Trade Spurs Trade Ideas

[scott]

Sochan and his agent are foolish if they don't go to Brian Wright and seek a similar landing spot/situation at the deadline . I actually think we'll do good by him.

I actually thought of Sochan, and I do think a team like BKN, WAS, SAC is where he needs to go... assuming he can break the rotation there.

I'm not going to go into an anti-Sochan rant, I'm just going to say that it's clear he's not ready to be a rotation player on a contending team. With that said, he still needs playing time and development, and those kinds of teams are the only place he's going to get it. He's not the same kind of rehab project as MPJ is to BKN, but that's still the right idea for him.

 

[Vienna]

For me TM3 is still the more intriguing target, compared to those others who might be available.
I would even take the risk to overpay for him.
Offer could be Vassell plus picks. Yes FRPs.
They have more or less the same contract, so cap wise it's a wash.
He wouldn't solve the issues Spurs have at PF, but be would be a better positional fit and he would open some line up flexibility that DV can't provide.
My point for him is the high end role player potential he offers, much more than DV does. TM3 has more size, is a good athlete and a decent defender. getting better looks with a good team should even raise his already good splits.

Btw. last season he played 44% of his minutes at the 4. Career is 32% as PF. A line up of Fox, Harper, Castle, TM, Wemby could be a nice option.

 

[mo7888]

There is an interesting dynamic happening with Vassell... going into the season, the temperature on moving him was a lot higher. But now he's playing well and demonstrating his value, so there is a lot lower of appetite to move him. This, of course is natural. You always don't want your bad players and do want your good players... but I think there needs to be (actually there doesn't since we don't get a vote... but you know what I mean) a gut check on whether or not Vassell is the right archetype for what we need. And if he's not, well - now is the opportunity to sell high.

No one wanted to trade DJM when we did (but a few people wanted to move him a year earlier, for Ben Simmons of all people, and I was one of the few saying that DJM >>> Simmons)... I even made a post on ST a few months before that trade asking "what would it take for you to trade DJM" and I kind of got laughed at by most people, being told he was "untouchable". I'm not pointing this out to brag, but rather as an example of the past where the Spurs rightly sold high and most people would agree that was a good move.

Vassell might be seen by some teams as underutilized here. In San Antonio, his contract is a little bit of an overpay (but not too much, honestly... and mostly because of 4 other guys who need to get paid ahead of him, no fault of his own)... but to a team who thinks he can be a 2nd or 3rd option... it may not be. And if that is the case, Vassell is the most valuable we asset we have in terms of trying to round out the roster, because his $27MM salary is kind of a sweet spot in terms of what it can bring back (either in terms of another individual, or a combination of individuals on MLE type deals).

I've loved what Devin has brought us this season. I've graded him higher than the community (I'm at a 3.44 on the season vs a 3.32). I am perfectly happy rolling with the roster as is and seeing who is going to turn up to be a playoff dawg... but if I'm being objective (which maybe is laughable considering my past opinions of Devin)... if we want to really improve the roster this season, then it might be time to explore offers on Vassell.

I agree with almost all of that. For me though, if we are truly bantering around Vassell trades, I would want to add a pick and go for a player a tier above him. While I like Okongwu, he's not a big enough fish for me to pursue if I'm dangling Vassell as the bait..

 

[scott]

I agree with almost all of that. For me though, if we are truly bantering around Vassell trades, I would want to add a pick and go for a player a tier above him. While I like Okongwu, he's not a big enough fish for me to pursue if I'm dangling Vassell as the bait..

What are some of your ideas? My only concern in going a tier above Vassell is that I think the Spurs probably feel pretty committed towards Wemby, Fox and Castle being the top 3 options this season (which is fine of course). So if you bring in a higher tier, are you giving up Vassell (who is performing very well as a 4th option) and a pick for a guy who is going to look like he isn't living up to the hype because he's forced into being the 4th option? Using TMIII as an example, if you plug him in here... doesn't he kind of end up being a taller Vassell? I love TMIII... but is that worth giving up an FRP for? It's an interesting question.

Now... I could be talked into another 100 pages of Lauri thread if we really want to get frisky... lol

 

[Uncle Oscar]

I don't think I'd do that, but I'd probably give 2027 + filler for Okongwu

Sochan as filler?

 

[BacktoBasics]

What are some of your ideas? My only concern in going a tier above Vassell is that I think the Spurs probably feel pretty committed towards Wemby, Fox and Castle being the top 3 options this season (which is fine of course). So if you bring in a higher tier, are you giving up Vassell (who is performing very well as a 4th option) and a pick for a guy who is going to look like he isn't living up to the hype because he's forced into being the 4th option? Using TMIII as an example, if you plug him in here... doesn't he kind of end up being a taller Vassell? I love TMIII... but is that worth giving up an FRP for? It's an interesting question.

Now... I could be talked into another 100 pages of Lauri thread if we really want to get frisky... lol

My fear is always that these guys wouldn’t mesh as well or slide into that reduced role as good as Vassell has done growing into it.

Chemistry is solid right now. A drastic change to your 4th option which has filled in nicely when other are injured feels risky.

 

[frenchfred]

That's why he's an unrealistic target, we don't want to use assets on someone who will leave in 1.5 season.

Back to legit forward search, I just don't see who could we get for Sochan and/or Olynyk's 7+13M.

2025-26 NBA Player Contracts | Basketball-Reference.com

Summary of current NBA player contracts

www.basketball-reference.com

Miles Bridges is an abuser.
Hunter is another inconsistent shooter, just 31% this season and he's not any better at rebounding than Barnes.
Kuzma is an idiot.
Aldama would be interesting, but Grizzlies probably don't want to trade him.
Hachimura is just a younger and bigger Barnes. Disappears from games on regular basis, can't rebound.
Okongwu is another interesting name, I doubt we have interest in returning those picks to the Hawks.
Toppin is probably in Indiana's long-term plans and we'd need to use a FRP.
Jones wouldn't help our shooting struggles much, he's not that great of a shooter and he also doesn't rebound that well. And he'd cost at least one FRP, with his extension kicking in and probably being too expensive in it's final years.
Risacher is the same as Okongwu.
Hauser is probably unavailable since the Celtics decided to keep him last season while trying to avoid apron penalties.
Oubre could be available, but he's an idiot and another poor rebounder.
Dean Wade is scott's favorite target, would be a solid bench upgrade.
Jarace Walker would be a reclamation project swap with Sochan.

And that's about it as far as deadline targets go, unless I missed someone.
Slim pickings.

if we give them back their 26 swap for Okongwu ( I wouldn't give the swap+27), they can properly tank and have another high pick on top of the Pelicans' one

 

[scott]

if we give them back their 26 swap for Okongwu ( I wouldn't give the swap+27), they can properly tank and have another high pick on top of the Pelicans' one

Just one thing to keep in mind, they already get to swap our pick with CLEs. They still can tank to improve their pick, but if the season ended today, getting their swap back would only increase that pick from #16 to #13 (pre-lottery).

 

[mo7888]

What are some of your ideas? My only concern in going a tier above Vassell is that I think the Spurs probably feel pretty committed towards Wemby, Fox and Castle being the top 3 options this season (which is fine of course). So if you bring in a higher tier, are you giving up Vassell (who is performing very well as a 4th option) and a pick for a guy who is going to look like he isn't living up to the hype because he's forced into being the 4th option? Using TMIII as an example, if you plug him in here... doesn't he kind of end up being a taller Vassell? I love TMIII... but is that worth giving up an FRP for? It's an interesting question.

Now... I could be talked into another 100 pages of Lauri thread if we really want to get frisky... lol

Well, while I don't mind getting frisky, I'm not sure I've got enough vitality left to go 100 pages on Lauri though lol. DA will want more than Lauri is worth, but Vassell + Olynyk + 2027 Atl is probably a fair price considering where Vassell’s current worth is.

On TM I think there's a real question if his value is higher than Vassell at the moment. He's a better fit, but is his value higher?

Who else would we consider? There's not alot on the market that really fits the bill better than those two. So, I'm probably standing pat, but I'm open to being convinced...

 

[ambchang]

If Vassell is traded we’d have to get a mid sized three pt shooting wing with d somewhere else. So it’s trading one hole for another.

I’d like to actually downgrade Vassell and upgrade the PF spot.

Just looking jio numbers but aj green, Donte divincenzo and Royce oneal could be that downgraded wing.

 

[spursfanfromafar]

Regarding Vassell, it isn't just that he has improved this season in a new role (spot up/ secondary offense plus on ball and perimeter defense).. he is actually thriving there. Vassell's contribution in a reduced role is 77th percentile EPM that actually justifies his contract as it stands changing it from overpay last season.

The funny thing is that I have been tracking EPM everyday for the last 2.5-3 years and in early 2023-24, Vassell actually promised well by registering the very same numbers before regression due to injury. In 2024-25 he had a serious foot injury and played much better in the latter part of the second half. From then though his trajectory has been upwards.

In a team like the Spurs where the offense is keyed by three slash and penetrate guards of different skill types in Fox, Castle and Harper, Vassell plays an important role of being a safety valve on offense by taking the tough shots when defenses pack the paint and by taking on secondary defensive assignments or switching with the primary defender in Castle when needed. He has also developed excellent chemistry with Wemby and alongwith the more loud and energetic Keldon, Vassell has also help bring a culture of bonhomie for a rebuilding team that is threatening to reach the top echelons.

I would venture to say that he has become core to the Spurs needs this season therefore. If the Spurs even think of trading Vassell it must be part of a package to land a third star after Wemby and Fox and cannot be a lateral/ weaker trade like for Okongwu who is at the 49th percentile in EPM. Let alone give up a pick as well!

Perhaps a trade like Vassell, Sochan and Olynyk, the Hawks pick for 2027 and one more FRP plus some SRPs for Markkanen and Mykhailiuk is something I might consider but even that comes up with a lot of risks because of Markkanen's contract and the impending luxury tax bills once we extend Wemby, Castle, Keldon, Champs and Harper down the line.

In sum, Vassell is a keeper and I hope he comes back from his groin injury soon and helps the Spurs to keep growing.

 

[spursfanfromafar]

Here's a good article that looks at the Spurs' new challenges with their slashing guards who can't shoot well - https://www.poundingtherock.com/spu...losses-highlight-new-challenges-for-the-spurs

It makes it even more necessary for someone like Vassell to play alongside the two guards. Champs is more or less just a jump shooter and Barnes is inconsistent. Vassell's very good mid range shooting, streaky but high % 3p shooting and sneaky athleticism is what the Spurs needs when their guards are contained.

 

[ChrisC21209]

Give me THIS years version of Vassell whos more locked in defensively than hes ever been. The prior years version of him I’d say trade but I wouldn’t move him out unless we’re getting a significant piece back. At this point I’d only be willing to move guys like Sochan, Olynyk, Waters, etc.

 

[Ice009]

A Vassell trade is very interesting, BUT, I am of the belief he might be one of the Spurs' playoff performers. I think he might do better in the playoffs than a lot of the guys that are playing well right now (Keldon, Julian etc. - hopefully these guys do play well in the playoffs, but I trust Devin a bit more than a lot of the guys on the roster to step it up come PO time), so I am really not sure about looking to trade him without first seeing who those playoff performers are.

 

[spurraider21]

Sochan for Asa Newell

There was concern about his 3 pt shooting during the draft but he's shooting well in 11 minutes/game
FG 57%
3 pt 49%
FT 55% (needs to be better)

I don't expect his 3 pt shooting to stay that high with more playing time but he has bettter shooting form than Sochan and a higher potential
He's a better fit with the quicker running guards on the Spurs as he's athletic enough to run with the guards and a good finisher around the basket.

why would a team trade a promising rookie who is already showing signs of shooting upside for a 4th year player who is about to need a contract?

 

[spurraider21]

these sochan/olynyk trade packages are the new "bonner/blair/neal for good starter" ideas that were floated around at the old place

 

[Vienna]

Spurs are in a somehow similar Situation the Celtics were when they traded for DW. They brought in a role player they thought could be a good fit with the young stars. And back then there was a feeling they overpayed. But they didn't, DW became a crucial part of a championship. In hindsight two FRPs don't look like an overpay.
I think Spurs should take the same risk at this point.

 

[LeBowen]

Spurs are in a somehow similar Situation the Celtics were when they traded for DW. They brought in a role player they thought could be a good fit with the young stars. And back then there was a feeling they overpayed. But they didn't, DW became a crucial part of a championship. In hindsight two FRPs don't look like an overpay.
I think Spurs should take the same risk at this point.

As discussed in the Blazers topic, we're an unknown quantity at this point.
Celtics had 3 ECF appearances in 5 years when they traded for Derrick.

 

[UbikRex]

Sochan and Olynyk trade talk is only going to happen until if we have picks attached to get a return in a rotational value

Hopefully something happens near the trade deadline with a couple of these teams and at the waiver wire

 

[Ariel]

As discussed in the Blazers topic, we're an unknown quantity at this point.
Celtics had 3 ECF appearances in 5 years when they traded for Derrick.

It'd be gross incompetence if the Spurs pass on an opportunity waiting for repeated failure before they pull the trigger. I don't mean by that start tossing around unprotected firsts left and right, but certainly a pick and maybe another swap/pick shouldn't be out of the question in the right scenario (Gordon, Derrick White, Avdija, etc).

 

[LeBowen]

It'd be gross incompetence if the Spurs pass on an opportunity waiting for repeated failure before they pull the trigger. I don't mean by that start tossing around unprotected firsts left and right, but certainly a pick and maybe another swap/pick shouldn't be out of the question in the right scenario (Gordon, Derrick White, Avdija, etc).

There's repeated failure and then there's not knowing what you have.
Our only older core piece, Fox, has one playoff series under his belt.

As of now, I don't think there are any high end starting wings available for cheap.

 

[PocketMonger]

It'd be gross incompetence if the Spurs pass on an opportunity waiting for repeated failure before they pull the trigger. I don't mean by that start tossing around unprotected firsts left and right, but certainly a pick and maybe another swap/pick shouldn't be out of the question in the right scenario (Gordon, Derrick White, Avdija, etc).

I agree there absolutely no reason to not do a Dean Wade/Jollins level upgrade that should only cost some combination of KO/Sochan and second rounders.

 

[Ariel]

Perhaps a trade like Vassell, Sochan and Olynyk, the Hawks pick for 2027 and one more FRP plus some SRPs for Markkanen and Mykhailiuk is something I might consider but even that comes up with a lot of risks because of Markkanen's contract and the impending luxury tax bills once we extend Wemby, Castle, Keldon, Champs and Harper down the line.

It isn't just the assets or the luxury tax, taking on a second massive contract after Fox will put the Spurs in a very difficult position going forward, having most of their salary cap tied to 3 players, jeopardizing their ability to put together a competent roster while being able to extend young players. Spurs' Markkanen window hass passed.

 

[PocketMonger]

Did some more research on Okongwu and found some interesting findings. He's pretty foul prone this season averaging 3.5 fouls per game in 32MPG. His foul issues worsen in the playoffs with a 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes in his playoff career. He's needs to play a lot cleaner in the playoffs.

His role has increased a lot this season with the Hawks. He's taking almost twice as many shots as he did two years ago while his usage went from 13.7% to 20.7% over the last two years. Interestingly his advanced stats dropped some with the increased role. This season his ORTG (115) dropped 15 points below his career average (130).

Point being that he excelled in a smaller role which the Spurs can offer.

My best offer would be KO while tearing up this years swap allowing ATL to do a proper tank job. He has 2.5 years left on his deal so the Spurs will have no trouble carrying his salary.

 

[Ariel]

There's repeated failure and then there's not knowing what you have.
Our only older core piece, Fox, has one playoff series under his belt.

As of now, I don't think there are any high end starting wings available for cheap.

If you mean giving up multiple unprotected high variance picks before you've got a proven and reliable contender then yes, I agree. Something like Orlando did with Bane or, say, moving 3+ FRPs for a Trey Murphy or whoever the trendy player is.

But my point is you should evaluate each opportunity on its own merit rather than subjecting yourself to arbitrary constraints. You can't predict when the next opportunity will come along or who that will be but there will be one there sooner rather than later, and it'd be a shame to not take advantage because of preconceived notions.