Spurs trade ideas

[scott]

Here's my crazy trade idea of the day.

Giannis goes to a team looking to make a leap
Celtics shed long term salary while getting back a young prospect to reset with when Tatum eventually comes back
Bucks get all of their outgoing swaps back, while cutting salary and getting one young prospect (view all of the picks with the swaps as just getting the swaps back)
Blazers shed Ayton's deadweight and get a "star" to take them to the next level
Pelicans get a PG while giving up very little, can still look to make a few more moves while adding some like Fears or Jaku with pick #7

This fails because of Stepien Rule, but I'm not actually trading picks here just returning swaps, so it would pass.

[baseline bum]

Spurs traded Tre + Collins for Fox. Cam + WCJ >>>>> Tre + Collins


Spurs traded 3 firsts for Fox and here are getting back 2

I think in that context it’s fair enough

Winning big on the Fox trade doesn't mean they should be happy to lose big shipping him out.

[baseline bum]

Here's my crazy trade idea of the day.

Giannis goes to a team looking to make a leap
Celtics shed long term salary while getting back a young prospect to reset with when Tatum eventually comes back
Bucks get all of their outgoing swaps back, while cutting salary and getting one young prospect (view all of the picks with the swaps as just getting the swaps back)
Blazers shed Ayton's deadweight and get a "star" to take them to the next level
Pelicans get a PG while giving up very little, can still look to make a few more moves while adding some like Fears or Jaku with pick #7

This fails because of Stepien Rule, but I'm not actually trading picks here just returning swaps, so it would pass.

Jesus man you're posting some hideous trades for Milwaukee

[mo7888]

Here's my crazy trade idea of the day.

Giannis goes to a team looking to make a leap
Celtics shed long term salary while getting back a young prospect to reset with when Tatum eventually comes back
Bucks get all of their outgoing swaps back, while cutting salary and getting one young prospect (view all of the picks with the swaps as just getting the swaps back)
Blazers shed Ayton's deadweight and get a "star" to take them to the next level
Pelicans get a PG while giving up very little, can still look to make a few more moves while adding some like Fears or Jaku with pick #7

This fails because of Stepien Rule, but I'm not actually trading picks here just returning swaps, so it would pass.

Getting their picks back > than any package of picks they could get elsewhere, but why would Nola do that?

[Bruno]

I think it's fine for Spurs to take it relatively slow with their guards. They should draft Harper at #2 because he will be the BPA by far. They should sign Fox to his $229M/4 years extension in August because he is worth it. After that, they can wait to see what Fox/Harper/Castle will do during the 2025-2026 season. If a trade needs to be done, it can be done during the 2026 summer.

[scott]

Getting their picks back > than any package of picks they could get elsewhere, but why would Nola do that?

I don't think most of these teams would do this ... I'm just having some fun. It's actually pretty hard to put together 5 team trades that make sense for even 3 of the teams!

[Manu&Duncan fan]

A back up C and a starting PF is all we need to be compe ive

Yes. Both can be easily done.

John Collins can be had with two SRPs maximum.

Can easily sign a back-up center and draft one.

Next season Spurs will easily be a top 4 or 5 team in the west.

[DPG21920]

I think value wise spurs did well on Fox deal but they really going to max Fox now that they have Harper + Castle.

2 years from now they may be better than Fox and now it’s a massive contract on books.

Resetting the picks you gave up (sa can trade 14, 19 & 27 for future picks) while making team better (adding Cam + WCJ) and not having a Fox max deal forced on the books given we unexpectedly got Harper seems prudent in many ways to me even if not ideal.

Would spurs have done the Fox deal if they knew they had pick 2 before? I’m not sure they would so if that’s true how do you pay Fox out of loyalty and force yourself into that corner vs doing what’s best for franchise?

I think most of us are of the opinion (right or wrong) that the logic of trading Fox is irrelevant, because there is a hidden cost of trading him now: you'll probably piss off every agent in the league, but you'll definitely piss off Rich Paul. Maybe a big market team could get away with it, but I don't think the Spurs can afford to screw over a guy who just forced his way to us.

Perhaps but that is a bad situation then when you risk nuking some of Wemby’s prime and anchoring yourself to a 200M deal out of fear of pushback….trick spot indeed just have to see how it shakes out.

Spurs may not give him max? He may willingly work with Spurs on a trade? Spurs may trade pick 2?

Or they all work great together and one is willing to be a Ginobili (would be great)

My big question is the one above though still

[DPG21920]

I think value wise spurs did well on Fox deal but they really going to max Fox now that they have Harper + Castle.

2 years from now they may be better than Fox and now it’s a massive contract on books.

Resetting the picks you gave up (sa can trade 14, 19 & 27 for future picks) while making team better (adding Cam + WCJ) and not having a Fox max deal forced on the books given we unexpectedly got Harper seems prudent in many ways to me even if not ideal.

Would spurs have done the Fox deal if they knew they had pick 2 before? I’m not sure they would so if that’s true how do you pay Fox out of loyalty and force yourself into that corner vs doing what’s best for franchise?

I think it's fine for Spurs to take it relatively slow with their guards. They should draft Harper at #2 because he will be the BPA by far. They should sign Fox to his $229M/4 years extension in August because he is worth it. After that, they can wait to see what Fox/Harper/Castle will do during the 2025-2026 season. If a trade needs to be done, it can be done during the 2026 summer.

But you dont think Fox on that deal where teams see Harper and Castle as clear future for Spurs and knowing SA has to trade Fox now at his money is a possible real detriment to value?

[RC_Drunkford]

Perhaps but that is a bad situation then when you risk nuking some of Wemby’s prime and anchoring yourself to a 200M deal out of fear of pushback….trick spot indeed just have to see how it shakes out.

Spurs may not give him max? He may willingly work with Spurs on a trade? Spurs may trade pick 2?

Or they all work great together and one is willing to be a Ginobili (would be great)

My big question is the one above though still

You're talking about a franchise that started CP3 for all 82 games because they promised it to him, while they had Fox and Castle. The same franchise that kept playing Zach Collins because they gave him a 35 million dollar contract. You're talking like you don't know how the Spurs operate.

[Chinook]

I think the Spurs have to be trying to get Fox to take less on his extension if possible. Under this CBA, you can only keep teams together if the best players give some back. Fox at something closer to $40-$45 Million a year is far more sustainable than him at $57 Million. I could understand Fox balking, especially without assurances that the Spurs will use the savings on a star. It seems like an uphill battle, but if the Spurs can reestablish a culture of sacrifice early enough, it might trickle down by the time folks like Wemby, Castle and Harper are on their extensions. They shouldn't do it just to sit on their thumbs, of course, but the Spurs could be in play for a star this summer or at least the deadline. Whether they can afford one without having to make a big cost-cutting move depends on how many full maxes are on their roster.

[baseline bum]

I think the Spurs have to be trying to get Fox to take less on his extension if possible. Under this CBA, you can only keep teams together if the best players give some back. Fox at something closer to $40-$45 Million a year is far more sustainable than him at $57 Million. I could understand Fox balking, especially without assurances that the Spurs will use the savings on a star. It seems like an uphill battle, but if the Spurs can reestablish a culture of sacrifice early enough, it might trickle down by the time folks like Wemby, Castle and Harper are on their extensions. They shouldn't do it just to sit on their thumbs, of course, but the Spurs could be in play for a star this summer or at least the deadline. Whether they can afford one without having to make a big cost-cutting move depends on how many full maxes are on their roster.

I really hope Spurs fans don't get bent out of shape when De'Aaron gets max.

[mo7888]

I really hope Spurs fans don't get bent out of shape when De'Aaron gets max.

Yup...because it's gonna happen. Trade him in a couple years if Castle and Harper pan out.

[DPG21920]

You're talking about a franchise that started CP3 for all 82 games because they promised it to him, while they had Fox and Castle. The same franchise that kept playing Zach Collins because they gave him a 35 million dollar contract. You're talking like you don't know how the Spurs operate.

Totally different IMO lol. CP was there before Fox and Wemby got hurt and they knew Fox needed surgery etc….Im agreeing with you on what they WILL do lol - Im saying it should be carefully considered here given cir stances

[DPG21920]

I really hope Spurs fans don't get bent out of shape when De'Aaron gets max.

I think most know hes worth it in context and expect it tbh….Harper luck just makes it tricky but most understand doesnt change Fox value (outside of maybe for the Spurs themselves to some degree)

[scott]

I've been saying since the Fox trade happened that I wouldn't be surprised if they had already pre-arranged a slight discount on his next deal prior to the trade (nothing major, but maybe in the 25-28% of the cap range instead of 30%). The Spurs certainly would have had the leverage at the time to do so. I could definitely envision a conversation going like this:

Rich Paul: Hey Brian, you know I've wanted to pair one of my guys with Wemby... and De'Aaron wants to make it happen and I think Sacramento brass is amendable to a deal you'll like

Brian Wright: Hey Rich, sounds really good and I appreciate you making good after that Morris fiasco a few years ago and I appreciate the relationship we've built over the years. I'm interested, but you know we struggle to get ownership to buy off on max deals, especially with your guy in the back half of his 20s...

Rich Paul: I hear you Brian, but De'Aaron is a top 30 player... opportunities like this don't come around too often... talk to your team and let me know.

Brian Wright (a few days later): Hey Rich, we spoke internally, and we could make this happen... but you'd have to be willing to take a slight discount on the extension. Nothing major, maybe we target 27.5% of the cap? We just need a little wiggle room to continue to build a team around Wemby and Fox if we do this deal. You know we aren't looking at going into the tax anytime soon, so we need a little flexibility. What about a 3+1 at 27.5%? This is where De'Aaron wants to be, and no state income tax...

Rich Paul: Yeah I think that's doable.

This all may be fantasy wishcasting... We'll see what happens come August. But I'm definitely on the side of there is about as close to a 0% chance we trade Fox this summer as possible. Even if we were willing to screw him over like that, we'll be trading him as an expiring after he's been burnt by the acquiring team... his relative value will be driven down based on that alone.

[Chinook]

I really hope Spurs fans don't get bent out of shape when De'Aaron gets max.

The NBA is going to have to figure out how to have sustained success under this new CBA. Fox isn't an automax unless they think he can be a top-two guy on a le team. The Spurs are very unlikely to be in the tax multiple years in a row, let alone around the second apron. They can't truly afford to give out the types of contracts that seemed harmless under the old CBA. While yes, they MIIGHT be able to trade Fox (whose value is often overstated on this board) in the event they need the space, they'd be much better off if they didn't have to do so.

[DPG21920]

The NBA is going to have to figure out how to have sustained success under this new CBA. Fox isn't an automax unless they think he can be a top-two guy on a le team. The Spurs are very unlikely to be in the tax multiple years in a row, let alone around the second apron. They can't truly afford to give out the types of contracts that seemed harmless under the old CBA. While yes, they MIIGHT be able to trade Fox (whose value is often overstated on this board) in the event they need the space, they'd be much better off if they didn't have to do so.

That was sort of my point with my questions above and the ORL/BKY/SA trade…..it doesnt have to be that exact deal, but getting Harper was lucky and it definitely changes calculus to some degree.

Hopefully if needed SA can trade Fox later if it comes to that after giving him a big deal but Im not so sure that a max deal 2 years from now wont be a negative asset. Hope not of course but it’s a non-zero chance simply if Castle/Harper are legit.

[exstatic]

Perhaps but that is a bad situation then when you risk nuking some of Wemby’s prime and anchoring yourself to a 200M deal out of fear of pushback….trick spot indeed just have to see how it shakes out.

Spurs may not give him max? He may willingly work with Spurs on a trade? Spurs may trade pick 2?

Or they all work great together and one is willing to be a Ginobili (would be great)

My big question is the one above though still

Having an abundance of skilled guards is never a bad situation. Castle is cheap until 2028, and Harper until 2029. If Fox extends on a 4+1, you start working with Klutch and Rich Paul during 2028-2029 to find him a soft landing, either at the trade deadline, or that next summer. Get a list of maybe 3 teams.

We can afford both Castle and Harper on their second contracts, likely at the Fun Max 25% of the cap. I doubt either wins an MVP or makes All NBA on their first contract, triggering a SuperMax. If they both hit their ceilings, Spurs will have to choose one to keep for a third contract, and one to ship out for picks. There’s a possibility of getting a good draftee in 2026,2027,2028, or 2030. They get added to the mix, and evaluated when their contract time arrives.

[SpursBills]

I think the Spurs have to be trying to get Fox to take less on his extension if possible. Under this CBA, you can only keep teams together if the best players give some back. Fox at something closer to $40-$45 Million a year is far more sustainable than him at $57 Million. I could understand Fox balking, especially without assurances that the Spurs will use the savings on a star. It seems like an uphill battle, but if the Spurs can reestablish a culture of sacrifice early enough, it might trickle down by the time folks like Wemby, Castle and Harper are on their extensions. They shouldn't do it just to sit on their thumbs, of course, but the Spurs could be in play for a star this summer or at least the deadline. Whether they can afford one without having to make a big cost-cutting move depends on how many full maxes are on their roster.

I agree with this for the most part, but would not be surprised in the least if Fox took the max. In my opinion, sacrificing salary and the subsequent flexibility that it affords starts with Wemby above all others. I don't expect this to happen, but there is a world where OKC is able to sign Chet and JDub to less than 25% max, wins the le this year, and ends up building a juggernaut for the next few years. Wemby may be confronted with the option of either taking the 30% rookie max extension and potentially being at a perpetual talent disadvantage or taking less to allow the front office to retain talent if Castle and/or Harper blow up. Probably wishful thinking on my part, but if there was any superstar in the modern era who would be capable of something like this, it is probably Wemby but we will see what the landscape looks like moving forward.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Having an abundance of skilled guards is never a bad situation. Castle is cheap until 2028, and Harper until 2029. If Fox extends on a 4+1, you start working with Klutch and Rich Paul during 2028-2029 to find him a soft landing, either at the trade deadline, or that next summer. Get a list of maybe 3 teams.

We can afford both Castle and Harper on their second contracts, likely at the Fun Max 25% of the cap. I doubt either wins an MVP or makes All NBA on their first contract, triggering a SuperMax. If they both hit their ceilings, Spurs will have to choose one to keep, and one to ship out for picks. There’s a possibility of getting a good draftee in 2026,2027,2028, or 2030. They get added to the mix, and evaluated when their contract time arrives.

Yes you always have brilliant opinions!

There is no need to worry about 2nd Apron for reasons mentioned by you.

Plus, 2nd apron limits every team's ability to pay, not just Spurs.

We may be able to retain Castle or Harper at less than 25% maximum, because there is no (or few) other team can pay more.

Even if both ends up max guys, we can trade one for good assets, as Exstatic mentioned above.

[Guru of Nothing]

Sequence of events, do i have this right?

- Sign Fox to 4 year max
- develop greatest three-guard rotation known to mankind
- 2026 - Extend Wemby to super-duper double-secret max extension. Maybe throw in a pony.
- 2027 - Extend Castle
- 2028 - Extend Harper
- 20131 - PROFIT


Will probably be looking to make trades between Castle and Harper's extension, if they meet expectations.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I agree with this for the most part, but would not be surprised in the least if Fox took the max. In my opinion, sacrificing salary and the subsequent flexibility that it affords starts with Wemby above all others. I don't expect this to happen, but there is a world where OKC is able to sign Chet and JDub to less than 25% max, wins the le this year, and ends up building a juggernaut for the next few years. Wemby may be confronted with the option of either taking the 30% rookie max extension and potentially being at a perpetual talent disadvantage or taking less to allow the front office to retain talent if Castle and/or Harper blow up. Probably wishful thinking on my part, but if there was any superstar in the modern era who would be capable of something like this, it is probably Wemby but we will see what the landscape looks like moving forward.

Yes. This summer OKC will set the value of 2nd and 3rd star like Chet and Williams.
How many teams will be willing to throw max to them next season?
Knowing the market, it will be safe for them to accept less than 25% Max this season.
Same will happen to Harper or castle or both.

[DPG21920]

Having an abundance of skilled guards is never a bad situation. Castle is cheap until 2028, and Harper until 2029. If Fox extends on a 4+1, you start working with Klutch and Rich Paul during 2028-2029 to find him a soft landing, either at the trade deadline, or that next summer. Get a list of maybe 3 teams.

We can afford both Castle and Harper on their second contracts, likely at the Fun Max 25% of the cap. I doubt either wins an MVP or makes All NBA on their first contract, triggering a SuperMax. If they both hit their ceilings, Spurs will have to choose one to keep for a third contract, and one to ship out for picks. There’s a possibility of getting a good draftee in 2026,2027,2028, or 2030. They get added to the mix, and evaluated when their contract time arrives.

Sounds easy but what if Castle and Harper explode like we think and Fox role is reduced and teams know SA has to trade him and hes on that mega deal? It’s not that easy IMO

[CGD]

Sequence of events, do i have this right?

- Sign Fox to 4 year max
- develop greatest three-guard rotation known to mankind
- 2026 - Extend Wemby to super-duper double-secret max extension. Maybe throw in a pony.
- 2027 - Extend Castle
- 2028 - Extend Harper
- 20131 - PROFIT


Will probably be looking to make trades between Castle and Harper's extension, if they meet expectations.

Forgot to add “trade Fox” to 2028.