Ranking 3 underrated but perfect Spurs trade targets by fit

After making the move to acquire De'Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings, the San Antonio Spurs roster appears far better than it did even a few days ago. However, they still have one big hole to fill. The Spurs have been surprisingly weak at backup center, and thus far they have failed to find a solution to that flaw.

In fact, it has led to an increase in minutes for star Victor Wembanyama.Failing to find anyone consistent enough to play 15 minutes a game behind their best player is disappointing, but, fortunately, it should be relatively easy to correct on the trade market.

With just days remaining before the NBA trade deadline, the Spurs have several potential trade targets they could look to acquire to resolve their issue of backup center. Let's take a look at three potential options.

3. Chris Boucher

Although the Spurs have been trying out Jeremy Sochan at center, they can use more size and could look to the Toronto Raptors for trade help. Chris Boucher might be an interesting option with him being a highly productive low-minutes big man, averaging 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game while shooting 37.9% from three.

The Spurs would be in a much better spot if they could get that type of production from a player playing behind Wembanyama and should kick the tires on acquiring him. He is technically more of a power forward but has experience playing the five. They don't have much left in tradeable salary but could package Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley together to try and land him.

While both were recent first-round picks, neither projects to have a role going forward, and moving them now might save the Spurs from having to waive or try and trade them later to clear out roster space for better players. If Toronto is game, then the Spurs should pull the trigger on the deal.

2. Andre Drummond

The Philadelphia 76ers haven't had a good season and they may actually be sellers at the deadline if they can get assets to retool with. Backup center Andre Drummond has played a bigger role with the health issues of Joel Embiid, but they could decide to shop him for a second or two.

Drummond is a valued backup due to his rebounding and finishing ability around the rim, though he is perhaps overrated. Especially on defense, where he isn't as much of a game changer as one would expect for an athletic behemoth. Even so, he would be far better than what the Spurs have had at center.

He would be a terrific potential lob threat off the bench, especially if Chris Paul is a part of the second unit after landing Fox. If he's available, he would be a solid option for the Spurs second unit.

1. Guerschon Yabusele

Given Philadelphia's aforementioned struggles, Guerschon Yabusele may also be available. Yabusele has put up impressive numbers as his role has increased this season. While he has the height of a power forward at 6-8, he has also been tasked with playing center with Embiid out and has proven that he can play there as well.

He weighs in at 265 lb but is more agile and athletic than one would expect. His season averages of 11 points, 5.5 rebounds, and shooting 40.1% from three on nearly four attempts per game are all impressive.

Yabusele would be a solid option for the Spurs, especially with his connection to Wembanyama from playing together on the French national team. He'd likely cost the Spurs more than the other options to acquire, but if he can be had for multiple seconds, then he'd be a nice get.