Ranking Spurs trade deadline needs by their impact on playoff chase

The San Antonio Spurs were coming off their best four-game stretch of the season before the Bulls game. They narrowly lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves but dominated the Los Angeles Clippers just before the New Year. Following that, the Spurs put up a strong fight against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in back-to-back games, winning the first matchup this past weekend.

Throughout this four-game span, the Spurs went 2-2 but played exceptionally well in each game, regardless of the outcome.

One consistent observation during this period is that the Spurs are beginning to find their identity. At the start of the season, it was widely acknowledged that Victor Wembanyama needed to continue his journey towards superstardom, while the other players were expected to contribute as much as they could. The team has been doing just that; they are finally playing to support their star player.

With a record of 18-18, amid a challenging four-game road stretch ahead, the start of the new year brings in more trade rumors surrounding the Spurs. While some of these rumors may just be basketball talk, it is clear that they should seriously consider moving players as they aim for their first playoff appearance in six seasons.

Ranking 3 Trades That Could Jumpstart A Run for A Playoff-Berth

The Spurs have several role players who could be solid trade pieces and contribute to other teams. Their collection of draft picks over the next five years will enhance their trade negotiations in the future.

But which players could come in and make a difference you might ask? Let’s dive in and discuss a mid-tier star, a quality role player and a dark horse that the Spurs might be able to acquire that could help get them into the playoffs.

Signing a guy like Cameron Johnson would turn back the clock

During the Spurs "prime" years, when they were consistently winning championships or competing at a high level, one factor set them apart from the rest. While Tim Duncan was undoubtedly a superstar, and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili formed an exceptional trio, the Spurs excelled at developing great role players.

This ability greatly contributed to their success over the years. Signing a player like Cameron Johnson, a forward with the Brooklyn Nets, would resemble the strategic moves made during those successful years.

Cameron Johnson's game is a mixture of Brent Barry and Stephen Jackson, who were both pivotal pieces in their time. All three can score at all levels, are effective in transition, and fit San Antonio's culture perfectly thanks to their ability to adapt to the game plan. Johnson is perfect for the present-day Spurs.

Johnson has shown outstanding shooting ability this year (44% from three-point-range), scoring both off screens, on the pull-up, or creating on his own. His quick release and ability to move well without the ball to get in the right spots set him apart from most score-first forwards. Although, Johnson's scoring (career-high 19 PPG) only tells half of the story.

On the other end of the floor, he is an active defender and a strong rebounder. The versatility that Johnson possesses would make him a valuable asset for the Spurs. He can contribute immediately to the team, and since he is under contract until 2028, he represents a long-term asset beyond this year's playoff push. Trading one Johnson for another appears to be a perfect deal for San Antonio.

The Spurs finally put an end to the Zach Collins debacle

Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas has had a successful NBA career. Now at 32, he is at a point in his career where he is eager to join a playoff-contending team without needing to play heavy minutes. In his prime, he was a menace in the post, and he can still provide a significant impact off the bench for the Spurs. Most importantly, he would be a substantial upgrade over Zach Collins.

Collins was given a significant amount of money for a player of his caliber but has not met expectations. He has become a liability on both ends of the court, negatively affecting the Spurs' depth. On the other hand, Valanciunas would provide a defensive boost for the team, and his toughness could be infectious to the younger players.

The only way this deal can happen likely is if Collins is traded to another team separately. Given his performance this season, Washington would not jump at getting him in return for Valanciunas.

The 7 million cost increase (Collins' 16 million to Valanciunas' 9.1) is also a major no-no if you are the Wizards' management. Instead, backup guard Tre Jones could offer Washington much-needed guard depth and a future 2nd round pick could sweeten the offer.

If this trade goes through, Wemby will finally receive the support he needs. Valanciunas brings physicality, strong rebounding skills, a high basketball IQ, and a soft touch around the rim, making him an ideal addition as the team seeks playoff contention.

Although he may see a decrease in minutes, he is affordable and has valuable experience playing in big games. Acquiring Valanciunas would be one of the best bargains for the Spurs in the last decade.

Spurs take an enormous risk for an All-Star with a lengthy injury history

One of the most notable names recently linked to the San Antonio Spurs is Zion Williamson. Acquiring Williamson could be a potential "high-risk, high-reward" type of outcome. The New Orleans Pelicans power forward has played fewer than 200 games over six seasons, despite there being 492 regular season games available during that time.

This track record raises concerns about his ability to remain healthy long-term. In 2024, the situation has not improved much, as Williamson is currently dealing with a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for most of the season. However, a full return is expected within the next few weeks.

If Williamson's recovery goes as planned and the Spurs feel confident about pursuing him, this move could be beneficial from a basketball perspective. Pairing Williamson with Wemby would create the most dominant inside-scoring duo in the NBA. Williamson's power and athleticism, combined with Wemby's exceptional size and versatility, would be nearly unstoppable.

Vic's ability to stretch the floor would also create space for Zion to attack the rim, allowing him to regain the dominant presence he had from inside 10 feet at the beginning of his career. The highlight reel potential for the two, especially during fast breaks, would be incredible.

Interestingly enough, due to the challenges currently facing New Orleans, the Spurs may not have to give up much to acquire Zion Williamson. Johnson and Collins would likely be the first players to go if the Spurs decide to explore the trade market in the future.

These two players, along with several high draft picks, could be enough to bring Williamson to San Antonio. This mention could confuse some readers but it is undeniable that if healthy, Zion will uplift the Spurs' playoff run and can become a key player for years to come.

As the deadline creeps up, the Spurs must weigh their options carefully. The team is in a rebuilding period and while Wemby and company have brought back life to the city of San Antonio, the team's direction is still a work in progress.

Spurs management might be stuck at a crossroads again to start 2025 as they decide what they are going to do with this roster if anything at all.