The Spurs are anticipated to pick out Dylan Harper second general within the draft, however there’s much less readability about what they’ll do with the 14th decide. There have been some rumors about potential targets, and there’s intriguing expertise that ought to be there when they’re on the clock.
If the Spurs are usually not thrilled by the prospects out there to them or in the event that they merely wish to add extra veteran items as a substitute of rookies, they might commerce the decide. They doubtless wouldn’t get a star again, however they might spherical out their roster. So let’s check out some potential offers that may be helpful and appear reasonable.
Fixing the issue of massive man depth
Spurs commerce Keldon Johnson, 14th to the Kings for Jonas Valanciunas and Devin Carter
Sacramento doesn’t have a decide on this draft, since theirs went to the Hawks from the unique Kevin Huerter commerce. They’ve reportedly been attempting to check the market to see if Malik Monk or Devin Carter nets them one. The Spurs may pounce and never solely get the younger level guard but in addition a backup heart by together with Keldon Johnson within the transaction. The Kings have wanted a backup ahead for years, so getting Johnson to both again up Keegan Murray if DeMar DeRozan stays or to play subsequent to him if DeRozan will get moved would deal with a weak spot. Rounding out their ahead rotation and entering into the center of the primary spherical ought to be interesting sufficient for the Kings, even when doing so creates a gap at backup heart.
For the Spurs, the commerce is all about addressing a difficulty whereas managing their property properly. Valanciunas is gradual. His jumper will not be essentially the most dependable. However he’s large enough to take up area inside, can punish smaller gamers within the publish, and is an effective screener and dive man. He would again up Victor Wembanyama however may additionally share the ground with him for stretches in the identical method Holmgrem and Harstenstein, and Sengun and Adams do. Carter can be superfluous for a San Antonio squad that already has a logjam at guard, however ought to be simple to reroute for an additional asset.
If a deal like this one is on the desk for the Spurs, it might be exhausting to move up the chance. Whether or not the Kings wish to commerce with San Antonio after the De’Aaron Fox saga is without doubt one of the elements that would derail the hypothetical transaction.
Spurs commerce Malaki Branham, 14th, thirty eighth to the Hornets for Mark Williams
Williams was traded to the Lakers for Dalton Knecht, a first-rounder, and a swap earlier than he both failed a bodily or Rob Pelinka acquired chilly toes. The worth of the large man was severely damage after that fiasco, because it confirmed that Charlotte was greater than keen to maneuver him. But Williams had a profession yr in most areas regardless of lacking about half the season, averaging a double-double to go along with 2.5 assists and over a block per sport. He’s a productive participant when he’s on the ground, and whereas his protection leaves loads to be desired, he’s solely 23 and has good instruments due to his 7’6 wingspan and 9’9 standing attain. As a backup, which is what he’d be in San Antonio, his sturdiness shouldn’t be as massive of a difficulty.
The Hornets may attempt to construct up his commerce worth, however his damage historical past may scare most franchises in search of a starter. At this level, getting a younger participant, even one who hasn’t impressed, and two picks might be exhausting to move up, particularly since it might permit the franchise to maneuver on from an embarrassing second. Charlotte discovered a gem in Moussa Diabate and will attempt to revitalize Jusuf Nurkic’s commerce worth, so that they have the middle spot lined.
It could be dangerous for the Spurs to maneuver a superb asset for Williams, but when the deal pans out, they might re-sign him for reasonable in restricted free company.
Getting a confirmed shooter with dimension
Spurs commerce Keldon Johnson, 14th to the Bulls for Patrick Williams, 2028 second-rounder
Patrick Williams has been a disappointment. The Bulls drafted the ahead fourth general within the 2020 draft, pondering they have been getting a cornerstone. As an alternative, they discovered a timid participant with a low motor who by no means turned his athleticism and dimension into constant manufacturing. He’s solely began round half of his video games in Chicago, and with Matas Buzelis exhibiting promise as a rookie, they might be prepared to maneuver on from somebody who simply hasn’t lived as much as the lofty expectations many had for him. Getting an skilled ahead and a first-rounder for him ought to be greater than sufficient to get the Bulls to chew.
The Spurs may surprise if he’s well worth the worth, contemplating his spotty monitor file, however there are some causes to suppose the chance is worth it. First, the Bulls are dysfunctional, so Williams having a renaissance after a change of surroundings, like Lauri Markkanen had, is unlikely however not absolutely out of the query. Even when he doesn’t, he might be a strong bench piece — he’s expressed that he likes being within the second unit — who’s simply requested to hit open seems to be and be a giant physique. He’s a profession 39 % shooter from past the arc, and even in a down yr final season, he made 37 % of his catch-and-shoot threes. Dropping Keldon would damage, however getting a substitute on a equally team-friendly deal who addresses a weak spot might be price it.
Freed of massive expectations, P-Will may carve out a Marvin Williams-esque profession as a job participant. His contract is lengthy however affordable, so the Spurs ought to be capable of flip him if he doesn’t work out, and the second-rounder might be good if Chicago rebuilds.
Spurs ship Blake Wesley, Malaki Branham, 14th to Washington for Corey Kispert and 18th
Kispert will not be with out his flaws, however he’s 6’7, made 38 % of the threes he’s taken within the NBA, and improved enormously as a driving risk when chased off the arc. He doesn’t create his personal photographs in a conventional method, however his fixed off-ball motion means he will get open typically and may hearth with out hesitation off the catch. He’s not a superb rebounder, passer, or defender, however is aware of his function. He’ll shoot when open, function out of easy actions off the bounce, minimize well, and compete. Basically, he’s a youthful model of the Doug McDermott that suited up for the Spurs, however on one of many extra team-friendly contracts within the league. On a small off-the-bench function, he has some worth.
The Wizards merely don’t want Kispert and are cleansing home on guys with contracts that stretch previous this season, because the current Jordan Poole commerce confirmed. They might get a prospect they covet by buying and selling up and leapfrogging just a few West contenders that would goal high-upside guys, and likewise kick the tires on Wesley and Branham, since they’re in rebuilding mode and may commerce Marcus Good subsequent, opening up some room for guards.
It’s a small transfer for each groups, but it surely may assist them steadiness out their rosters, and it might permit San Antonio to seize a bench piece and nonetheless have a second first-rounder.
