The NBA trade deadline is just a month away, and the San Antonio Spurs have already been linked to some big names in the trade market. That suggests that they plan to be active to try to improve their roster around star Victor Wembanyama.
Considering that San Antonio is currently in the playoff race, that is a smart move, and if they can address their biggest flaws, they could solidify themselves as a playoff team this season instead of waiting until next year.
Doing so would take full advantage of Wembanyama's increasingly stellar play and get the Spurs' young core some much-needed playoff experience. However, who should they target? Let's take a look at three potential trade deadline targets and rank them by how realistic they are for the Spurs to acquire.
Dream Target: De'Aaron Fox
Although the Spurs have been directly linked to Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox, he may not end up in silver and black this season. The Kings will have their pick of offers, including potential ones from the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.
Still, if the Spurs could land him for the cost of Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Stephon Castle, and two or three first-round picks, then they should definitely consider it.
He would solve the Spurs' big question mark at point guard long-term, give Wembanyama a true second option, and give the team a closer who can help seal tight games. It will cost them, but he would be their dream trade target ahead of the deadline.
Reach target: Brandon Ingram
Perhaps the biggest dark horse trade target is New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, who is likely to be available ahead of the trade deadline. He is definitely in the Spurs' price range as far as assets and his consistency as a scorer during his time in New Orleans could make him a second option for the Spurs.
Especially if it means that the Pelicans are willing to take back Zach Collins and his contract. However, the cost of keeping him may break the bank, with him previously turning down a $50 million-a-year extension.
He'll likely have to take far less if the Spurs were to agree to trade for him. Something closer to 3 years and $120 million would make more sense for the Spurs, but it's unclear whether he would take a perceived pay cut to play in San Antonio.
Realistic target: Cam Johnson
Perhaps a more realistic trade target for the Spurs is Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Cam Johnson. Johnson is one of the best shooters in the NBA, and that makes him an in-demand trade target, but one that the Spurs should consider.
Swapping a player such as Keldon Johnson out for Cam Johnson could pay big dividends, with the Spurs in desperate need of shooting and the bench being littered with non-shooters. Johnson would start in San Antonio, possibly pushing Harrison Barnes to the bench and helping the second unit, while Johnson would help the starting five.
He's a career 40% 3-point shooter with a high volume and is having the best season of his career, averaging 19 points per game.
He isn't just a spot-up shooter; however, he can bury threes on the move, running around screens, or hitting pull-ups in transition. That would give the Spurs another weapon who could thrive hitting open shots while Wembanyama draws all of the attention with Johnson's former Phoenix Suns teammate Paul finding him.
Cam could be a strong outlet and help to balance the team's rotation, possibly for the cost of Keldon Johnson and the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks 2025 first-round pick. For that price, the Spurs should consider it. His presence on the perimeter could pay big dividends and potentially help take their offense from below average to top-10.
With the trade deadline a month away, the Spurs need to make a move to boost their playoff chances. Any one of these targets would help them achieve that goal if they could pull off a midseason deal.