Spurs should take an opportunistic approach to trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline is slightly over two weeks away (February 6), and based on the plethora of rumors floating around the league, there are plenty of players available. The Spurs have several needs—some larger than others—but they won't address them all now. They probably won't even take care of their largest concerns, but they should at least make a low-risk change or two to bolster the roster.

San Antonio needs a backup big man, more shooting, a more dynamic point guard, etc., etc. The list feels neverending, depending on which game we're watching on a given night. Some nights, it feels like this team is miles from being a real playoff contender, while other nights, they seem to be only a few minor adjustments away. Let's start with a small tweak that could make a significant difference.

Spurs should look to the Bulls to strike a deal for Lonzo Ball

This may sound crazy to some of you, but this is a low-risk move with a potentially high reward. Ball has played 22 games this season and is the healthiest he's been in years. The former lottery pick has had three knee surgeries and missed two years because of it, but that's why he it shouldn't cost much to pry him away from Chicago.

Reports indicate they're open to moving him. The Bulls are expected to have a fire sale, and he's one of several players on the trading block. This may not have been the case had their season gone how they'd hoped.

Before the preseason, Chicago executive Arturas Karnisovas was asked about San Antonio's ownership of their top-ten-protected 2025 first-round pick. He surprised everyone when he responded by stating, "We’re going to try to win every game."

They had spent the majority of last season and the offseason trying to trade Zach LaVine, and after trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, it was hard to see this as a strong team. Now it seems as though they have accepted that reality and are now punting on the season.

Ball is in the final year of a $21 million contract. The Spurs have the room to absorb that this season, and if you can get him to resign, it would likely be at a discounted rate. Any place he goes would likely want a cheap price tag due to his injury history.

This all depends on whether San Antonio even wants him to stay. He would be auditioning for the backup point guard/sixth-man spot, and if it doesn't work out, the team could let him walk. But, before Lonzo got hurt, he was playing some good ball, and his skillset is perfect for the Silver and Black.

The former Chino Hills High School guard is 6'6" with a 6'9" wingspan. He played great defense and, after reworking his shot, turned into a great shooter. Ball was shooting 42.3% from three before the knee injury that would begin a nightmare scenario for any player. Currently, he's only shooting 34.6 %, but naturally, he'll need more time to regain his peak playing form.

He averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists during the 2021-22 season. The player with those numbers and his skills would be more than welcome as the Spurs' backup point guard. Ball is a really gifted passer. He's one of those players born with a special court vision you just can't teach.

The Bulls need to rebuild, and they know it. But Ball is in the final year of his deal, and he has an extensive injury history, so a couple of second-round picks should be enough to get a deal done. It would open the door to trade Tre Jones, who has been fine but lacks an extra offensive touch that the Bulls guard brings to the table.

It would be cool to see a successful comeback story from Lonzo Ball. Any player who goes through three surgeries and consistent rehab, extending over two years, truly loves the game of basketball. He's playing the game for the right reasons, and he would make a great addition to San Antonio's roster.