4 Way-too-early Chris Paul trades the Spurs should already be exploring

The San Antonio Spurs are off to a strong start and benefitting from the leadership of Chris Paul. The 39-year-old joined the franchise in the offseason and has helped the young team find their groove. CP3 is well past his prime, but the Spurs have quickly become a force with him running the show. That may not last long.

Paul has a Dec. 15 trade restriction, but the emergence of rookie Stephon Castle has made a deal more likely. The 20-year-old looks ready to take the reins and form a dynamic partnership with Victor Wembanyama for years to come.

CP3 was always a stopgap option for San Antonio, but what could they get for the future Hall of Famer? The deadline isn’t till Feb. 6 and needs will change. Here is a way-too-early look at four potential deals the Spurs could make featuring Paul.

4. Get a valuable pick swap from the Lakers

San Antonio has valued pick swaps in recent deals with the Mavericks, Timberwolves, and Celtics. It gives them a chance to pick high when they expect to be title contenders. The Spurs may try to pull off another one of those moves featuring CP3.

The Lakers are playing LeBron James off the ball more as his 40th birthday approaches. King James has long been friends with Paul, and head coach J.J. Redick played with him on the Clippers. This could be their shot to get a needed playmaker at a reasonable cost as they look to make a push.

Vincent has been nearly unplayable and has one year left on his contract after this season. This deal allows the Lakers to dump him, save some money, and get a veteran playmaker. LeBron will be retired by 2029 and this could be a high selection. It is certainly a gamble, but one the LA might make if they believe it makes them a serious contender.

The Spurs are in the playoff mix and may look to acquire an upgrade when trading Chris Paul. They have significant draft capital to trade and may get bold in hopes of helping Wemby and Castle get their first playoff experience.

3. Spurs and Wolves make shocking swap

Fans saw these two sides make a draft day deal for Rob Dillingham. The Wolves may open up some playing time for the rookie and get a needed ball-handler by working another deal with the Spurs.

Donte DiVincenzo was a key piece of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. The 6’4 guard was coming off a career year and figured to play a key role in Minnesota.

So far, he is averaging 9.6 points, 3.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 26.1 minutes per game. DiVincenzo has made just 35.6 percent of his field goals. If things do not improve, the Timberwolves may look to trade him before the deadline.

The Spurs would love a guard capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. He was even better for the Knicks in the 2024 playoffs and could be a fantastic fit next to Castle and Wembanyama in the Alamo.

The Spurs have a ton of draft capital and would likely squabble over the pick. This is their own 2027 first-rounder with a top-ten protection. San Antonio has several more valuable picks and may need them to win this bidding war.

Minnesota is over the second apron and unable to aggregate salaries. If they want a lead ball-handler for their postseason run, Chris Paul may be the best option available, but acquiring him will cost them DiVincenzo.

2. Spurs pay a hefty price for a young guard

The Blazers are in the early stages of a rebuild and still figuring out who is part of their core. Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson cannot play together, so Portland must decide which two to build around. Simons feels like the odd man out, but does he fit in San Antonio?

The 25-year-old is a scorer and plus-shooter with improving playmaking chops. His defense is questionable, but Simons has the athletic ability. The Spurs have the luxury of having the best rim protector in the game, which could make this a win for both sides.

The Spurs must part with CP3 and Keldon Johnson to make the math work. Portland would want at least one first-round pick in return. San Antonio is loaded with choices and may take the shot on Simons upside. He is off to a slow start this season but could improve in the right situation.

The ideal move is plugging a couple of current holes when trading Chris Paul, and there is only one team that could make that happen.

1. Spurs take advantage of Nets fire sale

Brooklyn is rumored to be open for business and could fill multiple holes on the Spurs roster. San Antonio should be looking for a sharpshooting four to play next to Victor Wembanyama and needs a backup big man. The Nets have two options that could fit perfectly if the Spurs are willing to trade draft capital.

The Nets do not need CP3 as they enter a rebuild. Keldon Johnson may net them some additional draft capital, but Sean Marks isn’t doing this without an unprotected pick. The Spurs make the gamble to get Cameron Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe.

The San Antonio Spurs should be looking to make this move if they want to push for the playoffs this season. It may be a bit too early, but Wemby is a superstar and Castle has All-Star potential. The Spurs should try to get them postseason experience as soon as possible with this type of move.

There will be plenty of chatter about trading Chris Paul before the deadline. It will depend on how things go for the Spurs between now and then, so stay tuned for all the latest.