{"id":78832,"date":"2024-05-28T11:43:14","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T15:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=78832"},"modified":"2024-05-29T00:11:05","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T04:11:05","slug":"2024-nba-off-season-preview-whats-next-for-the-san-antonio-spurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/28\/2024-nba-off-season-preview-whats-next-for-the-san-antonio-spurs\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What\u2019s Next For The San Antonio Spurs?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Spurs have their franchise cornerstone in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wembavi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Victor Wembanyama <\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">who<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> exceeded his sky-high draft expectations with a historic rookie year. Wembanyama is on track to be a superstar and one of the faces in the league. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> makes the Spurs one of the more <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">interesting<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> off-season teams <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">as<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> they could build around Wemby in several <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">different<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> ways.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What\u2019s Next For The San Antonio Spurs?<\/h2>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Season Recap\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Spurs season <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">was defined<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> by <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">two things:<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wembanayama\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> historic rookie season and the lack of talent around him.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wemby averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals en route to becoming the sixth <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/07\/wemby-and-the-5-others-to-win-rookie-of-the-year-unanimously\/\" target=\"_self\">unanimous<\/a> Rookie of the Year in league history. Notably, his 3.6 blocks lead the league <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> he was the runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year race <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">many<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> people believed he should have won the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/12\/3-reasons-why-victor-wembanyama-should-win-dpoy\/\" target=\"_self\">award<\/a>. Furthermore, he became the youngest player <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">to ever <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> named<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to an <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/21\/nba-reveals-historic-all-defensive-teams\/\" target=\"_self\">All-Defensive team<\/a>. However, the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spurs&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> lack of playmaking and guard play was a key concern all season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Spurs started the year with six-foot-eight <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sochaje01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jeremy Sochan<\/a> as their starting point guard. Sochan is a versatile forward and solid secondary or tertiary playmaker <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">but<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> he does read the floor well enough to be a lead guard. The Spurs were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.poundingtherock.com\/2023\/11\/25\/23940008\/jeremy-sochan-spurs-point-guard-experiment\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">scrutinized<\/a> for this decision all year <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> many pointed out <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wembanyama\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> teammates were not <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sbnation.com\/nba\/2023\/12\/22\/24012179\/victor-wembanyama-spurs-assists-passing-video-stats-sochan\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">passing<\/a> to him enough. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Eventually, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonestr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tre Jones<\/a> would take over the starting point guard role <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">which<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> improved upon<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the problem.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Nevertheless, Jones is not talented enough to be a true lead guard and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is best suited<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in a reserve role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The other massive problem for the Spurs was a lack of spacing. Despite ranking 11th in three-point <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">attempts<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Spurs ranked <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/teams\/shots-general?SeasonType=Regular%20Season&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=FG3_PCT\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">28th<\/a> in three-point percentage. Ultimately the Spurs finished with a 22-60 record <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">good<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for 14th in the Western Conference. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This off-season <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Spurs will focus on improving the overall talent around Wemby <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">with a priority on\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">playmaking and shooting.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4>21 million in Cap Space<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Spurs will have a projected 21 million dollars in cap space. Allowing for flexibility and options in free agency. The Spurs can use this to upgrade the playmaking and shooting around <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wembamyama. However, given their youth direction, the draft could be the Spurs main way to upgrade their roster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">4th and 8th overall Draft Picks<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4>Primary Targets<\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/stephon-castle-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephon Castle<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/reed-sheppard-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reed Sheppard<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/rob-dillingham-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Dillingham<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/nikola-topic-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikola Topic<\/a> <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/zaccharie-risacher-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zaccharie Risacher<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cbb\/players\/cody-williams-2.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cody Williams<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">With the fourth and eighth overall picks <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">in the draft<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, the Spurs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">are perfectly positioned<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to build around Wembamyama in this <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">year&#8217;s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> draft. The Spurs could target <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">a plethora of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> players with these picks <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">but<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> landing a guard with playmaking abilities with at least one of these picks is paramount.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Stephon Castle, Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, and Nikola Topic are all guards that fit this build. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Both<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Castle and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/29\/reed-sheppard-2024-nba-draft-profile\/#:~:text=Sheppard%20filled%20the%20stat%20sheet,and%20second%20team%20All%2DSEC.\" target=\"_self\">Sheppard<\/a> are ideal<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0defensive fits next to Wembanyama. Adding an established three-level scorer in Dillingham or a versatile tall playmaker in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/04\/nikola-topic-2024-nba-draft-profile\/#:~:text=Strengths,as%20a%20young%20international%20pro.\" target=\"_self\">Topic<\/a> are <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">both<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> exciting possibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It would be shocking if the Spurs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> draft at least one of these four guards <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> drafting some combination of the four is a realistic possibility. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Another need for the Spurs is floor spacing <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">making<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Zaccharie Risacher and Cody Williams intriguing <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">fits<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Risacher and Williams also allow the Spurs to improve upon the length around Wemby and offer defensive upside. Notably, Risacher is French <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">just<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> like Wemby <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the two may have a connection. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/international\/players\/tidjane-salaun-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tidjane Salaun<\/a>, a fellow French prospect <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">who <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> seen<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> as a high-upside yet raw <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">wing<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has also <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">been <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/17\/spurs-linked-under-the-radar-draft-prospect-at-no-8\/\" target=\"_self\">linked<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to the Spurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If the Spurs want to accelerate the timeline around Wembanyama and trade for a win-now <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">guard<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> also possible, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">one of these picks could be included<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in a potential trade. However, that feels somewhat unlikely <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">given<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spurs&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> approach to building around Wemby <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">so far<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Additionally, the Spurs have two second-round picks 35th and 48th overall. Ultimately <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> draft day possibilities are endless for the Spurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pending Free Agents and Possible Departures<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Free Agents\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/osmande01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cedi Osman<\/a> (Unrestricted)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barlodo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dominick Barlow<\/a> (Restricted\/Two Way contract)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dukeda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Duke Jr.<\/a> (Restricted\/Two Way contract)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mamuksa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sandro Mamukelashvili<\/a> (Restricted)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Spurs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have a ton of key free agents <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">this helps<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with their flexibility heading into the off-season. Osman might <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be brought back<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> due to his three-point shooting ability. Mamukelashvili showed some flashes in the second half of the season <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">so<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> he might <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be brought back<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> as an intriguing young big man. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">However, the Spurs can <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">certainly<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> afford to lose all of these free agents and use their 21 million dollar cap space to upgrade the roster <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">in a more meaningful way<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Luckily for the Spurs, they <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">won\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have to use any of this cap space on extensions for their existing core <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">giving<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> them plenty of flexibility in the off-season.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trade pieces\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/johnske04.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Keldon Johnson\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/colliza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Zach Collins\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vassede01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Vassell<\/a> appears to be the only long-term fit alongside Wemby due to his shooting and overall creation abilities. Everyone else should be on the table for possible trades. Jeremy Sochan is a versatile defender and someone the Spurs are <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">extremely<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> high on <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">as<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">result<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> he is likely to stay. Johnson and Collins are the most likely tradable pieces for the Spurs <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">especially<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> if they <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">decide to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> target a star. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/31588\/keldon-johnson\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johnson<\/a> will make 19 million dollars next year <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">while<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotrac.com\/nba\/player\/_\/id\/23605\/zach-collins\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Collins <\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is set<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to make 16 million. These <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">salaries<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> paired with some draft <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">capital<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> would allow the Spurs to trade for a star-level player. Alternatively, one of these players could be used to <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">trade<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for a lesser level yet still highly impactful player.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Realistic Off-Season Targets<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trade<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/garlada01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darius Garland<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/y\/youngtr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trae Young<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brogdma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Malcolm Brogdon\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/huertke01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Kevin Huerter<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Spurs are in one of the most <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">interesting<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and unique positions <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">in the league<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Wembanyama is ascending to stardom even faster than expected. The Spurs have <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">a plethora of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> future assets and could develop an elite young core around Wemby. Alternatively, they could go all-in on <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wembanyama\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> talent and build a competitive team <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">right now<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There have been<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/video\/clip\/_\/id\/40050957\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> rumors<\/a> in this direction <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">indicating<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Spurs may target a star.<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Interestingly<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">enough<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Spurs are betting <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/17\/san-antonio-spurs-favorties-to-land-all-star-point-guard-darius-garland-cleveland-cavaliers\/\" target=\"_self\">favorites<\/a> to land Darius Garland; his playmaking and scoring abilities make him an ideal fit with Wemby. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Furthermore<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, at <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">24<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Garland is the best of both worlds as he fits both a rebuilding and competitive timeline. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Trae Young<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has been the other name heavily <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/23\/trae-young-trade-saga-continues-with-latest-spurs-rumor\/\" target=\"_self\">rumored<\/a> to the Spurs. However, the Spurs have largely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbssports.com\/nba\/news\/trae-young-trade-rumors-spurs-have-little-interest-in-acquiring-hawks-star\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">downplayed<\/a> their interest. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Young\u2019s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> teammate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/murrade01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dejounte Murray<\/a> has also <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">been <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RunItBackFDTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1744741524901093754%7Ctwgr%5E4a953b9059d8500f14ec36050cc11c63fdd69353%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yardbarker.com%2Fnba%2Farticles%2Fwhy_a_reunion_with_dejounte_murray_makes_sense_for_the_spurs%2Fs1_13132_39806443\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">connected<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to the Spurs in a potential reunion. Trading for either Hawks guard would give the Spurs a high-level playmaker and star lead guard while giving the Hawks some of their picks back from the Murray trade in 2022. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It&#8217;s<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> also worth noting that the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spurs&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> primary guard draft targets could all play alongside another lead guard. As mentioned before <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spurs&#8217;<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> main trade assets would be Johnson and Collins <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">along<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> draft capital.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If the Spurs want to upgrade the roster <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">in a meaningful way<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> through trades but <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">don\u2019t<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> want to sacrifice prized assets for a legit star, Malcolm Brogdon and Kevin Huerter are <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">interesting<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> names to monitor. Brogdon would provide the Spurs with high-level playmaking and shooting. Huerter would give the Spurs a shooting wing at a low cost. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/finnedo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a> is another fit that offers more defensive value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Free agents\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesty01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tyus Jones<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hieldbu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Buddy Hield\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/trentga02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Gary Trent Jr.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gordoer01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Eric Gordon\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/claxtni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nic Claxton<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">There are also several free agents that the Spurs could target with their 21 million dollars in cap space. The Spurs will likely draft a point guard. However, if they want to pair a young guard with a veteran, Tyus Jones and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dinwisp01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Spencer Dinwiddie<\/a> are two names to <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">keep an eye out<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for. Jones is the brother of Tre Jones <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">which<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> could help this pairing become reality. The Spurs have also <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">been <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/23\/nba-chris-paul-likely-offseason-suitors-revealed\/\" target=\"_self\">linked<\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paul <\/a><\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">which<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is an intriguing possibility <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">however<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> this young of a team would be quite the change for Paul. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nic Claxton is a name to watch if the Spurs want to get weird and run a double-big lineup. The defensive upside between Claxton and Wemby would be incredible. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bitadgo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Goga Bitadze<\/a> would be a cheaper yet ideal fit in the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Spurs\u2019<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> center rotation or to play alongside Wembanayma. Ultimately <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">though<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the Spurs will probably spend most of their resources on shooting agency <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">luckily<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> this class features plenty of knockdown shooters. The most reasonable shooting targets for the Spurs would be Gary Trent Jr. and Buddy Hield. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/beaslma01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Malik Beasley<\/a> is a name of similar value<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. With<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Eric Gordon and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/f\/fontesi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Simone Fontechhio<\/a> being budget options. Overall <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">this<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> off-season offers the Spurs a variety of ways to improve their primary needs of shooting and playmaking to upgrade the roster around Wemby.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Spurs have their franchise cornerstone in Victor Wembanyama who exceeded his sky-high draft expectations with a historic rookie year. Wembanyama is on track to be a superstar and one of the faces in the league. This makes the Spurs one of the more interesting off-season teams as they could build around Wemby in several [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4779,"featured_media":79131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,2,34],"tags":[256,49176,1937,2806,446,1623,4507,1972,609,1167,49265,49139,49134,49162,49264,1349,1823,569,4669,49147,970],"class_list":["post-78832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-featured","category-spurs","tag-buddy-hield","tag-cody-williams","tag-darius-garland","tag-devin-vassell","tag-eric-gordon","tag-gary-trent-jr","tag-jeremy-sochan","tag-keldon-johnson","tag-malcolm-brogdon","tag-nba-off-season","tag-nba-off-season-previews","tag-nikola-topic","tag-reed-sheppard","tag-rob-dillingham","tag-stephon-castle","tag-trae-young","tag-tre-jones","tag-tyus-jones","tag-victor-wembanyama","tag-zaccharie-risacher","tag-zach-collins"],"modified_by":"Eamon Cassels, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4779"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78832\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}