Trade targets the Spurs should consider not named Giannis Antentokoumpo

The Spurs are entering the offseason trade market with one goal: securing Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, this ambition may not be so easy. The Greek Freak will have a wide variety of callers, and the outcome will likely be a full-force bidding war.

While the Spurs certainly have their name in the hat and lucked into an extra leg-up with the second overall pick, it is by no means a guarantee that the former MVP will be headed to San Antonio. As a result, general manager Brian Wright and the Spurs will need to stay diligent on the market.

At their disposal is an NBA-wide assortment of talent that could be on the move this offseason. With a potential guard vacancy opening up pending what happens with Chris Paul, a veteran point guard behind Fox would benefit, while upgrading at power forward and backup center will be in Wright's best interest.

With that in mind, I have assembled a list of some of the best, realistic options for the Spurs to take a gander at this offseason. Some more impactful than others, each of these players would fit well with the current construction of the team and would be possible for the Spurs to acquire in a deal.

PG Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz

To kick it off is a player who has had a long journey in the NBA and could bring leadership and a scoring punch to the Spurs bench unit.

Jordan Clarkson has seen just about everything in the NBA and would be an excellent veteran replacement to Chris Paul, should he leave in free agency. Like Paul, Clarkson could teach a thing or two to the young guards developing in San Antonio.

Furthermore, Clarkson has been a consistent bucket throughout his career, averaging 16 points over 11 seasons. Earning Sixth Man of the Year honors in the 2020-21 season, Clarkson is well equipped to serve in a bench role.

Most importantly, Clarkson's assistance wouldn't cost much. He comes at an affordable $14 million price tag that could be easily acquired. Needing scoring and a veteran presence, Clarkson would have a considerable impact on this team immediately.

PG Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics

One of the best role-playing guards over the past decade, Jrue Holiday is unequivocally impactful in winning basketball. Holiday has won a championship as a starter for two different teams in the last five years and has become a prized asset for his trustworthiness and elite perimeter defense.

With superstar Jayson Tatum out for the foreseeable future and Boston's books completely overloaded, they may want to shed some cap. Jrue Holiday could be a victim of that.

While Holiday is expensive at $34 million, we have seen what he can do for a championship-contending team. Holiday would provide a much-needed perimeter defender and take the pressure off of Stephon Castle as he continues to learn the ropes of the NBA. It would be a risky move, but one that could very well pay off.

PF Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Undoubtedly, the power forward position is the Spurs' weak link in the starting lineup. Harrison Barnes is the projected starter, while Jeremy Sochan would come off the bench. It's a solid group, but it could use some juice, and former All-Star Lauri Markkanen would certainly come as an improvement.

Although quiet this past season for the tanking Jazz, Markkanen knows how to fill up the stat sheet and can get the ball in the cup in numerous ways. Markkanen would give the Spurs more length and a trustworthy scoring option to lean on in tense situations. An excellent shooter, Markkanen would aid the Spurs greatly in spacing the floor.

However, Markkanen is pricey. He just signed a significant $195 million contract, and the Spurs would have to eat three more years of it. It would take several notable players to complete a deal. Still, if Markkanen maintains an All-Star level of play, the deal could be worth it to form an un-guardable trio with Fox and Wembanyama.

PF Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

This past season, Cam Johnson reinvented himself for the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson created increasingly more for himself and rode a hot hand all year. His value is at an all-time high, and he doesn't fit perfectly within the Nets' timeline, so he was noticed in trade rumors for much of last season. Seemingly still on the market, the Spurs could pounce on the opportunity.

Johnson would be an optimal fit for the Spurs' current needs. He is a superb three-point shooter and has a strong basketball IQ. Johnson's off-ball movement would open up tremendous possibilities for the Spurs' offense.

Johnson's play exceeds his $22 million cap hit, making him a premium asset on the trade market. Just 29 years old, Johnson could be the long-term answer at power forward alongside Wembanyama.

C Goga Bitadze, Orlando Magic

At the moment, the Spurs have virtually nobody viable to play backup center behind Wembanyama. Going forward, it will be vital to maintain the Frenchman's health in the regular season, making a backup all the more important. To fill that role perfectly, Goga Bitadze may be the odd man out in Orlando's deep center room.

Bitadze is a monster on the offensive glass and has excelled defending the paint. In spot minutes, this level of production can change the course of the game. Typically riding the bench, Bitadze was impressive when his name was called last season. He would take full advantage of a consistent bench role on the Spurs.

With a descending 3-year $25 million deal, Bitadze is locked up for the next two seasons on a profitable contract, giving the Spurs a nice security as they make the push towards the playoffs.

C Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets

Heading into his 5th NBA season, Day'Ron Sharpe has been exceedingly effective in a bench role on the Brooklyn Nets. However, the Nets appear likely to add one of the several talented centers in this year's draft, making Sharpe expendable.

Much like Bitadze, Sharpe is a skull-crushing rebounder and defensive menace. In just 14.5 minutes a game, Sharpe has averaged nearly a steal and a block per game and put up strong rebounding numbers. Behind Wembanyama, Sharpe would add to the insane amount of turnovers he creates.

On an expiring deal, Sharpe would get the chance to prove himself next season and potentially earn a long-term deal with the team. At the very least, Sharpe would be a plus asset for the playoff-ready Spurs.