and trade targets ahead of free agent frenzy

Offseason Target #4: Fred VanVleet

The Spurs are in clear need of a starting point guard, and while Tre Jones played well in that role last season, the team wants to improve at that position. As a result, Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has been linked to the Spurs since he is one of the better point guards available in free agency. He would definitely be an upgrade over Jones as a shooter and possibly as a playmaker, but there are some concerns surrounding him. For one, VanVleet is 30 and seeking a big four-year deal, possibly worth as much as $25 million–$30 million a season.

That is technically cheaper than other starting point guards who have recently made an all-star team, but it would definitely be a bit of a risk. Especially since he is only 6'0, short for a point guard, and conventional wisdom says short guards age poorly, VanVleet already relies heavily on jumpers to generate offense, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is a possible warning sign of how he might age in Silver and Black. If the Spurs want to immediately improve their weakest position and get back to the playoffs quicker, they could sign him to a four-year deal worth around $100 million.

That would speed up their rebuild, and a nice byproduct of the signing is that it would allow Jones to revert back to being a good backup point guard, which should help bolster the bench. On the other hand, VanVleet may age poorly as his contract increases. However, they could get out of the deal if needed, and it would coincide with the length of Wembanyama's rookie contract, meaning that it wouldn't likely affect their ability to build around him. High-risk, high reward.