Spurs could target depth via trade in player not named Kevin Durant

The Spurs need depth. Teams with depth win championships. The Spurs need shooting. Teams that can shoot win championships. There’s one player out there the Spurs should look to trade for to help with those areas, and it’s not Kevin Durant.

Its Collin Sexton

Sexton, the current Utah Jazz guard, has shot close to or better than 40% from long range the last three seasons. That would fill a void for the Spurs as they need more shooters.

Sexton averaged 18.4 points per game last season. He averaged 18.7 the season prior. He’s a consistent scorer with a reliable stroke from beyond the arc. He also shoots 48% from inside the three-point line and is a career 83% free-throw shooter.

The Alabama product has one more year on his current contract and will be paid just over $19 million next season. That’s a reasonable salary for the Spurs, and they likely wouldn’t have to liquidate too many assets to acquire Collin.

By acquiring Sexton, the Spurs can also add depth at two positions with one player, as Sexton can play both point guard and shooting guard. Last season, he played 73% of his minutes at the shooting guard spot—a position the Spurs have questions at.

Chris Paul is nearing the end of his career, and De’Aaron Fox will be coming back from an injury. Depth minutes at the guard slots will be at a premium, especially early in the season.

From Utah’s perspective, they’re in the early stages of what will be an extensive rebuild and already own two first-round selections this season. Moving a veteran like Sexton for more draft capital or younger players would be a shrewd move at this juncture.

The Spurs have plenty of draft capital. They have first round picks every year moving forward through at least 2031. They also have the 2nd, and 14th overall picks this draft.

If the Jazz love prospects in this draft, a package centered around the 14th pick should be the nucleus of a successful deal. If they want to properly assemble their assets for the future, then picks in upcoming drafts will be of interest to them.

Sexton is productive and he’s efficient—both qualities that would benefit the Spurs as they look to take the next steps on this rebuild. He can play on the ball or off it, and has played as both a starter and come off the bench during points in his career.

He contributed a win share of 2.4 last season. He’s a quality player the Spurs would be able to acquire for far less than the star players currently being talked about. Brian Wright is a meticulous builder, and the organization has a plan. Sexton fits that plan. Go get him.