Trade Spurs Trade Ideas

[Timdunkem]

Heart is all well and good, but lineups with KJ (and Sochan for that matter) are lineups where you're basically playing 3-4 v 5 on offense. He's just good enough to maybe get something decent in return though.

I'd love to see KJ and Sochan flipped for a real PF that can rebound and defend.

 

[LeBowen]

Honestly between KJ, Sochan and Vassell, I’d personally keep KJ. He’d probably be the most affordable of the 3 but he plays with more heart than almost anyone on the team. And energy like that is contagious. Reminds me of Malik Rose. He had so many flaws but that energy was vital so many times in the playoffs.

The issue is that Keldon's strengths aren't needed anymore.
We need shooting and while he'll take any shot he's asked to, he's unreliable and often awful from behind the 3pt line.
His defense has always been garbage and since the start of last season we added three players that should be elite paint penetrators, meaning Keldon shouldn't get the ball to attack the basket anymore.

Vassell's skillset is what we need the most, but he's got both mental and physical issues which can't be overlooked.
Jeremy isn't a serious player without a reliable shot.
Went in depth about it on spurstalk, but if you look at every 2025 playoff roster, non-shooters simply don't get minutes unless it's garbage time.
Other than bigs, Amen and Giannis were the only exceptions and they're arguably the two most athletic players in the league and have great playmaking skills.
Jeremy's biggest skill on offense as of now is being left wide open because he's the least threatening player on the floor at all times.

 

[Kick-Stand]

Easy now. This might instigate a war with the nation of Argentina.

Nah that's got an easy out as Manu wasn't a prospect when he came here; he was a nearly finished product. Just had a ton of injuries his rookie season that kept him from looking like Manu until that 2OT game against the 4HOF Lakers early in the 03-04 season.

 

[Kick-Stand]

As much as I don't like Vassell's game or his contract, he can be useful if he can stay on the floor and hit some 3s. I'd much prefer the Spurs find a way to dump KJ and Sochan. Just complete dead weights on this team, imho.

I want Vassell gone because his contract is going to be a pain in the ass to deal with when Harper's second contract is signed. Keldon's expires before Victor's supermax begins so it isn't really a negative asset against the team's cap. Especially considering there is no reasonable way to go sign a max FA when you're going to be paying Wemby and two of Fox/Castle/Harper long term. I definitely do want to trade Sochan though so they don't lose him for nothing. He's young enough, athletic enough, and talented enough (at least defensively) that the Spurs could probably move him for a good role player who fits here.

 

[Kick-Stand]

Stephon Castle is in the 21st to 40th percentile for NBA wing shooting efficiency—well below average compared to peers and much worse than Devin Vassell, who ranks in the 82nd to 88th percentile.

Vassell 82nd to 88th percentile? When he barely shoots league average from the three? Castle is a work in progress with a ton of potential while Vassell is likely as good as he'll ever get considering this will be his age 25 season. Castle is a playmaker with good defensive tools. Vassell would only work here if he was a sniper from the three point line but instead he's more a poor man's Jerry Stackhouse.

 

[Exstatic]

I want Vassell gone because his contract is going to be a pain in the ass to deal with when Harper's second contract is signed. Keldon's expires before Victor's supermax begins so it isn't really a negative asset against the team's cap. Especially considering there is no reasonable way to go sign a max FA when you're going to be paying Wemby and two of Fox/Castle/Harper long term. I definitely do want to trade Sochan though so they don't lose him for nothing. He's young enough, athletic enough, and talented enough (at least defensively) that the Spurs could probably move him for a good role player who fits here.

Devin’s contract ends 30 June 2029. Harper’s extension kicks in 1 July 2029, even though he would sign it the previous summer. There is no overlap.

 

[TBdog]

Vassell 82nd to 88th percentile? When he barely shoots league average from the three? Castle is a work in progress with a ton of potential while Vassell is likely as good as he'll ever get considering this will be his age 25 season. Castle is a playmaker with good defensive tools. Vassell would only work here if he was a sniper from the three point line but instead he's more a poor man's Jerry Stackhouse.

Vassell shot about 36.8% from three this season—just above league average for regular wings—but his overall efficiency, midrange skill, and advanced metrics put him in the 82nd–88th percentile. He’s not an elite sniper, but he is reliably above average, and much more efficient than Stackhouse ever was from deep.

This isn't a castle vs Vassell discussion. My response was that Vassell isn't the odd man out. There might be a time to trade Vassell, and if it's because of Castle - then Castle managed to shoot well. That's an unlikely outcome though.

 

[Shmurs]

Keldon will be kept because we’re fine with the cap until Vic’s next contract.

Devin could become a solid 3&D and if he’s overpaid by 5 mill to give us some facsimile of D White on offense, fine.

You cannot place Jeremy on this team in the future, however. None of it makes sense. He’s just a bad player, overall, to begin with. He doesn’t fit with Vic. He isn’t improving in material ways. He’s got enough juice around the league to have some team dumb enough to give him 15 mill, we just drafted a guy who is forecasted to be 2x the player he is, we have to start paying people soon, and did I mention he’s flat out terrible?

This offseason was the time to do a full renovation on this roster. We’re going to get a fraction of the return we could have when we start shipping out the Care Bears.

 

[LeBowen]

It's obvious Wright isn't the guy who's going to overpay for anyone, especially since our team is full of uncertainties.
If we're on a good run before the deadline and a lock to make top6, I'm sure we'll go for a wing to improve our chances in the playoffs.
If not, we'll just wait for another discount deal, just on a smaller scale compared to Fox, we're definitely not getting another max player.

With that said, here's the list of the players I'd keep an eye out for and would like to see in Spurs uniform is the opportunity presents itself.
At least somewhat realistic targets only, meaning it's going to be mostly wings because we don't need any guards if Castle and Harper prove to be good enough and Kornet is obviously as good of a 15mpg Wemby backup as we can hope for.

Tari Eason: somewhat lost his way there and with the KD acquistion might be the odd man out since they need a point guard after FVV's injury.
Rui Hachimura: Expiring contract, shot 42% from 3pt on 4 attempts in his two seasons with the Lakers, has legit PF size. Not that great defensively and has questionable IQ.
Jaden McDaniels: Timberwolves are still in cap hell, but it's unlikely he becomes available. If he does, he'd be a perfect D and 3 wing for us.
Keegan Murray: Still hasn't signed an extension, Kings are our favorite victim and we own one of their picks via swap.
PJ Washington: Signed an extension, but he just doesn't fit the roster anymore if AD is a full time PF.
Trey Murphy III: Scott's favorite non-Spur, we need to hope Dumars has one more idiotic move in him, his contract would be perfect for us.
Herb Jones: Similar to McDaniels, would be a perfect D and 3 forward. Even worth an overpay.
De'Andre Hunte: Cavs are in cap hell, he could become available if their season goes poorly. But he'd be up for an extension next summer and if he asks for what he's currently on, it wouldn't be worth it.
Sam Hauser: Would be a great bench addition if Celtics decide to clear some more cap space.
Aaron Nesmith: Will probably sign an extension next month, but if he doesn't he's an interesting target. Doesn't have legit forward size, though.
Andrew Wiggins: Short term solution, but I'd gladly get some years off Devin's contract if he doesn't get his shit together.
Terance Mann: Nets will be tanking again and he'd be a decent energy guy off the bench. Can defend and shoot.

Devin’s contract ends 30 June 2029. Harper’s extension kicks in 1 July 2029, even though he would sign it the previous summer. There is no overlap.

The only scenario where we get into cap trouble would be actually good for us because it would mean both Castle and Harper played their way into max extensions.
We'd be over the luxury line for 29-30 season, but that will be Fox's final year and we'd be fine for 30-31 and onwards. Either one year of luxury tax or dumping 32 year old Fox on expiring contract which wouldn't be hard.

 

[Kick-Stand]

Devin’s contract ends 30 June 2029. Harper’s extension kicks in 1 July 2029, even though he would sign it the previous summer. There is no overlap.

Shit thanks for correcting me. I guess we still run into problems if Castle is a max player but that's a good problem to have then.

 

[scott]

I want Vassell gone because his contract is going to be a pain in the ass to deal with when Harper's second contract is signed. Keldon's expires before Victor's supermax begins so it isn't really a negative asset against the team's cap. Especially considering there is no reasonable way to go sign a max FA when you're going to be paying Wemby and two of Fox/Castle/Harper long term. I definitely do want to trade Sochan though so they don't lose him for nothing. He's young enough, athletic enough, and talented enough (at least defensively) that the Spurs could probably move him for a good role player who fits here.

This is where I'm at now. If Vassell was making $14MM/yr, he'd be an awesome piece for this team, even with his flaws. Vassell's on the court fit has never been better for this team, but he's now been properly relegated to a 4th option/6th man, where his contract is oversized.

 

[The Truth #6]

Too bad Vassell isn't a rookie this season. His profile coming out of college fits what we need. He developed in the wrong environment, basically. He can still help but I don't have confidence he can dial down the Mamba Mentality and play winning basketball.

The problem with Devin's contract isn't that he's overpaid specifically, but that the money towards him could go to 2-3 role players, in theory, which would be more helpful, arguably.

Anyway, my time machine is broken so we'll just have to deal with present-day reality and see what happens.

 

[ginobilized]

It's obvious Wright isn't the guy who's going to overpay for anyone, especially since our team is full of uncertainties.
If we're on a good run before the deadline and a lock to make top6, I'm sure we'll go for a wing to improve our chances in the playoffs.
If not, we'll just wait for another discount deal, just on a smaller scale compared to Fox, we're definitely not getting another max player.

With that said, here's the list of the players I'd keep an eye out for and would like to see in Spurs uniform is the opportunity presents itself.
At least somewhat realistic targets only, meaning it's going to be mostly wings because we don't need any guards if Castle and Harper prove to be good enough and Kornet is obviously as good of a 15mpg Wemby backup as we can hope for.

Tari Eason: somewhat lost his way there and with the KD acquistion might be the odd man out since they need a point guard after FVV's injury.
Rui Hachimura: Expiring contract, shot 42% from 3pt on 4 attempts in his two seasons with the Lakers, has legit PF size. Not that great defensively and has questionable IQ.
Jaden McDaniels: Timberwolves are still in cap hell, but it's unlikely he becomes available. If he does, he'd be a perfect D and 3 wing for us.
Keegan Murray: Still hasn't signed an extension, Kings are our favorite victim and we own one of their picks via swap.
PJ Washington: Signed an extension, but he just doesn't fit the roster anymore if AD is a full time PF.
Trey Murphy III: Scott's favorite non-Spur, we need to hope Dumars has one more idiotic move in him, his contract would be perfect for us.
Herb Jones: Similar to McDaniels, would be a perfect D and 3 forward. Even worth an overpay.
De'Andre Hunte: Cavs are in cap hell, he could become available if their season goes poorly. But he'd be up for an extension next summer and if he asks for what he's currently on, it wouldn't be worth it.
Sam Hauser: Would be a great bench addition if Celtics decide to clear some more cap space.
Aaron Nesmith: Will probably sign an extension next month, but if he doesn't he's an interesting target. Doesn't have legit forward size, though.
Andrew Wiggins: Short term solution, but I'd gladly get some years off Devin's contract if he doesn't get his shit together.
Terance Mann: Nets will be tanking again and he'd be a decent energy guy off the bench. Can defend and shoot.

Perfect list, I agree wholeheartedly. Sending out a combo of KJ, Sochan and/or Vassell for pretty much any of this list would be phenomenal. It will be interesting to see who ends up being the odd man/men out for the Spurs this season.

 

[twodeep]

I was hoping they could trade vassel for Wiggins salary is almost the same but he has two years left vs four years so the timing is good for us on wiggins Free agency time frame plus they need a SF

 

[ginobilized]

I'm wondering if Dean Wade may be yet another odd man out in Cleveland. He's on a cheap contract and might add some floor spacing, rebounding and defensive versatility. Might be a trade deadline target in addition to LeBowen's list above.

 

[Shmurs]

They could have had several 3&D’s this summer and chose to stay in-house. Media day is tomorrow right? This team is done making moves until the all star break. Probably done, period tbh. They’re going to finish April with a strong record that takes them from the 10 seed to the 8 seed and the FO is going to forget most of the league is tanking at that point, and will decide to validate all of their own decisions, see this season as progress, extend Jeremy for 17 mill and then run a 43 win team back again next year with the same result. Wright and everyone else keep their jobs because it’s technically considered progress and the most important thing is good vibes, and then we’re in permanent mode of playing first rounds on the road.

 

[LeBowen]

They could have had several 3&D’s this summer and chose to stay in-house. Media day is tomorrow right? This team is done making moves until the all star break. Probably done, period tbh. They’re going to finish April with a strong record that takes them from the 10 seed to the 8 seed and the FO is going to forget most of the league is tanking at that point, and will decide to validate all of their own decisions, see this season as progress, extend Jeremy for 17 mill and then run a 43 win team back again next year with the same result. Wright and everyone else keep their jobs because it’s technically considered progress and the most important thing is good vibes, and then we’re in permanent mode of playing first rounds on the road.

Now that's a bunch of nonsense.

 

[Exstatic]

Now that's a bunch of nonsense.

People who are unendingly and only negative go on my block list. They aren’t even worth response.

 

[LeBowen]

People who are unendingly and only negative go on my block list. They aren’t even worth response.

I would've had a similar take a couple of years ago, but since then Wright has proven that he'll make the needed moves and that there won't be favorites that get overpaid or avoid getting traded.
Even Keldon was supposed to be gone in Fox trade, but he somehow survived.

 

[Exstatic]

I would've had a similar take a couple of years ago, but since then Wright has proven that he'll make the needed moves and that there won't be favorites that get overpaid or avoid getting traded.
Even Keldon was supposed to be gone in Fox trade, but he somehow survived.

You can be 90-95% negative, but if you can’t even bring that little sliver of daylight, you’re gone. I can’t be bothered wading through your same negative crap about a team you claim to be a fan of.

 

[Ariel]

I would've had a similar take a couple of years ago, but since then Wright has proven that he'll make the needed moves and that there won't be favorites that get overpaid or avoid getting traded.
Even Keldon was supposed to be gone in Fox trade, but he somehow survived.

When it comes to trades Brian Wright is usually pretty diligent and shows restraint, which some may not like but has worked out pretty well. Where I don't trust him as much is in talent evaluation, it's been a long time since the Spurs have found a "diamond in the rough", maybe all the way back to Derrick White? Some teams like Indiana and Memphis have found many in that period. Alongside player development, these are the two areas where Spurs have fallen behind and are most overrated.

 

[LeBowen]

When it comes to trades Brian Wright is usually pretty diligent and shows restraint, which some may not like but has worked out pretty well. Where I don't trust him as much is in talent evaluation, it's been a long time since the Spurs have found a "diamond in the rough", maybe all the way back to Derrick White? Some teams like Indiana and Memphis have found many in that period. Alongside player development, these are the two areas where Spurs have fallen behind and are most overrated.

But is that down to the GM or more on scouting department?

 

[Exstatic]

When it comes to trades Brian Wright is usually pretty diligent and shows restraint, which some may not like but has worked out pretty well. Where I don't trust him as much is in talent evaluation, it's been a long time since the Spurs have found a "diamond in the rough", maybe all the way back to Derrick White? Some teams like Indiana and Memphis have found many in that period. Alongside player development, these are the two areas where Spurs have fallen behind and are most overrated.

White and Keldon were both top level end of first round picks. A lot of guys in the 25-30 range don’t play, or don’t get their options picked up.

Part of finding that diamond in the current draft environment is placing it on a good team in a non primary role. Give it time to percolate. We haven’t had that luxury in a while.

 

[LeBowen]

White and Keldon were both top level end of first round picks. A lot of guys in the 25-30 range don’t play, or don’t get their options picked up.

Part of finding that diamond in the current draft environment is placing it on a good team in a non primary role. Give it time to percolate. We haven’t had that luxury in a while.

Wright took over in August 2019.

2020 draft was arguably the most difficult in modern era due to COVID and lack of intel.
Devin was a solid pick, we didn't pick Haliburton because we had 24 year old Murray and 26 year old White on the roster, with no intentions of blowing it up.
Tre was an amazing SRP.

2021 and 2022 were a disaster and the reason why most of us were doubting Wright, myself included.
2023 was a no-brainer.
2024 looks great.
2025 is about if it was worth keeping Harper because he was the obvious pick and if Bryant develops, too early to tell.

For me Pop/RC influence is the biggest unknown variable when rating Wright.
I'm sure Wright would've blown it up a couple of years earlier, but he obviously couldn't have done it because of Pop.

Same goes for Mitch and Pop's influence.
If friendship crew continues to underperform that will be their biggest test.
DNP-ing and trading Keldon/Devin/Jeremy if they're not good enough would be the biggest sign that RC/Pop are gone as far as basketball decisions go.

 

[Exstatic]

To me, the only disaster was Primo. Not sure how you miss those character flaws.

You should probably do a deep dive on the expected outcomes of pick positions 9,10, and 29, the favorite whipping boys of BB.