Spurs' trade deadline plan is painfully obvious as truth emerges

Less than a month until the NBA trade deadline, and it's becoming increasingly evident what the San Antonio Spurs' plan should be. It's clear that San Antonio needs a big upgrade at power forward, but they may not look to make a major move this season.

At least compared to last season. For one, last year's team was focused on leaping into playoff contention, and acquiring De'Aaron Fox was meant to help them get their first taste of postseason success.

That obviously didn't happen, but they are better for it now with both Fox and Dylan Harper. With fewer holes to fill and San Antonio on pace to easily make the playoffs, they may be looking at adding a rotation player rather than a star.

The Spurs must solve their power forward problem

Another reason the Spurs may have a more targeted approach to the trade deadline is that they don't have nearly as much tradeable salary. And while they do have Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes, San Antonio is likely keeping them.

That all but closes the door on a trade for a star such as Lauri Markkanen, as does their unwillingness to trade Stephon Castle or Harper. Both Johnson and Barnes are having good seasons.

However, their untouchable status may only be partly due to their on-court play. They both provide San Antonio with the leadership they desperately need. Johnson has been with the Spurs for six seasons and bridges multiple eras, making him a young OG of sorts.

Meanwhile, Barnes is the savvy vet that everyone on the team looks up to but can still play, although he's slipped of late.

The NBA trade deadline gives the Spurs the chance to upgrade

Barnes falling back down to earth after 100+ games with the team was probably to be expected and underscores their need for help at the four. San Antonio might be able to turn Jeremy Sochan and the Atlanta Hawks' 2026 first-round pick swap into an upgrade at power forward. That would solve a major potential problem.

After all, Barnes appears to be on the downslope of his career and could still help San Antonio but in a smaller role, increasing the need for a replacement starting-caliber power forward.

The Silver and Black could still opt to roll with the roster they have and bank on Barnes getting past his extended shooting slump. It's entirely possible that "Mr. 100%" will, but it's far from a guarantee.

The Spurs may have an internal solution to their problem

Another viable option would be for them to continue with Julian Champagnie once Devin Vassell returns, with Barnes being the odd man out. Look, I'm perfectly aware of the irony of replacing one inconsistent player with Champagnie, who is the definition of hot and cold.

Still, I'd trust him more on both sides of the ball, and he had been fantastic on the glass, which certainly helps his case. That might help both players, with Champagnie constantly toggling between starting and coming off the bench, while Barnes may do better against second units.

It's worth a shot. Even so, a trade might still be the Silver and Black's best option. Adding a new rotation player to the mix would allow them to go 10-deep and hopefully solve most of their problems, making it a tempting option.

It's unclear who would be a perfect target in the trade market. Nevertheless, the Spurs should be scouring the league in hopes of finding a starting power forward.