Spurs' preseason trade odds skyrocket if latest rumors are true

San Antonio Spurs preseason basketball is officially here, with them trying out their new-look roster. With their team almost fully set, now isn't the time for a big trade.

However, they should keep an eye on one potential trade deadline target, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. Despite a seemingly lukewarm perception amongst Spurs fans, he'd fit this roster like a glove.

He also isn't expected to last this season in Utah, with him likely on the trade block given they are in a rebuild. If he has a bounce-back season after an admittedly bad 2024-25, he should have several suitors, possibly including the Spurs.

The Spurs would even have an ideal trade package for Markkanen, should he become available. Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan could serve as the basis for a potential trade package.

The San Antonio Spurs must consider trading for Lauri Markkanen

That assumes that each player plays around the level they played last season without any of them breaking out. San Antonio would have to add picks to sweeten the offer, with the Atlanta Hawks' 2027 first-round pick being a possible starting point.

The biggest question mark about Markkanen's potential fit on the Spurs has to do with his contract. His contract will pay him at least $40 million annually over the next four seasons.

Still, Johnson and Vassell will combine to make $44.5 million over the next two seasons, with Vassell still making $27.5 million over the two years beyond that. Meanwhile, Sochan, were he to be extended, would likely make at least $15 million annually.

That means the Spurs would likely be saving money in the short term and almost entirely offsetting Markkanen's remaining salary in the long term.

The Spurs have a unique chance to add a third star

The Spurs wouldn't try to trade for Markkanen unless they are better than expected and believe that they can contend this season. If they find themselves in that position, then Markannen would make plenty of sense.

He'd give them a much-needed shooting boost, with them swapping out two non-shooters for one of the best shooters in the NBA. Since being traded to Utah three years ago, he's drilled an outstanding 38% of his 8.0 3-point attempts per game.

Putting that level of shooter next to De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama would be almost unfair. He'd be the perfect third scoring option, considering that he could thrive playing off-ball. Whether the Spurs could keep those three players together long-term is questionable.

However, the team does have a unique window to add a third star with Stephon Castle on his rookie deal for three more years, while Dylan Harper is on his for four years. Adding Markkanen this season could be the perfect gamble to help fast-track the team's rebuild and transform them into contenders.

Ultimately, the Spurs must keep their trade options open, and Markannen should be at the top of their wish list. He could solve the Spurs' shooting woes and possibly help them contend this season.