Writer proposes Spurs' Josh Primo, Derrick White in trade for Domantas Sabonis

The San Antonio Spurs have several packages to offer for Domantas Sabonis if they wanted to, and one writer thinks including Joshua Primo in a package could do the trick.

On Wednesday, a panel for The Athletic sat down to discuss potential destinations (subscription required) for the talented big after the Indiana Pacers made him available in trade talks in an effort to start a full rebuild.

Within the column, the three writers commit an entire segment to the San Antonio Spurs and how they could potentially acquire the two-time NBA All-Star. "They have SO MANY different constructions they can present," said Sam Vecenie. Vecenie then presented his initial offer to the other two writers, Seth Partnow and Danny Leroux.

"I'll start with Josh Primo, Derrick White, and the 2022 first, which probably lands in the lottery," said Vecenie.

Arguing Primo is essentially as good as getting a lottery pick, Vecenie says the Pacers would be getting two lottery picks of value and a good young player in White. Thaddeus Young could be used to match salaries if Indiana wanted to prioritize cap flexibility, he adds.

Would the San Antonio Spurs part with Josh Primo Already?

Judging by how the Spurs shocked everyone by taking Joshua Primo 12th overall in an NBA Draft full of studs, it's really hard to see them letting go of him not even halfway into his rookie season. The 18-year-old has only logged 59 total minutes in the NBA and has already shown brilliant flashes that have had him joining elite company more than once.

Giving up Primo and White might lead to some short-term benefits, but looking at the bigger picture, I don't see San Antonio maintaining a more competitive team if they give up their last and upcoming draft picks.

When asked if he could find a package that might work for Sabonis, Vecenie's colleague, Danny Leroux, had a suggestion I'd find more desirable for San Antonio. Suggesting the Spurs offer another lightly protected future first pick to join White and a salary filler like Lonnie Walker or Thaddeus Young, his package involves keeping Primo in the Alamo City.

Such a trade would be hard to pass up if I'm the Spurs, even if Derrick White is rounding back into form as a reliable second option to Dejounte Murray.

In the end, it might be too expensive for San Antonio to chase Sabonis, as much as he'd help them contend immediately. Still, the number of assets they have makes them a team to watch as the February 10th trade deadline draws closer.