The NBA Spurs trade rumors are gaining momentum as the trade deadline approaches, and San Antonio finds itself at a pivotal moment in its franchise rebuild. With the emergence of generational talent Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are entering a new era. But with a young, developing roster and a surplus of cap space and tradable assets, speculation is swirling about what strategic moves the Spurs front office may make to accelerate the rebuild or continue asset accumulation.
San Antonio’s rich history, defined by a culture of discipline, development, and long-term planning under Gregg Popovich, is entering unfamiliar territory: a full-scale rebuild centered around a player with All-NBA potential from day one. Wembanyama has been nothing short of electric, offering elite rim protection, fluid offense, and versatility rarely seen in players of his size. However, the Spurs are still far from contending, and that’s why trade rumors involving the Spurs are heating up as front offices across the league assess their needs and targets ahead of the trade deadline.
This in-depth article explores the latest NBA Spurs trade rumors, breaking down potential trade candidates, possible acquisitions, and what direction the franchise may take to build a competitive core around their new superstar.
Current State of the Spurs: Rebuilding Around a Generational Talent
San Antonio’s current record reflects a rebuilding team, but the excitement around Wembanyama has shifted expectations. The Spurs are prioritizing development over wins for now, but the pressure to surround Wemby with compatible talent is growing. The team has struggled with consistent playmaking, floor spacing, and defensive execution, issues that trades could help address in both the short and long term.
Despite the losing record, the Spurs have one of the league’s most flexible cap situations and a war chest of draft picks, thanks in part to the Dejounte Murray trade. That combination of young talent, tradable veterans, and future picks positions San Antonio as both a potential buyer and seller.
Spurs Players Featured in NBA Trade Rumors
Doug McDermott
Doug McDermott is one of the most commonly mentioned names in Spurs trade rumors. The sharpshooter has value as a floor spacer and experienced role player. He’s on an expiring contract, making him an attractive rental option for playoff teams looking to add shooting off the bench.
With San Antonio prioritizing minutes for younger wings like Julian Champagnie and Jeremy Sochan, moving McDermott for a second-round pick or a development piece would make sense. His veteran presence has been valuable in the locker room, but his on-court role is limited as the rebuild intensifies.
Cedi Osman
Acquired in the offseason, Cedi Osman is another trade candidate. While he brings versatility and effort on both ends, he does not project as part of the Spurs’ long-term future. Osman has shown flashes of scoring and defense off the bench, making him an appealing low-cost acquisition for playoff teams.
His contract is manageable, and teams in need of depth at the wing may see Osman as a plug-and-play option. The Spurs could use his spot to experiment with younger players or take on salary for draft compensation.
Devonte’ Graham
Graham has been in and out of the rotation in San Antonio. While his shooting and playmaking can be helpful, the Spurs have younger guards they’re looking to prioritize, including Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham. Graham’s $12 million salary makes him less appealing unless paired with draft incentives or as part of a larger trade.
Still, rebuilding teams or those looking to match salaries might find him useful. If the Spurs want to offload his contract, attaching a second-round pick or acquiring a bad contract with better upside could be an option.
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Keldon Johnson (Longshot but Possible)
Keldon Johnson’s name has begun surfacing in certain NBA trade rumors as a potential surprise move. At 24, he doesn’t quite fit the age curve of Wembanyama, and while he’s a solid scorer, his shooting efficiency and defense have been inconsistent.
Trading Johnson could net a valuable return, perhaps a first-round pick or a young wing with a more compatible skill set. This would be a bold move, and the Spurs would only consider it if they believe they can get a player who better complements Wemby’s development timeline.
Spurs’ Trade Assets: Cap Flexibility and Draft Picks
Few teams are better positioned than San Antonio when it comes to trade flexibility. The Spurs have:
- Over $20 million in cap space that can be used to absorb contracts
- Multiple future first-round picks, including those from the Hawks and Bulls
- Expiring contracts that are attractive to teams looking to shed salary
- Young, affordable talent to include in deals
San Antonio can act as a facilitator in multi-team trades or take on bloated contracts from teams in cap trouble in exchange for assets. This strategy has worked for other rebuilding teams and could allow the Spurs to gain additional draft capital without giving up core players.
Players the Spurs Could Target in Trades
Veteran Point Guards
The Spurs’ biggest need is a floor general who can run the offense and take pressure off Wembanyama. Tre Jones has been steady but is more suited as a backup. San Antonio may look to trade for a veteran guard who fits the timeline or can mentor the younger players.
Potential Targets:
- Tyus Jones (Wizards): A steady, high-IQ point guard on an expiring deal. Fits the system and could be re-signed.
- Monte Morris (Pistons): Another expiring contract. Low-mistake, reliable decision-maker who could help stabilize the offense.
- Markelle Fultz (Magic): A reclamation project with upside. If the Magic decide to move on, he could be a low-risk flyer for the Spurs.
Wing Shooters and 3-and-D Players
Wembanyama needs spacing around him to operate effectively. Acquiring shooters who can defend would help balance the lineup and open the floor for the big man.
Potential Targets:
- Quentin Grimes (Knicks): Young, underutilized wing who defends and shoots the three well.
- Luke Kennard (Grizzlies): One of the league’s best shooters. If Memphis decides to retool, Kennard could be had.
- Nassir Little (Suns): Athletic wing with potential. Not a consistent shooter yet but has tools worth developing.
Young Players in Need of a Change
The Spurs have a history of developing underutilized players. With a clear developmental structure, San Antonio could explore acquiring young players who have fallen out of favor elsewhere.
Potential Flyers:
- James Bouknight (Hornets): Struggled early but has scoring upside.
- Cam Reddish (Lakers): Inconsistent but athletic and long. Could thrive in a structured system.
- Zeke Nnaji (Nuggets): Young big with shooting range who could be a complementary frontcourt player next to Wemby.
Strategic Outlook: Buyer or Seller?
San Antonio is in a rare position where they can be both buyers and sellers. While most expect the Spurs to act as sellers by moving off veteran contracts, they also have the assets to buy low on players who align with their long-term vision.
The team’s strategy hinges on maximizing Wembanyama’s development. That means any trade must prioritize:
- Floor spacing
- High IQ basketball
- Defensive versatility
- Locker room fit
Don’t expect the Spurs to chase big names or rentals. Their moves will likely be subtle but strategic, aimed at long-term sustainability.
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What NBA Insiders Are Saying About the Spurs
Several league insiders have noted that San Antonio is among the most active teams in exploratory trade talks. While they’re not pushing for a splashy deal, they are fielding calls on their veterans and monitoring the availability of young players across the league.
Insiders suggest that teams have called about Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, but San Antonio isn’t actively shopping them. However, if a deal presents itself that returns picks or a player who better fits their new core, the Spurs may listen.
The consensus is that the Spurs are positioning themselves for a quiet but effective trade deadline.
Spurs’ Long-Term Trade Vision: Building a Core Around Wembanyama
The goal of every move San Antonio makes is clear—build a team that maximizes Wembanyama’s unique skill set and long-term health. That means putting shooters around him, pairing him with intelligent defenders, and ensuring the ball is in the hands of playmakers who can create smart opportunities.
This likely means San Antonio will:
- Continue drafting and developing talent
- Use cap space to absorb contracts and collect assets
- Avoid long-term financial commitments unless it’s for core pieces
- Make opportunistic trades to acquire undervalued players
With one of the best young players in the world already on their roster, San Antonio is now tasked with surrounding him with the right pieces. Every trade rumor, call, and transaction will center around that focus.
Predictions for the Spurs at the NBA Trade Deadline
- Doug McDermott is very likely to be traded to a contender in need of shooting.
- Cedi Osman could be moved for a second-round pick or young player.
- Devonte’ Graham may be included in a salary-matching deal or waived after the deadline.
- The Spurs will not trade Wembanyama, Vassell, or Sochan unless a blockbuster offer comes in.
- Look for the Spurs to take on a bad contract in exchange for a draft pick or young talent.
The most likely scenario is that the Spurs make 1–2 minor trades that help clear the rotation for younger players while setting up future flexibility.
Conclusion
The NBA Spurs trade rumors surrounding this year’s deadline are not just speculation—they’re indicative of a franchise strategically positioning itself for long-term success. San Antonio is walking a fine line between developing its young core and using its considerable resources to acquire future assets and complementary talent.
With Victor Wembanyama as the foundation, the Spurs are in a rare and exciting position. Every move made this season will be viewed through the lens of how it impacts his growth and the team’s path back to contention. Whether they act as buyers, sellers, or both, expect San Antonio to approach the trade deadline with patience, precision, and a plan rooted in long-term success.
FAQs
Q: Who are the Spurs most likely to trade this season?
A: Doug McDermott, Cedi Osman, and Devonte’ Graham are the most likely trade candidates due to their contracts and roles.
Q: Are the Spurs planning to build around Victor Wembanyama?
A: Yes. Wembanyama is the centerpiece of the rebuild, and all future roster decisions will revolve around maximizing his potential.
Q: Could San Antonio take on salary in trades?
A: Yes. With ample cap space, the Spurs may absorb contracts in exchange for draft picks or young assets.
Q: Is Keldon Johnson untouchable in trade talks?
A: Not necessarily. While not actively being shopped, the Spurs may move Johnson if the right offer comes along.
Q: What positions are the Spurs looking to upgrade?
A: Point guard and wing shooting are key areas of focus, along with perimeter defense.
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