Sad NBA reality makes Spurs’ needs more difficult to solve than ever

The NBA trade market has changed. So long are the days of blockbusters happening left and right. With the current CBA, facilitating deals has become extremely difficult. Further, the volume of players that are either available for trade or even able to be traded altogether has decreased significantly.

While the Spurs are likely not on the market for a splash move, they are likely hunting for another three-and-D wing to help push the team over the edge. Yet, finding one in the current NBA landscape is extremely difficult.

Across the internet and here at Air Alamo, there are dozens of hypothetical trade ideas that we would love to see. However, it is important to consider whether these players are actually available. Or, if they are, can the Spurs realistically get a deal done? It is a sad reality that all fans hate to see dawn.

The Spurs may not be able to get a deal done at this year's trade deadline

With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we have only seen one deal go down, and it was a weird one. The Trae Young trade was a beautiful reflection of how dire the trade market is right now. The former All-Star and offensive superhero was flipped for what was essentially a salary dump. We are also starting to see how grim the market is for other All-Stars, such as Ja Morant.

Moreover, so many teams are focused inward. Many tanking teams will only take the best packages and those that make complete sense for their franchise. It appears that general managers across the NBA have gotten smarter. Or, you have a team like the Pelicans that refuses to trade any of their valuable assets for whatever reason.

San Antonio must prepare to ride with their current team

Whether it's due to stingy general managers or the unbreakable barrier of the CBA, finding a realistic deal is becoming impossible. The results are, to be honest, depressing when you search the NBA for a competent three-and-D wing to bring to San Antonio. The players who seem available are not exactly exciting, and the ones we hope will be up for grabs are most likely not.

With that, you'd better prepare for the Spurs to stick with their current squad for the remainder of the season. Perhaps San Antonio finds a way to flip Jeremy Sochan and Kelly Olynyk, but I don't expect it to be game-changing. Would Guerschon Yabusele really make a difference? Similarly, how much can we count on a player like Kevin Huerter to come in and change things for the Silver and Black?

The options are scarce, and with safety in mind, I really don't see a way the Spurs can make a long-lasting, impactful move. But don't worry, everything will turn out fine. This San Antonio unit is still growing into their own and is full of draft capital to help build this roster into a dynasty.