Spurs can’t make their next big trade without solving this massive flaw

Less than two months into the NBA season, and trade rumors have begun to pick up. The latest involves the San Antonio Spurs potentially trading for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

While that still seems like a pipe dream, San Antonio may still look to make a big move to try and accelerate the rebuild. After all, the Western Conference is looking as daunting as ever, with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder off to the second-best start in NBA history.

The Spurs could end up facing them in the second round if they are a top-four seed and possibly run into a buzzsaw. That is unless they either reach a higher level once fully healthy or make a big trade.

With Antetokounmpo and Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen likely off the list of possible trade targets, the Spurs should look for high-level rotation players.

Spurs can’t make their next trade without addressing this important area

Even when players such as Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle were fully healthy, the Spurs struggled with giving up open threes. That has allowed for opposing teams to shoot a surprisingly high 38.3% from outside —third-worst in the NBA—and worked to offset the Spurs' stingy interior defense.

If they can get a handle on giving up so many clean looks from outside, then teams will be hard-pressed to score against the Spurs. Some of that comes with Spurs defenders staying at home on shooters rather than trying to help Wembanyama—a 7'5" center with an 8-foot wingspan—protect the basket.

Yeah, like he needs help challenging shots at the rim. One possible trade option that could help the Spurs shore up their perimeter defense is New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones. Jones ranks as one of the best wing defenders in the NBA, having previously even been named to an All-Defensive First Team.

He hasn't been at that level recently, with him missing 62 games last season and off to a slow start this season. But he could soon hit the trade block with the Pelicans possibly rebuilding, and the Spurs might be able to nab him.

It may cost them Jeremy Sochan and a first-round pick or two, but it could be worth it if it boosts their defense enough to make them a juggernaut on that end of the floor. Having a top-3 defense is always a great starting point if a team's goal is to make a deep playoff run.

If the Spurs make a big trade, Herb Jones makes plenty of sense

While Sochan is a talented defender in his own right, he doesn't provide enough shooting to allow him to play 30 minutes per game. Jones isn't a 3-point sniper but is a career 36.3% 3-point shooter. He has also shot nearly 40% on corner threes over his career, with most of his 3-point attempts coming from there.

Put him on the floor with Wembanyama, who can draw double or triple teams, and Fox, who can collapse defenses, and he could be a reliable shooter. One who can knock down corner threes enough to make him a plus on offense.

The Spurs may ultimately take a wait-and-see approach with them nearing full strength and having nearly two months to evaluate their roster to see if upgrades are needed.

If they do, then they should be focused on shoring up their issues defending on the perimeter and possibly adding one more shooter. Jones fits the bill unless someone better and/or cheaper hits the trade block between now and February.