Trade Spurs Trade Ideas

[Rafa]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2019140178192003134

I wonder what the price is here…. It’s a huge need and Sochan is dead weight

 

[100%Duncan]

Does MPJ make us title contenders? I think he fits this team way better than TM3

 

[Exstatic]

Then the Spurs need to attach some other value with him to move him.

Or, just buy him out, and save the asset.

 

[Exstatic]

Didn’t Sacramento want Sochan, and if so, what other asset could we have kept out of the Fox trade?

 

[Ariel]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2019140178192003134

"Not willing to attach draft capital to move him"

why on Earth would the Spurs attach draft capital to move a contract that amounts to 4.6% of the cap, a few months before it expires? Did the Spurs become a 2nd apron team in desperate search for Giannis without me knowing?

"Could also be a buyout candidate"

Why would the Spurs buy Sochan out? Is he disruptive in the locker room? Detrimental to team chemistry? Otherwise I can't see why you'd let go of a 22 year old who, though he has well documented flaws, can also be useful in certain matchups in the playoffs, serve as injury insurance, etc.

Honestly, that tweet is baffling to me.

 

[scott]

why on Earth would the Spurs attach draft capital to move a contract that amounts to 4.6% of the cap, a few months before it expires? Did the Spurs become a 2nd apron team in desperate search for Giannis without me knowing?

Why would the Spurs buy Sochan out? Is he disruptive in the locker room? Detrimental to team chemistry? Otherwise I can't see why you'd let go of a 22 year old who, though he has well documented flaws, can also be useful in certain matchups in the playoffs, serve as injury insurance, etc.

Honestly, that tweet is baffling to me.

At least from my POV there are only three possible reasons you'd want to buy someone out under these circumstances

1. They are a locker room disruption (no indication of this)
2. You need the roster spot (Spurs have plenty of ways of achieving this)
3. You want to do the player a solid (most likely, and the Spurs have a history of doing)

I also think "buyout" is likely the wrong terminology here. The Spurs would just waive him, there is nothing of significant to buy out here.

 

[Ariel]

 

[100%Duncan]

Bwrong really doing nothing?

 

[Ariel]

At least from my POV there are only three possible reasons you'd want to buy someone out under these circumstances

1. They are a locker room disruption (no indication of this)
2. You need the roster spot (Spurs have plenty of ways of achieving this)
3. You want to do the player a solid (most likely, and the Spurs have a history of doing)

I also think "buyout" is likely the wrong terminology here. The Spurs would just waive him, there is nothing of significant to buy out here.

If the Spurs wanted to create a roster spot, they could have just waived Biyombo before his guarantee kicked in, even now eating his salary (half that of Sochan), same with McLaughlin. I can't see this being an issue.

As for doing the player a solid, I am in favor or maintaining a good relationship with your players whenever possible, but you can still do him a solid in RFA by sending him to his prefer destination, or even by taking back your qualifying offer like the Spurs did with Lonnie. No reason to do this now... unless there's something much more serious going on behind the scenes, not necessarily his own fault, but maybe a serious depressive state or something.

In any case, I still can't see why the Spurs would consider him a negative under any circumstance, I can see no team willing to give up value for him, but I don't see why they couldn't find some team to give up at least a matching expiring to take a flyer on the young guy over a vet they can't use (Washington, Brooklyn, whomever).

 

[Quentin_Compson]

Not looking good for Sochan's trade value, I take it.

 

[Rafa]

It’s actually pretty surprising we can’t find a good move with 3 expiring contracts and a descent stash of late FR/SR picks to use. We must not feel like we need to be aggressive

 

[PocketMonger]

This team is a year away from contending if we're being honest so they could do nothing. The offense, lack of playoff experience, coaching and poor roster construction will get exposed in the playoffs.

 

[Rafa]

This team is a year away from contending if we're being honest so they could do nothing. The offense, lack of playoff experience, coaching and poor roster construction will get exposed in the playoffs.

I don’t disagree in general, but it’s not like the expiring contracts are gonna be there again next year, and I really doubt we’ll look to bring back Sochan or Olynyk… Barnes at this point will prob have to come back as a necessity but he cannot be our starter next year.

I was pretty confident we’d make a move this year, but I guess it’s time to start reviewing the free agency candidates soon lol

 

[mo7888]

I don’t disagree in general, but it’s not like the expiring contracts are gonna be there again next year, and I really doubt we’ll look to bring back Sochan or Olynyk… Barnes at this point will prob have to come back as a necessity but he cannot be our starter next year.

I was pretty confident we’d make a move this year, but I guess it’s time to start reviewing the free agency candidates soon lol

Give it about 20 hours before we pivot to fa...

 

[scott]

If the Spurs wanted to create a roster spot, they could have just waived Biyombo before his guarantee kicked in, even now eating his salary (half that of Sochan), same with McLaughlin. I can't see this being an issue.

As for doing the player a solid, I am in favor or maintaining a good relationship with your players whenever possible, but you can still do him a solid in RFA by sending him to his prefer destination, or even by taking back your qualifying offer like the Spurs did with Lonnie. No reason to do this now... unless there's something much more serious going on behind the scenes, not necessarily his own fault, but maybe a serious depressive state or something.

In any case, I still can't see why the Spurs would consider him a negative under any circumstance, I can see no team willing to give up value for him, but I don't see why they couldn't find some team to give up at least a matching expiring to take a flyer on the young guy over a vet they can't use (Washington, Brooklyn, whomever).

Agreed on creating a roster spot, which is why I said the Spurs have plenty of ways of doing this. They don't *need* to release Sochan to create a roster spot unless they view him as the least valuable person current taking a roster spot but I have a hard time believing his is slotted below Biyombo.

As for doing him a solid... waiting in RFA doesn't help him now. He might want to go to a situation where he can get playing time and show something before he hits free agency. Rotting on the end of the bench before he becomes a free agent is doing nothing but hurting him. If he can go somewhere else at least there is a chance he can earn some more money. I think it's really that simple.

 

[spursistan]

From "we should lock him up for 4/100" to "can't even move him as an expiring" is quite the roller coaster

Even as skeptic, i didn't think he would fall down this hard. His very status as NBA player is now in question. Can't even get a free run as tank commander for some team post-deadline? Such a rude awakening.

 

[scott]

Even as skeptic, i didn't think he would fall down this hard. His very status as NBA player is now in question. Can't even get a free run as tank commander for some team post-deadline? Such a rude awakening.

Maybe we should have seen this coming.

Ben Simmons had injuries on top of this, but there is an example of a "defensive specialist" who became completely unplayable on offense and is now out of the league. At least Simmons was a ROTY, multiple time all star, All D 1st teamer, All NBA guy... Sochan doesn't even have that pedigree working for him.

 

[Ariel]

Options from teams rumored to be interested in him:
Bulls: Jalen Smith or Okoro?
Suns: Nick Richards or Rasheer Fleming?
Charlotte: Pat Connaughton?
Lakers: LaRavia?
NY: Hukporti and Dadiet?

Those are far from ideal, but maybe... Or put together some salary with some picks and get a shooter, a big body who can rebound and give you some minutes to keep Wemby safe or playing alongside him... just something for God sakes.

 

[Ariel]

As for doing him a solid... waiting in RFA doesn't help him now. He might want to go to a situation where he can get playing time and show something before he hits free agency. Rotting on the end of the bench before he becomes a free agent is doing nothing but hurting him. If he can go somewhere else at least there is a chance he can earn some more money. I think it's really that simple.

Only way I can see this being acceptable, is if the Spurs really thought he won't get any value back and has a real chance of being out of the league next year. Otherwise, it's a business and you can help him without turning it into a charity. If there's value to be had, they should try to maximize it. OKC does this all the time and just about everyone thinks the world of them as an organization. Just look at how many rookies they shipped out when they no longer worked for the organization.

 

[scott]

Only way I can see this being acceptable, is if the Spurs really thought he won't get any value back and has a real chance of being out of the league next year. Otherwise, it's a business and you can help him without turning it into a charity. If there's value to be had, they should try to maximize it. OKC does this all the time and just about everyone thinks the world of them as an organization. Just look at how many rookies they shipped out when they no longer worked for the organization.

Once the deadline hits tomorrow, there is no more value to be gotten. The Spurs have clearly made the decision that he isn't going to be part of the rotation. If no one is going to trade for him in the next 18 or so hours when he's practically free, they aren't going to come to us to work out a S&T in the summer. Once the deadline hits, he's destined to not even be offered a QO and his agent will be busting his ass to get him a 1-year min "prove it" deal somewhere.

You mentioned Lonnie Walker, but this is a lot different than that situation. Lonnie was actually playing, and actually had a nice little stretch after the ASB, scoring 20+ in 8 of 16 games played to close out the season. I'm sure if the Spurs could offer Sochan playing time to show anything, they'd go that route to do him a solid... but in this case he's going to do nothing but collect DNPs. Finding a new home now is really his only hope at signing a multi-year deal this summer.

 

[Paramore]

let us have some moves please

we need infusion

 

[Paramore]

 

[ambchang]

So gave this thing a bit of a thought, at this point, the Spurs have the following needs:
1) A shooting PF who can rebound, set screens and defend - these are extremely difficult to get. Those who are in the league are either overpaid or not gettable for Blair and Bonner + 2RPs. I have been pushing for Jabari Smith Jr. for a while but he has a $122m/5 year contract. $24.4M a year isn't bad in today's NBA, I suppose, but the Spurs will have to do some salary gymnastics around this. Also, he can't really set screens that well (good enough, not great). He is not gettable for Sochan and Olynk, so unless we are willing to part with Castle and get something else in return (like Eason, picks) and we throw in matching salaries (like Sochan). To make things worse, JSJ is on a poison pill contract. This is not happening.
2) A 3rd string center who can play a bit at PF if need be - This could be rather easily gettable for 2nd round picks and throwing in some salary.
3) Backup shooters - Vassell, Champaigne and Keldon are doing their part this year, but if any of them goes down, we are awfully short here. Would require a back up like a Duncan Robinson type, but not one who makes that much. AJ Green would be a great get.

What we have in terms of assets:
1) Sochan and Olynk. We are willing to give up these assets, but let's face it, we are not hitting 1, or maybe even 3 on the list of needs above.
2) 2nd rounders, and lots of them. I think we have 15.
3) 1st rounders

1. 2026 swap with ATL (potential low lottery pick)
2. 2027 ATL 1st rounder (potential low lottery to 20th).
3. 2028 top 1 protected swap with BOS (likely late teens to early 20s, or even late 20s)
4. 2029 (hopefully early to late 20s)
5. 2030 swap with DAL/MIN (too far out, but likely mid teens to early 20s)
6. 2031 swap with SAC (too far out, but it's SAC so top pick)
7. 2032 (hopefully early to late 20s).

4) One of Castle, Harper or Fox. Fox is not likely to be traded. Nobody sane would want to trade Castle or Harper at this point, one is a natural PG, the other is a fantastic POA defender who can score and create. Personally I won't trade anyone of them away other than a crap load of great future picks. I won't trade for a star because I think the cap will kill us.
5) Julian Champaigne - One of the rare shooters we have, and he can rebound as well. Streaky. Did I mention his contract? Hard to find a reason to trade him, tough to find a comparable player on a comparable contract.
6) Keldon - Heart and soul of the team. Has natural talent, but mistake prone. What he brings off the court is more valuable than anything that he can bring on the court, and he's pretty good on the court this season.
7) Vassell - Mid range pressure release. Can create somewhat, can defend. Mistake prone, and sometimes have the Kobeitis. I would trade him for a good PF, but I better have a back up plan to cover for the shooting that would go out.
8) Guys like Carter Bryant and Kornet are likely worth more to us than someone else TBH.
9) Wemby - the city of San Antonio will go up in flames if he is traded.

So ....... Let's see what we can get and what types of assets we realisitcally have to give up to get those players.

Need	Target	Things to Give up
Ideal PF	Aldama - got size, can shoot a bit, can rebound, can screen AND on a reasonable contract.	This is not one of those Sochan and Olynk + 2RPs thing. It would require at least a decent 1st rounder (like top 5 protected with a real chance at the lottery or something like that). That said, Aldama was selected with a late 1st rounder. He played two years at Loyola and was doing really well there the soph year. So players like this could be attainable in a deep draft, but I am not overly trusting on the Spurs to draft and then develop someone into a Aldama level player.
3rd string C	Jericho Sims - got size, can play PF, set fantastic screens, low usage player, can rebound decently. However ... Terrifyingly bad hands, can't pass, can't create. Can't shoot at all.	I don't mind having him for a couple of 2nd rounders.
3rd string C	Neemias Queta - Good size, can screen very well, great rebounder, decent finisher around the rim, can protect the rim, already have some playoff experience. That said, horrible shooter, weak passer.	One of those better than 2nd rounders but not good enough for 1st rounders. I would do a Sochan + swap back to Boston for Queta plus a heavily protected 1st. But I am not sure why Boston would bite.
3rd string C	Marvin Bagley III - Great rebounder, set good screen, decent passer for his role. Weak protecting the rim despite his size and athleticism. not the best at passing or handling the ball. Decent enough shooter this year on VERY low volumes.	Similar to Queta.
Ideal PF	Karlo Matkovic - good shooter and very good volume, can set screens, decent rebounder especially on defence, not that good of a passer, decent protecting the rim.	Not playing much on the Pels, he's a 2nd rounder making peanuts right now (NBA peanuts, not normal people peanuts). I would trade whatever 2nd rounders, or even a heavily protected 1st for him.
Shooter	AJ Green - fantastic shooter on a great contract. Problem is that that's all he does. He doesn't drive, doesn't create, doesn't rebound, and is bad on D.	Probably worth more to the Bucks than to us, but anything more than a couple of 2nds would be an overpay.
Ideal PF	Patrick Baldwin Jr - OK, maybe ideal is too much. He can shoot, not a screener. Not a good rebounder or rim protector. Not a very good player but could be a replacement for sochan or Olynyk.	anything more than a 2nd round pick would be an iverpay

 

[scott]

Didn't we already have Patrick Baldwin Jr on our team and cut him?

I think there is close to a zero percent chance of BOS moving Queta for anything resembling fair value right now. He's more important to them than he is to us.

 

[spurraider21]

So gave this thing a bit of a thought, at this point, the Spurs have the following needs:
1) A shooting PF who can rebound, set screens and defend - these are extremely difficult to get. Those who are in the league are either overpaid or not gettable for Blair and Bonner + 2RPs. I have been pushing for Jabari Smith Jr. for a while but he has a $122m/5 year contract. $24.4M a year isn't bad in today's NBA, I suppose, but the Spurs will have to do some salary gymnastics around this. Also, he can't really set screens that well (good enough, not great). He is not gettable for Sochan and Olynk, so unless we are willing to part with Castle and get something else in return (like Eason, picks) and we throw in matching salaries (like Sochan). To make things worse, JSJ is on a poison pill contract. This is not happening.
2) A 3rd string center who can play a bit at PF if need be - This could be rather easily gettable for 2nd round picks and throwing in some salary.
3) Backup shooters - Vassell, Champaigne and Keldon are doing their part this year, but if any of them goes down, we are awfully short here. Would require a back up like a Duncan Robinson type, but not one who makes that much. AJ Green would be a great get.

What we have in terms of assets:
1) Sochan and Olynk. We are willing to give up these assets, but let's face it, we are not hitting 1, or maybe even 3 on the list of needs above.
2) 2nd rounders, and lots of them. I think we have 15.
3) 1st rounders

1. 2026 swap with ATL (potential low lottery pick)
2. 2027 ATL 1st rounder (potential low lottery to 20th).
3. 2028 top 1 protected swap with BOS (likely late teens to early 20s, or even late 20s)
4. 2029 (hopefully early to late 20s)
5. 2030 swap with DAL/MIN (too far out, but likely mid teens to early 20s)
6. 2031 swap with SAC (too far out, but it's SAC so top pick)
7. 2032 (hopefully early to late 20s).

4) One of Castle, Harper or Fox. Fox is not likely to be traded. Nobody sane would want to trade Castle or Harper at this point, one is a natural PG, the other is a fantastic POA defender who can score and create. Personally I won't trade anyone of them away other than a crap load of great future picks. I won't trade for a star because I think the cap will kill us.
5) Julian Champaigne - One of the rare shooters we have, and he can rebound as well. Streaky. Did I mention his contract? Hard to find a reason to trade him, tough to find a comparable player on a comparable contract.
6) Keldon - Heart and soul of the team. Has natural talent, but mistake prone. What he brings off the court is more valuable than anything that he can bring on the court, and he's pretty good on the court this season.
7) Vassell - Mid range pressure release. Can create somewhat, can defend. Mistake prone, and sometimes have the Kobeitis. I would trade him for a good PF, but I better have a back up plan to cover for the shooting that would go out.
8) Guys like Carter Bryant and Kornet are likely worth more to us than someone else TBH.
9) Wemby - the city of San Antonio will go up in flames if he is traded.

So ....... Let's see what we can get and what types of assets we realisitcally have to give up to get those players.

Need	Target	Things to Give up
Ideal PF	Aldama - got size, can shoot a bit, can rebound, can screen AND on a reasonable contract.	This is not one of those Sochan and Olynk + 2RPs thing. It would require at least a decent 1st rounder (like top 5 protected with a real chance at the lottery or something like that). That said, Aldama was selected with a late 1st rounder. He played two years at Loyola and was doing really well there the soph year. So players like this could be attainable in a deep draft, but I am not overly trusting on the Spurs to draft and then develop someone into a Aldama level player.
3rd string C	Jericho Sims - got size, can play PF, set fantastic screens, low usage player, can rebound decently. However ... Terrifyingly bad hands, can't pass, can't create. Can't shoot at all.	I don't mind having him for a couple of 2nd rounders.
3rd string C	Neemias Queta - Good size, can screen very well, great rebounder, decent finisher around the rim, can protect the rim, already have some playoff experience. That said, horrible shooter, weak passer.	One of those better than 2nd rounders but not good enough for 1st rounders. I would do a Sochan + swap back to Boston for Queta plus a heavily protected 1st. But I am not sure why Boston would bite.
3rd string C	Marvin Bagley III - Great rebounder, set good screen, decent passer for his role. Weak protecting the rim despite his size and athleticism. not the best at passing or handling the ball. Decent enough shooter this year on VERY low volumes.	Similar to Queta.
Ideal PF	Karlo Matkovic - good shooter and very good volume, can set screens, decent rebounder especially on defence, not that good of a passer, decent protecting the rim.	Not playing much on the Pels, he's a 2nd rounder making peanuts right now (NBA peanuts, not normal people peanuts). I would trade whatever 2nd rounders, or even a heavily protected 1st for him.
Shooter	AJ Green - fantastic shooter on a great contract. Problem is that that's all he does. He doesn't drive, doesn't create, doesn't rebound, and is bad on D.	Probably worth more to the Bucks than to us, but anything more than a couple of 2nds would be an overpay.
Ideal PF	Patrick Baldwin Jr - OK, maybe ideal is too much. He can shoot, not a screener. Not a good rebounder or rim protector. Not a very good player but could be a replacement for sochan or Olynyk.	anything more than a 2nd round pick would be an iverpay

What about John Collins? I'm not hearing his name in any of this!