Spurs trade ideas

[cd021]

Back before KD got traded to the Suns, Murray+MPJ for him looked like a no-brainer to me. Nuggets won that season and I looked like an idiot.
But I still think it would've been as good of a move as it gets.

But there's no way Suns take Murray's contract.
Maybe MPJ, salary filler and a FRP.

It's kind of awful for the league that two best players in the league are in the middle of their primes and stuck on awful rosters.
Yeah, they won a ring each, but NBA fans deserve to watch them on teams that have a fair chance of competing.

I was thinking MPJ, Naji, Saric, and a 2031 first for KD. Nuggets essentially get rid of two dead weight contracts and swap out MPJ and a first for Durant. It seems like the best offer Phoenix might get at the moment.

[scott]

Bulls and Hawks won't even pick up the phone when they see who's calling.

I'm not sure the Bulls would view themselves as having lost all their dealings with the Spurs. They haven't really worked out, but it's not like the Spurs abused them and ran the other way. The Demar experience ended up effectively costing them nothing in the long run, having gotten that pick back and using the Fox trade as a vehicle to dump Lavine (and those sickos might actually like Zollins).

I was just thinking of who the Spurs frequent trade partners have been as a clue to who might deal with us again. I wouldn't cross Chicago off that list.

• Atlanta - definitely not taking our calls unless its to discuss giving their picks back
• Boston - we obviously hooked them up fat with the Derrick trade, though it was viewed as a fair trade at the time. We helped them save some money taking Noah Vonleh, and then helped facilitate them dumping Grant Williams
• Chicago - I think they're fine with us and we likely still have a good relationship. We facilitated them getting DDR when they wanted him for relatively cheap, and then got them that pick back to help get off
• Indianapolis - we've actually done quite a bit of business with them over the last few years. We seem to just help each other out when we want something (S&T for Doug for a fake SRP, IND moving off Hield and getting Doug back, the Furphy trade)
• Minnesota - we've been draft day BFFs the last few years. Obviously #8 last year, but also #33 the year before
• Phoenix - we helped them dump Cam Payne's salary for a fake SRP
• Sacramento - they probably shouldn't trade with us anymore, but they're also too stupid to realize we're taking advantage of them. We've done 3 deals in the last 12 months with them (Barnes, Jalen McDaniels dump, Fox)
• Raptors - Our friends up north. We seem to love doing business

Teams we don't trade with or having traded with in a long time:

• Clippers - have never traded with them
• Pistons - no deals for a long time. They might have beef over that Sean Elliott/Bill Curly deal
• Lakers - obvious reasons
• Rockets - nothing since Scola. They owe us one but probably aren't answering the phone
• Knicks - I've kind of liked the outcome every time we've dealt with them, but it's been awhile. Started with getting Strickland for Cheeks in 1990, then turning JR Reid into Charles Smith and Monte Williams, then Malik to Nazr.
• Thunder - No moves since moving to OKC. Presti prob respects us but knows we are rivals and aren't interested in helping one another
• Magic - one trade in our history, way back in 1990

[Chinook]

A trade-down scenario that might sound dumb is to trade 14 to Phoenix for the first-rounders it has in 2025, 2027 and 2029. It got those picks from Utah in exchange for the Suns' 2031 unprotected first. They are the worst of UTH/CLE/MIN for each of those years, with the Cavs' second-best record becoming the 29th pick in this draft. So on it's face it's a late-lotto pick for a late-first and two firsts that seem very unlikely to be good. But I do think there are a few reasons why the trade could be good.

1) The late-first is a good spot to find the backup center in this draft. I'd prefer the team get lucky at 14 and one of the top bigs slides to them. But if those guys are gone, most of the next crop are projected to go in the middle of the draft. Getting a late-first probably gives them their pick of that litter or at least close to it. 38 might be too late for it.

2) Late-firsts will continue to be valuable as the progresses. If the Spurs do become a perennial contender again, they'll have to learn to use those picks. Late-firsts are ways to get seasoned prospects for four cheap years. We've talked a lot about the financial constraints the team will be under in the event they trade for a star or if their recent lotto picks pan out. So they'll have to start relying on cheaper options to fill rotation spots. Even with the new second-round exceptions, getting a guy on a rookie-scale deal with RFA after four years rather than three, seems like the best option.

3) Extra guaranteed firsts opens up trade opportunities. The Suns traded for these picks in the first place to free up their even-year picks for trades rather than just swaps. The Spurs currently don't have any year en bered by traded picks, but depending on how aggressive they want to be going for a star, the ability to bring any/all five of the 2026-2030 picks into trade discussions is valuable. Moreover, those picks will give the Spurs the small assets they might need to pull off trades for role-players for whom one of their current picks would be overkill.

4) The picks could still be decent. It doesn't feel entirely unlikely that by 2029, all three of the Jazz, Cavs and Wolves could be bad enough to where the Spurs get a lottery pick. Even if the picks are like 25th overall in 2027 and 20th overall in 2029, that's still a pretty decent haul. Either of those picks might be decent enough to be traded for their own future picks.

If this deal were offered, I'd be interested, even if I'd want something else wrapped into it. Like maybe Wesley, 14 and 38 for O'Neale, 29 and the two future picks. The Spurs get their wing and can still draft a center in the first round. The Suns save money, get a lotto pick and take a flier on a young PG who has shown a little. If they trade Durant and Booker, they won't miss the picks. If they keep them, then 14 is probably the best asset they could have to try to trade for another piece.

[scott]

You’re probably right. I just look at a team like WAS (or even BKN) and think how unlucky they got just being out of the Top 5. Are they really going to reach on Queen? That would be terrible.

Their best bet is for Utah to reach for Kon (bc Utah), and for Tre Johnson to slip to them. But failing that I bet a starved franchise would welcome someone like Devin.

I just can't see one of these teams paying to acquire Devin. Devin is a prototypical, Grade A tank commander... but you don't pay for Tank Commanders. It's not like Devin has star potential for these teams... what does he do for them?

I think BKN or WAS would be happy to pick up Devin for free by participating in a multi-team deal where someone needs to take him, but they definitely aren't giving up assets for him.

So who would give up positive value for Devin? It's got to be a playoff team looking for an additional scoring punch. The max value for us is going to come for someone who is in the position that ATL was in when they traded for DJM, viewing that player as a missing piece. Who fits that bill?

We can look team by team at those who are play-in teams or better:

CLE - Maybe... though I'm not sure he beats out Jerome or Hunter
BOS - Probably not, but Tatum is injured so they could use someone like him in the short run, but don't want his long term salary
NYK - I actually think this might be one of the better fits as far as team construction goes, but how would they fit his contract?
IND - Deep team with better guys already
MIL - Could definitely use Devin... maybe we could route him there in a big multi-team deal involving Giannis (not coming to us)
DET - This might be a good fit
ORL - Maybe one of the better fits I can think of
MIA - A decent fit here. I like the Dev for Wiggins idea
ATL - Could probably use him to play the role that Hunter did, but they're too cheap and are likely not dealing with us
CHI - Maybe?
OKC - Nope
HOU - Would be a decent fit but a crowded roster... maybe if they make a move for KD and clear out some of the roster and need some more depth?
LAL - Could probably use him, but the Lakers
DEN - Absolutely could use him
LAC - Not sure about this one... we've never traded with them ever
MIN - Can't afford to take his deal
GSW - Hmmm, maybe...
MEM - Nope
SAC - Could probably use him but had their chance
DAL - Probably could use him
PHX - Could definitely use him

LeBowen... I see a lot more potential destinations than you had previously thought of for Devin... what is your take on why some of these teams wouldn't want him?

[LeBowen]

LeBowen... I see a lot more potential destinations than you had previously thought of for Devin... what is your take on why some of these teams wouldn't want him?

My first assumption is that most playoff teams have GMs with eyes and that they're not idiotic to give up positive value for a tank commander.

CLE - Only if they get rid of Garland for a legit wing and then slide Devin to SG. Too many moving parts.
BOS - No chance.
NYK - They're not giving up any of their starters for Devin and can't match salaries otherwise.
IND - As you said, they have better players in his position.
MIL - If they move Giannis, they won't care about Devin. He'd be solid for them, but they have no assets to get him.
DET - Would be the best fit, but it depends on Ivey's comeback, he looked great before his injury.
ORL - Would have to include a third team, they don't have anything we'd want.
MIA - Decent fit, but I doubt they'd take his contract.
ATL - Won't trade with us for the foreseeable future.
CHI - They need good perimeter defenders, can't have him on the floor with Giddey and White. Other trades would have to happen.
OKC - No chance.
HOU - I don't think Udoka would want him.
LAL - They could use every shooter, but don't have anything we'd take.
DEN - Same as the Lakers.
LAC - Powell is a way better player.
MIN - Questionable fit and no cap space.
GSW - They're probably going to S&T Kuminga, maybe a three team deal.
MEM - No chance.
SAC - Won't call us ever again.
DAL - Would be a perfect fit for Devin himself and a horrible fit for Mavericks as a team.
PHX - Dumpster fire, they're done and have a better Devin.



Bobby Marks said Braun expects to receive $30M a year...excuse me?
Teams can't blame the CBA if they offer the most possible money to every solid role player.

[exstatic]

It's understandable that this could be confusing. The idea that we'd trade #2 for Williamson is so far out there it literally cracks the brain.

Lots of stuff here cracks the brain, like every day.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think Brian Wright will work some magic again and try to help teams get under the 2nd apron while snatching up a rotation player for virtually nothing. I assume that was also the reason why Wesley and Branham got extended to match smaller salary.

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Another option would be trading Keldon or Barnes + Wesley or Branham for Porzingis.

Dean Wade from the Cavs would be another option for a salary dump.

I don't think we'd be interested in Porter, but he's like the only asset Denver can trade at this point.

Dallas will have to move Gafford and PJ Washington, which I'd love to have on the Spurs. This would have to be a 3-team deal though or we just trade with the team that got them later. Could also still target them in 2026 free agency.

[mo7888]

I think Brian Wright will work some magic again and try to help teams get under the 2nd apron while snatching up a rotation player for virtually nothing. I assume that was also the reason why Wesley and Branham got extended to match smaller salary.

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Another option would be trading Keldon or Barnes + Wesley or Branham for Porzingis.

Dean Wade from the Cavs would be another option for a salary dump.

I don't think we'd be interested in Porter, but he's like the only asset Denver can trade at this point.

Dallas will have to move Gafford and PJ Washington, which I'd love to have on the Spurs. This would have to be a 3-team deal though or we just trade with the team that got them later. Could also still target them in 2026 free agency.

Honestly, outside of MPJ, I like everyone on that list in certain scenarios

[Seventyniner]

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think teams can now absorb salaries into their MLE in a trade. That would mean the Celtics could dump Hauser into the Spurs' MLE and save a ton of tax money. He's a good enough player that the Spurs would likely have to send something in return, there are a lot of MLEs available out there.

[RC_Drunkford]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think teams can now absorb salaries into their MLE in a trade. That would mean the Celtics could dump Hauser into the Spurs' MLE and save a ton of tax money. He's a good enough player that the Spurs would likely have to send something in return, there are a lot of MLEs available out there.

that would give us even more options. MLE is 14.1 million.

[mo7888]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think teams can now absorb salaries into their MLE in a trade. That would mean the Celtics could dump Hauser into the Spurs' MLE and save a ton of tax money. He's a good enough player that the Spurs would likely have to send something in return, there are a lot of MLEs available out there.

That's correct.

[LeBowen]

Honestly, outside of MPJ, I like everyone on that list in certain scenarios

Apparently Nuggets have been desperate to trade MPJ all season long, but as soon as they send his medical records everyone just hangs up the phone.


Also, Givony mentioned Sixers could package #3 and PG for a star player.

[mo7888]

Apparently Nuggets have been desperate to trade MPJ all season long, but as soon as they send his medical records everyone just hangs up the phone.


Also, Givony mentioned Sixers could package #3 and PG for a star player.

By Star player, that'll be defined as PG + 3 for KD... and I'm here to laugh at it..

[Guru of Nothing]

• Atlanta - definitely not taking our calls unless its to discuss giving their picks back

What about the idea of removing the '26 swap, and returning their '27 pick too in exchange for their unprotected 2029 and 2031 firsts? I can see the spurs core being a near finished product about a year from now, and punting the capital down the road a few years could be huge at a time when the Spurs need it most.

Guess it depends on what kind of long term commitment ATL wants to make to Trae Young ($46M this upcoming season and extension eligible, and a $49M player option the next).

[montgod]

I think BKN or WAS would be happy to pick up Devin for free by participating in a multi-team deal where someone needs to take him, but they definitely aren't giving up assets for him.

I think the focus would be those teams with available TPEs. I believe the one with the best fit for Devin would be BKN. BKN would benefit from SG/G depth and might be open to a deal to help w/their own possible roster concerns.

BKN might take him for a Cameron swap and maybe an addl pick. I would think their FO would be more willing than other teams since Kiwi came from the Spurs and know the FO wouldn't sign Devin to a long term deal if they didn't value him. Besides that, they are lacking guards w/Thomas being a free agent and I doubt they re-sign Russell. Other possibility would be Claxton who they might not believe in anymore. I'm not a huge fan but he is younger and his contract at least decreases over the years.

Overall, the domino that needs to fall before the draft/free agency will be Giannis and where he ends up. BKN was one of the teams he mentioned he would be interested in going so this could help or hurt this trade from happening possibly.

[Ice009]

When did Giannis say he was interested in Brooklyn? Was it before the draft lottery? If so, he might have been expecting them to get a higher pick and now that they didn't, maybe that would have changed his mind on that.

[exstatic]

When did Giannis say he was interested in Brooklyn? Was it before the draft lottery? If so, he might have been expecting them to get a higher pick and now that they didn't, maybe that would have changed his mind on that.

I watched a pod once where they were laughing at KD and Harden for picking Brooklyn. They said that the Nets were less relevant to NY than the Clippers were to LA.

[montgod]

When did Giannis say he was interested in Brooklyn? Was it before the draft lottery? If so, he might have been expecting them to get a higher pick and now that they didn't, maybe that would have changed his mind on that.

It's been reported in multiple places but definitely after the draft lottery - https://www.si.com/nba/nets/news/gia...ptors-and-nets

[scott]

I think Brian Wright will work some magic again and try to help teams get under the 2nd apron while snatching up a rotation player for virtually nothing. I assume that was also the reason why Wesley and Branham got extended to match smaller salary.

Boston has only 2 options: Trade Jaylen Brown or trade Porzingis, Holiday and Hauser for players who earn less. If we renounce all cap holds we'll be about 10 million under the cap, which would be enough to fit Sam Hauser's contract.

Another option would be trading Keldon or Barnes + Wesley or Branham for Porzingis.

Dean Wade from the Cavs would be another option for a salary dump.

I don't think we'd be interested in Porter, but he's like the only asset Denver can trade at this point.

Dallas will have to move Gafford and PJ Washington, which I'd love to have on the Spurs. This would have to be a 3-team deal though or we just trade with the team that got them later. Could also still target them in 2026 free agency.

Dean Wade is my new secret under the radar guy to get. Glad to see more folks coming around.

[scott]

What about the idea of removing the '26 swap, and returning their '27 pick too in exchange for their unprotected 2029 and 2031 firsts? I can see the spurs core being a near finished product about a year from now, and punting the capital down the road a few years could be huge at a time when the Spurs need it most.

Guess it depends on what kind of long term commitment ATL wants to make to Trae Young ($46M this upcoming season and extension eligible, and a $49M player option the next).

I generally like the concept, though this would leave us without a pick in 2027, which I don't love...

[scott]

I think the focus would be those teams with available TPEs. I believe the one with the best fit for Devin would be BKN. BKN would benefit from SG/G depth and might be open to a deal to help w/their own possible roster concerns.

BKN might take him for a Cameron swap and maybe an addl pick. I would think their FO would be more willing than other teams since Kiwi came from the Spurs and know the FO wouldn't sign Devin to a long term deal if they didn't value him. Besides that, they are lacking guards w/Thomas being a free agent and I doubt they re-sign Russell. Other possibility would be Claxton who they might not believe in anymore. I'm not a huge fan but he is younger and his contract at least decreases over the years.

Overall, the domino that needs to fall before the draft/free agency will be Giannis and where he ends up. BKN was one of the teams he mentioned he would be interested in going so this could help or hurt this trade from happening possibly.

Just my opinion, but I think Devin makes a lot more sense for BKN if they get Giannis (but at the same time, keeping Cam Johnson does for them as well).

I think they'll definitely resign Cam Thomas, who is the same kind of no-D, ball dominant, hero ball chucking tank commander as Devin has shown to be... I think both would be good 6th men, but Devin's overpaid to be a 6 man... we'll see where Thomas's deal comes in.

I wouldn't personally give up any draft capital for Cam Johnson. He's an upgrade over Barnes, but not by enough to justify giving up draft capital for what amounts to a 4th or 5th option on the court for us. HB is honestly kind of perfect player for that role, I'd rather just extend him for a modest deal.

BKN would be interesting for Giannis though, would definitely shake up the east and immediately jolt BKN out of the tank cellar.

[mo7888]

Just my opinion, but I think Devin makes a lot more sense for BKN if they get Giannis (but at the same time, keeping Cam Johnson does for them as well).

I think they'll definitely resign Cam Thomas, who is the same kind of no-D, ball dominant, hero ball chucking tank commander as Devin has shown to be... I think both would be good 6th men, but Devin's overpaid to be a 6 man... we'll see where Thomas's deal comes in.

I wouldn't personally give up any draft capital for Cam Johnson. He's an upgrade over Barnes, but not by enough to justify giving up draft capital for what amounts to a 4th or 5th option on the court for us. HB is honestly kind of perfect player for that role, I'd rather just extend him for a modest deal.

BKN would be interesting for Giannis though, would definitely shake up the east and immediately jolt BKN out of the tank cellar.

I think Toronto makes sense and can put together a great package compared to most teams. Barnes + JaKobe + #9 + 3 more firsts and 2 swaps

[ginobilized]

Cam and Vassell as floor spacer with Giannis would be formidable in Brooklyn.
Not sure what we could get back in that scenario. Maybe picks and a 3rd or 4th team involved to net a solid contributor?

Trading Devin would be deleterious to the Power of Friendship.

[montgod]

Just my opinion, but I think Devin makes a lot more sense for BKN if they get Giannis (but at the same time, keeping Cam Johnson does for them as well).

I think they'll definitely resign Cam Thomas, who is the same kind of no-D, ball dominant, hero ball chucking tank commander as Devin has shown to be... I think both would be good 6th men, but Devin's overpaid to be a 6 man... we'll see where Thomas's deal comes in.

I wouldn't personally give up any draft capital for Cam Johnson. He's an upgrade over Barnes, but not by enough to justify giving up draft capital for what amounts to a 4th or 5th option on the court for us. HB is honestly kind of perfect player for that role, I'd rather just extend him for a modest deal.

BKN would be interesting for Giannis though, would definitely shake up the east and immediately jolt BKN out of the tank cellar.

Fully agree. I wouldn't want to give up any 1st rd picks for Cameron. BKN keeps overvaluing him so they may come off that if they need more room if they can indeed get Giannis and in that case, I'd see them wanting to unload Claxton vs Cameron. It's really hard to gauge at this juncture. Not to mention, I don't know if Spurs see Claxton as a player they'd want since he is a bit limited and definitely didn't play well at all last year. I personally don't think they will retain Thomas at the price he'll want. Just too one dimensional.

[scott]

I think Toronto makes sense and can put together a great package compared to most teams. Barnes + JaKobe + #9 + 3 more firsts and 2 swaps

Yeah, I did a mock offseason in 2K yesterday when I was bored and TOR ended up being my favorite Giannis destination. TOR just has so many middling 2nd/3rd option kind of guys, they need a consolidation trade. Kind of the same concept as Houston - they just don't have the same warchest of assets as Houston, but I do think they can make it work with FRPs and swaps. The Raptors love their Canadian players, but I think they'd also be embracing of a foreign superstar.