Spurs' potentially epic trade deadline plans hinge on Dylan Harper

After yet another outstanding performance, this time against the New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper is looking more and more like a future superstar. Harper simply doesn't play like a 19-year-old point guard, with him already having plenty of craft and cleverness in his offensive repertoire.

Not to mention he has the skill and the size to make things happen. He's currently averaging a stellar 13.6 points on 48% shooting in just 21.8 minutes per game. What has set Harper apart from rookie guards of recent memory is his ability to attack the basket and finish at the rim, seemingly doing so whenever he so pleases.

Nearly 45% of his shots have come within 3 feet of the basket, and he is shooting an impressive 66.7% at the rim. Having a player who can constantly get into the paint, collapse defenses, and still finish is a luxury.

Alongside De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, San Antonio has three players who can do that. However, Harper doing so off the bench has quietly bolstered San Antonio's second unit, ensuring that they have consistent offense. So much so that his play may affect the Spurs' trade deadline plans.

Spurs' potentially epic trade deadline plans hinge on Dylan Harper

Two stars that the Spurs have been linked to, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lauri Markkanen, may be available ahead of the deadline. However, it would require them to trade Harper to land a star.

That's not going to happen, and for good reason. Harper playing this well this early means he's only going to get better as the season progresses. Remember, he's only played 13 games thus far. If he's this good at just 19, imagine how good he can be at 23 or even 25.

CBS Sports' Sam Quinn recently predicted that Harper will eventually surpass Fox, which is a lofty prediction considering how good Fox is at the moment. He even predicted his ceiling could be that of a perennial all-star.

The faster he begins to realize his potential, the faster the Spurs will compete for championships.

No one has to tell San Antonio that, who wisely took Harper even with Castle and Fox on their roster. He's made them look like geniuses thus far. He may even change their trade deadline plans, with the Spurs possibly looking to make smaller moves rather than go star hunting.

They may even stand pat, knowing that this team keeps finding ways to win games, no matter who's in the lineup. Imagine how this team could look at full strength, especially with Harper getting better game by game. That should force San Antonio to dramatically alter their potential trade deadline plans.