Spurs linked to elite trade target that would instantly divide the fans

As the losses begin to pile up, the San Antonio Spurs are in desperate need of a shake-up at the trade deadline. That leads us to an interesting trade that was just floated that is sure to polarize Spurs fans.

On a recent Dunc'd On Podcast, NBA analyst Nate Duncan floated the idea of the Spurs trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. Porter Jr. is in the midst of a career season, averaging nearly 25 points while shooting a staggering 38.9% from three on 9.4 attempts.

That's despite him being salary dumped on the Nets. Now his trade value has improved dramatically, and he could even be an All-Star this season.

Even so, many expect him to be traded to the highest bidder, and Duncan believes that the Spurs would be the ideal landing spot for him. He has a point

Michael Porter Jr. is a swing-for-the-fences Spurs trade target

Duncan mentions that the Nets could be interested in former top 10 pick Jeremy Sochan, who is currently chained to the Spurs bench. They also have Kelly Olynyk and Harrison Barnes.

The Silver and Black are unlikely to re-sign them, making them expendable. In fact, both of them have expiring contracts that could appeal to the Nets. Packaging those players along with a top-4 protected Atlanta Hawks pick swap may be enough to make that trade a reality, according to Duncan.

Admittedly, I had never considered the Spurs acquiring Porter Jr., but his fit would be perfect considering this team's needs. San Antonio has been in the midst of a month-long shooting drought. Say what you want about Porter Jr.—he's injury-prone, and he has some admittedly wild takes-- but he can flat out shoot.

Imagine having a 6-10 power forward who can shoot like he can playing alongside De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Victor Wembanyama. By Gawd, that lineup could be an offensive juggernaut.

Porter Jr. would give the Spurs something they desperately need

Having three great shooters and two great slashers would restore San Antonio's offense to its early-season form, and then some. Back before Barnes was struggling, the Spurs were flirting with a top-five offense. Now imagine putting a 20-plus-point-per-game scorer in his place.

Barnes, at his best, was an elite spot-up shooter, whereas Porter Jr. can shoot on the move by using off-ball screens. Think 6-10 Marco Belinelli (first Spurs stint Belinelli).

He was terrific at using off-ball screens and cuts to get open for easy shots, and Porter Jr. could be a super-saiyan version of that for San Antonio. The Spurs don't have a shooter like Porter Jr. who can command defensive attention by sprinting around screens, even without the ball.

Porter Jr. has the potential to unlock the Spurs' offense and elevate them from being above average to truly elite. Defensively, Porter Jr. isn't a lockdown defender, but his length and size keep him from being a liability.

He'd also be paired with either Wembanyama or Luke Kornet, limiting any issues on that end and maximizing his overall impact.

All told, Porter Jr. might not be the most Spursy of players on and off the court, but his fit would be undeniably great. If Duncan's proposed trade of Sochan, Olynky, Barnes, and a Hawks pick swap is enough for Porter Jr., then San Antonio shouldn't hesitate to make a blockbuster move.