Trades the Spurs can execute after NBA insider reveals interest in big move

The San Antonio Spurs have reached a critical point in the season where they understand their strengths and weaknesses and can identify areas for improvement. After nearly two months of play, the management, hopefully, recognizes that some players may have overstayed their time in San Antonio as they begin to focus on more promising opportunities.

Fortunately for the Spurs, they are constructing a contender correctly, making team management easier. They have followed a traditional approach by accumulating draft capital, selecting and developing young talent, and signing the right free agents as needed.

Players like Jeremy Sochan, Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama are regarded as "draft night gems" and crucial for the team's future.

Wemby is the most crucial player on the roster and arguably the entire NBA. The Spurs recognize that building a team around him is the best strategy to return to championship contention. Wemby's presence can attract prominent players from across the league, and the Spurs are hopeful that franchise-altering talents will choose to play in San Antonio soon.

Jake Fischer suggests the Spurs could be entering the trade market

Recently, NBA insider Jake Fischer discussed the San Antonio Spurs' plans during one of his weekly Bleacher Report livestreams. He focused on the future of New Orleans Pelicans player Brandon Ingram and believes that the Spurs could be a potential suitor for him and other players.

"The Spurs have been very patient in terms of sacrificing cap space in this new Wembanyama era," Fischer said. "They are in a strong position to make a significant trade in the near future.

The Spurs' patience likely stems from their faith in the young talent on the team. If they were to trade for a big-name player, it has to be the right guy. It does not make sense for them to go get a win-now type of veteran that will hog up cap space and make it hard to keep the core together.

San Antonio has always done things their way when it comes to team management, and it looks like they will keep that same philosophy when engaging in trade talks. Keeping flexibility and team direction in mind, let's discuss potential (big-time) trades that make the most Spurs sense.

3. The Spurs pay big for more length and quality scoring

The experiment involving Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum has not unfolded as the New Orleans Pelicans had hoped. Ingram and Williamson, in particular, struggled to find their rhythm, often due to injuries or a lack of synergy in their playing styles.

Williamson is a powerful force on the court, while Ingram can not only score at all three levels but also effectively draw fouls. He is a versatile offensive threat. Despite their talents, the duo has yet to find success together.

Three years ago, the team acquired scoring guard McCollum. However, his addition did not enhance the performances of Ingram and Williamson. Now, with Ingram frequently being mentioned in trade discussions, let's explore a potential deal that could send him to San Antonio with the help of a third party.

This deal gives New Orleans much-needed center depth, keeps the Cavaliers competitive, and gives the Spurs a perfect asset alongside Wemby. Ingram on the Spurs would likely only last two to three seasons at the most thanks to the hefty cap space Victor will take up soon.

For the time being, sending away Johnson and Collins' combined 34M a year cap hit, is enough to bring on Ingram's 31M 2024-2025 cap hit. So ultimately, for a short stint, the Spurs could afford Ingram, Wemby, Vassell, and Sochan which would make a fantastic core alongside Castle and Champagnie.

Is Ingram the biggest name in the league? No. But the 2020 all-star and most-improved player brings great value to a Spurs team that is so close to making a playoff run.

2. Spurs get the 3-and-D wing player that they need

The Spurs are a different shooting and defensive team this season than in previous years, but they still have a lot of room for improvement. Currently in the middle of the league in three-point shooting and defensive efficiency, one Eastern Conference forward is a perfect fit for the Spurs.

New York Knicks small forward OG Anunoby is one of the more unique wings in the NBA and could thrive in the Alamo City. He is an improving scorer, shooting 47% from the field, and 36% from three, and is one of the most versatile defensive wings in the league.

With the ability to guard multiple positions and his pest-like defensive instincts, Anunoby and Stephon Castle would work wonders together on defense.

The Spurs could have likely gotten this deal done if this was one year ago (with Toronto), as it could be difficult to pull Anunoby away from the Knicks. Additionally, with Anunoby's recent contract (36M a year and going up by 3M until 2029), the Spurs could be hesitant to spend.

However, if they want to get the type of player like Anunoby who has been known to be a great teammate, they might have to open up the purse strings just a tad. The Spurs would also need to wait until the trade restriction deadline for Anunoby passes (January 5, 2025) for the two teams to get a deal done. However, much like Fischer stated, the Spurs are seemingly as patient as they come.

The Knicks' guard-heavy strategy, combined with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, is proving effective. Adding a spirited player like Johnson could be beneficial, as his passion, effort, and energy align with the type of player Coach Tom Thibodeau appreciates. Conversely, Tre Jones would provide a solid defensive backup point guard option behind Jalen Brunson.

1. Spurs finally make a blockbuster move for a dynamic point guard

The San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks appear to match well in terms of assets they can exchange. A couple of months ago, it might have seemed likely that Giannis Antetokounmpo would be part of trade discussions. However, after the Bucks had a strong season and recently reached the NBA Cup semi-finals, it seems Giannis is likely to remain with the team.

On the other hand, Damian Lillard could be a name worth considering. The Spurs have been connected to several high-profile point guards over the past few years, but Lillard was never one of the names linked to them. Now, in 2025, the idea of Lillard joining the Spurs makes a lot of sense.

If there is a downside to this situation, it is that the Spurs would likely have to give up a significant amount to acquire Damian Lillard. You indeed have to "pay to play," but it's widely recognized that the package required for a player of Lillard's caliber would be the largest the Spurs have ever given up in their franchise history.

Such a package might be necessary to complete this trade. Furthermore, it’s almost certain that Chris Paul would be included in this deal. Paul has become a fan favorite, and his veteran presence has been outstanding. However, if the Spurs' management is pleased with what they see from their young core, they might prefer to stick with them rather than make a big move.

The pairing of Lillard and Wembanyama in San Antonio could become one of the best duos in the NBA. Lillard's ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with Wembanyama's growing versatility, creates the potential for a highly effective offense.

While Lillard has had to take a backseat in scoring during his time in Milwaukee, he would be the biggest scoring threat on the Spurs, even if he is not the No. 1 option.

Having a starting five of Lillard, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan, and Wemby sounds like a team poised to make a statement in the playoffs.

Spurs fans have been discussing the possibility of a blockbuster trade for the last five years, and a trade like this would perfectly fit that idea. Together, they could create a dynamic duo reminiscent of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker 2.0, and that's a given.

That is another year where the Spurs have the assets to make a move, they just have to be willing to pull the trigger. For the time being, fans will just have to appreciate what the Spurs are showing, which is exciting, new, and refreshing.