Way too early Spurs trade deadline targets based on how the season plays out

The San Antonio Spurs are fresh off making the NBA Finals, and winning the championship is the goal. They have plenty of draft capital and missed an opportunity to add the finishing touches to their roster before last February’s deadline. The Spurs signed Tobias Harris to plug one of their biggest holes. Depending on how the season is playing out, San Antonio should be looking to make the final move to secure a title.

The Knicks and Thunder had to shed payroll this summer to avoid the second apron. They aren’t adding key pieces before the trade deadline. This is the time for the Spurs to capitalize before Victor Wembanyama’s extension kicks in. San Antonio and Oklahoma City are the title favorites entering the season. The expectations are high, and the Spurs should try to maximize their roster before the deadline. Wemby keeps improving and is ready to lead a championship roster.

The early season will change things. The Spurs aren’t making a blockbuster move if they are atop the Western Conference to start February. Here is a look at who San Antonio could target, depending on how things are shaking out.

Tobias Harris doesn’t fit with Spurs

San Antonio signed Harris to fill a need at power forward, but he wouldn’t be the first veteran that couldn’t find a fit on a new roster. Harris only got a two-year deal. If things aren’t working out, the Spurs could quickly look to flip him.

Ideal target: PJ Washington

Washington is just starting a four-year, $88.7 million contract and has been in trade rumors given Dallas’ glut of forwards. They have Cooper Flagg and just extended Naji Marshall. Dallas could look to move on Washington to better balance out their roster.

The Mavs acquired Washington at the 2024 trade deadline after their signing of Grant Williams didn’t work out. Dallas went to the NBA Finals later that year with PJ playing a crucial 3-and-D role. The Spurs could look to repeat history if the Harris signing isn’t working.

Situational target: Cameron Johnson

Denver is projected to be the only team over the second apron, and Johnson is on an expiring contract. They could look to dump him before the deadline to save money. The Spurs should be interested in a career 39.6 percent 3-point shooter who is capable of playing either forward spot.

The pressure is on the Nuggets because Nikola Jokic is refusing to sign an extension. They shouldn’t be giving up a key piece at the deadline to save money, but this could happen if things go sideways in Denver.

Backup target: Rui Hachimura

Hachimura has become an elite 3-point shooter. Over the last three seasons, he has made 42.6 percent of his 3-point attempts. The 6’8 forward is comfortable spotting up. He joined the Clippers this offseason, but LA is not expected to contend. They could look to move on before the deadline.

Harris likes having the ball in his hands and is known for taking over possessions. Hachimura is more comfortable playing off the ball and could prove to be a superior fit by the deadline.

Spurs are humming along

This is the most likely scenario. San Antonio is not exceeding expectations or underperforming. They are second in the West behind the Thunder, but are right on their heels. If this happens, they should be looking to fill whatever their biggest hole is at the deadline. Here are three potential options.  

3-and-D forward target: Royce O’Neale

O’Neale was traded to the Hornets this offseason in the Miles Bridges deal. The 6’6 forward has shot over 40 percent from 3-point range in each of the last two seasons. His defense has slipped, but O’Neale can still guard multiple positions and knock down open looks.

The Spurs could flip Harrison Barnes into O’Neale to give them another trusted option for the playoff rotation. Charlotte would be happy to pick up a couple second-rounders for the veteran.  

Versatile big man target: Jalen Smith

The 6’8 big man is capable of playing the four or the five. He has shot 36.7 percent from 3-point range over the last three seasons and shown some intriguing versatility. Smith is a bench option, but an intriguing change of pace in the right matchups.

The Bulls are just starting a rebuild, and Smith is on a $9.4 million expiring contract. Expect him to be available. He could be a low-cost option that improves San Antonio’s bench.

Backup center options: Brook Lopez or Isaiah Stewart

If Luke Kornet doesn’t look like the answer, the Spurs could be in the market for a backup center. Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr. won’t be ready as rookies. San Antonio could go in a couple different directions to fill this role.

Stewart has shown some shooting ability and was just traded to the Grizzlies. Memphis is loaded with centers and could look to flip Stewart at the deadline. His energy, shooting, and rim protection could fit behind Wemby.

The Clippers aren’t expected to make the postseason, and the 38-year-old may look for one final run. He is on a $9.1 million expiring contract and could be the rim-protecting stretch five the Spurs want behind Wembanyama.

Spurs struggle out of the gate

Things may not go according to plan. San Antonio exceeded expectations last season by winning the Western Conference. They could face a hangover after reaching the NBA Finals. If this happens, the Spurs should be exploring De’Aaron Fox trades and looking to make a bigger splash.

Star wing target: Devin Booker

Booker’s name has been in rumors for years. The Suns don’t want to trade their superstar, but he won’t be happy forever leading a fringe playoff roster. The Miles Bridges trade won’t help. Phoenix will be in the Play-In Tournament mix, and it may finally be time for the 30-year-old to ask out.

Booker embraced a 3-and-D role to help Team USA win the Olympics. He proved he can fit on any roster and make them better. Trading Fox for Booker would give San Antonio better roster balance and make them the title favorites. Book would have to buy into a lesser offensive role, which should be easy, as the only reason to request a trade is to win a championship.

Upside wing target: Trey Murphy III

Murphy has been in trade rumors all summer, but the Pelicans have been shockingly quiet. New Orleans won just 26 games last season. Everyone thought changes were coming, but nothing has happened.

Murphy has blossomed into a versatile 20-point-per-game scorer. He has drawn plenty of interest, but the Pelicans have maintained an unreasonable asking price.

The price could finally come down before the deadline. He is under contract through 2029, but New Orleans has to consider a trade if Murphy is unhappy. This could be San Antonio's shot to buy a prime wing that is ready to win a championship. The Spurs could offer Keldon Johnson’s expiring contract to make this trade, which is a no-brainer upgrade. The only question is how much draft capital it would cost.

Desperate times call for desperate measures target: Desmond Bane

The Magic barely made the playoffs in 2026, and the Eastern Conference improved. Orlando could be on the outside looking in and desperate to trim their luxury tax bill. They could explore multiple moves, but Bane is a better fit than Paolo Banchero in San Antonio.

Bane is a proven 20-point-per-game scorer who has shot over 40 percent from 3-point range for his career. He could slot in nicely on the wing and would give the Spurs more versatility if they swapped De’Aaron Fox for him. Bane is a superior fit in San Antonio, even if Fox is a better player. If the Spurs and Magic are struggling, this outside-the-box swap just might work.

Spurs are number 1 in the West, but the Thunder are right on their heels

If the Spurs are leading the Western Conference with pressure from OKC, they should be looking to add depth for the playoffs. That one final option who could swing an important series. A change of pace or upgrade from what they already have. These options could be just what San Antonio needs.

Reserve big man upgrade: Daniel Gafford

Gafford was the Mavericks' starting center on the 2024 roster that reached the NBA Finals. He could give them a pick-and-roll partner for Dylan Harper in the second unit. It is a hefty contract for a backup big man, but the Spurs know resting Wembanyama will be crucial as the playoffs wear on. Gafford could be the best option available.

Need a lights-out shooter: Luke Kennard

If the Spurs find themselves light on shooting, Kennard has shot 46.0 percent from 3-point range over the last five years and just last season was dumped by the Hawks at the deadline months after signing with them. If things aren’t working in Phoenix, Kennard could be on the trade block.

He offers virtually nothing else. The 6’5 wing is a problem on defense. He did show some playmaking chops last season, but they vanished when the Lakers needed them in the playoffs. Still, Kennard is one of the world’s best shooters.

Need a versatile forward: Derrick Jones Jr.

The Clippers may look to move on from DJJ’s expiring contract. He played a key role on the 2024 Mavericks and could be a versatile athletic forward that interests San Antonio. This would be a change of pace from Keldon Johnson and a more defensive-minded option.

Spurs are dominating

If San Antonio looks like the best team in the NBA, fans know exactly what the franchise will do at the trade deadline.

Trade targets: None

The Spurs are not known for making trade deadline splashes. They did trade for De’Aaron Fox in 2025, but San Antonio wasn’t contending at that point. When things are going well, they like to stand pat. Chemistry is important, and the Spurs know that takes time to build.

This could be the case. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper should all be better this season. They could be three of the top 30 players in the NBA. The Spurs have immense talent and are looking to parlay the potential into a championship. They got close in 2026 and may just bring it home this season.

The San Antonio Spurs should be focused on winning a title. Maximizing their odds at the trade deadline is the smartest move, but how will largely depend on what is happening early in the season. There are several different scenarios, and things can change quickly. Fans should keep an eye out for all these scenarios. If the Spurs look to buy, they will want a finishing piece. Supporters just have to wait to figure out who that is.

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