Spurs trade ideas

[DPG21920]

I’d even strongly consider a lottery protected first if the deal was Keldon + Collins for Ingram.

[scott]

Ya - these are more trades of last resort where SA can try to get lucky on talent without giving up much in terms of players or picks. I would only do Beal if he waives his NTC completely otherwise it’s a nonstarter.

Would Beal do that for a role as a starter with high usage vs being on bench in PHX? Not sure. But he cant be happy in PHX right now and will get paid either way so you’d think he would want to play and a bigger role

Ingram is the perfect player IMO for the “shed salary but improve talent” strategy. Just not sure what NO would want vs just letting him walk. But if IM NO and I dont have salary cap space really even in Ingram walks, getting Keldon + picks has to be at least a conversation

Key things to remember with NOP: they are about $2.1MM over the tax line, so they'll probably want to get under that. Ingram is on the books for $36MM, so they'll want to take back no more than $33.9MM. Their tax bill isn't crazy as it stands ($3.2MM, but no reason to pay it if you can make some easy moves to get under).

Biggest thing with Ingram will be what compe ion is there for his services. Another team might be willing to give up an FRP for the playoff push. If GSW can't get anywhere with Butler, does BI make sense for them?

I haven't heard any rumblings that Beal is unhappy in PHX. He fought pretty hard for that NTC if I remember correctly, would really surprise me if he gave it up just to leave PHX.

[MannyIsGod]

I know y'all are talking about Ingram, but if I"m honest the bigger upside shot the Spurs should take with NOLA is trying to flip Vassel into Zion. It is really possible it doesn't work out, but if it DID work out then you have an amazing front court that is still young AF. You can only do this if Wemby is fully on board though because it seems to me that Zion's lack of work ethic is really what Wemby loathes. But if you feel he can be rehabilitated, then its a huge upside move and if you do it for something like Devin + Collins and a pick or two then I feel you've not really given up much at all.

[Davidicus]

Wemby has openly criticized players who don’t work hard. There’s 0 chance we trade for Zion.

Ingram at a bargain price is much more interesting. But I’m talking 75% off sale bargain. Would be a last minute trade if no one else wanted him.

[Mr. Body]

I know y'all are talking about Ingram, but if I"m honest the bigger upside shot the Spurs should take with NOLA is trying to flip Vassel into Zion. It is really possible it doesn't work out, but if it DID work out then you have an amazing front court that is still young AF. You can only do this if Wemby is fully on board though because it seems to me that Zion's lack of work ethic is really what Wemby loathes. But if you feel he can be rehabilitated, then its a huge upside move and if you do it for something like Devin + Collins and a pick or two then I feel you've not really given up much at all.

Man, how y'all kidding yourselves about Zion? Bro ain't gonna ever play.

[scott]

I know y'all are talking about Ingram, but if I"m honest the bigger upside shot the Spurs should take with NOLA is trying to flip Vassel into Zion. It is really possible it doesn't work out, but if it DID work out then you have an amazing front court that is still young AF. You can only do this if Wemby is fully on board though because it seems to me that Zion's lack of work ethic is really what Wemby loathes. But if you feel he can be rehabilitated, then its a huge upside move and if you do it for something like Devin + Collins and a pick or two then I feel you've not really given up much at all.

New Orleans and San Antonio seem like the two worst possible destinations for Zion. Homeboy looks like he can put down healthy amounts of enchiladas as easily as he does etouffee.

[Strategic]

Idk about Zion except he’s a guy that can contribute 30 games a season. That’s almost worth the risk?

[heyheymymy]

My y: Do Not Touch List:

Zion
Beal
Lavine
Trae Young
Nurkic

imho tbh

[MannyIsGod]

New Orleans and San Antonio seem like the two worst possible destinations for Zion. Homeboy looks like he can put down healthy amounts of enchiladas as easily as he does etouffee.

I mean there's good food everywhere. I think there's a substantial chance it flops and Zion doesn't ever pan out, but I'd flip Vassel and a FRP as a high reward low risk situation. But once again, only if Wemby is on board.

Zion is the exact type of buy low trade the Spurs can make and not risk very much at all. I'm all for slam dunk trades that move the needle, but if I'm honest I don't see a damn one out there right now. Does Ingram really move the needle? I'd much rather take a gamble on Zion than trade for the corpse of Beal's overrated Wizards career.

[MannyIsGod]

Wemby has openly criticized players who don’t work hard. There’s 0 chance we trade for Zion.

Ingram at a bargain price is much more interesting. But I’m talking 75% off sale bargain. Would be a last minute trade if no one else wanted him.

I do think your first comment is the big factor which is why I mention he has to be on board. You don't want Wemby throwing it back in the FO's face if it doesn't work out.

[KingKev]

Zion won’t come cheap especially if the optionality in his contract transfers.

[mo7888]

Zion won’t come cheap especially if the optionality in his contract transfers.

They'll waive him this offseason if they don't move him before the deadline.

[scott]

My y: Do Not Touch List:

Zion
Beal
Lavine
Trae Young
Nurkic

imho tbh

Can we add James Harden to the "Hot Ones, Will Melt Your Asshole, Do Not Even Think About"... just in case?

[scott]

I mean there's good food everywhere. I think there's a substantial chance it flops and Zion doesn't ever pan out, but I'd flip Vassel and a FRP as a high reward low risk situation. But once again, only if Wemby is on board.

Zion is the exact type of buy low trade the Spurs can make and not risk very much at all. I'm all for slam dunk trades that move the needle, but if I'm honest I don't see a damn one out there right now. Does Ingram really move the needle? I'd much rather take a gamble on Zion than trade for the corpse of Beal's overrated Wizards career.

Honestly... I don't hate it. It could be epic.

But... 90% if flops and pisses Wemby off so it scares the out of me

If it were Wemby's idea, and it were that cheap, I'm probably game.

[DPG21920]

I mean there's good food everywhere. I think there's a substantial chance it flops and Zion doesn't ever pan out, but I'd flip Vassel and a FRP as a high reward low risk situation. But once again, only if Wemby is on board.

Zion is the exact type of buy low trade the Spurs can make and not risk very much at all. I'm all for slam dunk trades that move the needle, but if I'm honest I don't see a damn one out there right now. Does Ingram really move the needle? I'd much rather take a gamble on Zion than trade for the corpse of Beal's overrated Wizards career.

I think Ingram adds talent, allows you to see what a high usage scorer looks like next to Wemby and since hes expiring theres no contract risk. But that’s the same with Zion since his deal is no longer guaranteed

[MannyIsGod]

I think Ingram adds talent, allows you to see what a high usage scorer looks like next to Wemby and since hes expiring theres no contract risk. But that’s the same with Zion since his deal is no longer guaranteed

Honestly I would not be upset with a cheap Ingram deal either, but I don't think it substantially moves the needle. Maybe it does put them in a better position moving forward though. I do think you are right that its a net gain in talent.

[baseline bum]

I mean there's good food everywhere. I think there's a substantial chance it flops and Zion doesn't ever pan out, but I'd flip Vassel and a FRP as a high reward low risk situation. But once again, only if Wemby is on board.

Zion is the exact type of buy low trade the Spurs can make and not risk very much at all. I'm all for slam dunk trades that move the needle, but if I'm honest I don't see a damn one out there right now. Does Ingram really move the needle? I'd much rather take a gamble on Zion than trade for the corpse of Beal's overrated Wizards career.

That's very high risk IMO. Worst case would be Zion is awesome for the rest of the season and then the Spurs are stuck paying $140 million plus for this guy who clearly doesn't give a about staying in shape. He is who he is; someone who could care less about winning and who is a lousy teammate. New Orleans has put awesome players around him and he never even gave them a chance. He's a loser and will go down as one of the greatest what ifs in league history. Dumping all your money into a lottery ticket when you already have the ultimate win in Victor is absolutely nuts.

[baseline bum]

I think Ingram adds talent, allows you to see what a high usage scorer looks like next to Wemby and since hes expiring theres no contract risk. But that’s the same with Zion since his deal is no longer guaranteed

Does NOP have an opt out every year or is it just this summer?

[baseline bum]

ROFL right after I post that rant about how ty Zion is I open up Shams twitter and see the Pelicans suspended him from tonight's game for being late to the team flight. Sounds kind of extreme but then read the article and see it has been a repeated problem with him being late to practice. So not only is he a fat China doll with no commitment to winning nor ever being in shape, but he's also the same kind of distraction Rodman was when he was here. Zion is an absolute no-go for me. Not for Collins, not for Keldon, not for ing Branham even. When someone tells you who they are loud and clear you gotta listen.

[scott]

Does NOP have an opt out every year or is it just this summer?

It sounds like Zion has the ability to claw back some guaranteed money for next season, and the following two follow the same formula in the preceding season (per Spotrac's notes here: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_...ion-williamson)

• Last season, Williamson needed to miss fewer than 23 games to avoid his 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28 salaries becoming non-guaranteed. He missed 53 games.
• If Williamson passes six "weigh-in-checkpoints" during the 2024-25 season -- to pass, his body fat percentage and weight must add up to no more than 295 (i.e. if he weighs in at 285 pounds, he cannot exceed 10% body fat ) -- then 20% of his 2025-26 salary will become guaranteed.
• If he plays in at least 41 games in 2024-25, another 40% of his 2025-26 salary will become guaranteed. If he plays in at least 51 games, another 20% would be guaranteed on top of that. If he plays in at least 61 games (and doesn't violate the weight clause), then his entire 2025-26 salary will be guaranteed.
• The above markers are the same for the years that follow. In other words, by being available and passing the weight check-ins, he can guarantee his salary for the next season.
• If Williamson has significant issues with his surgically repaired fifth metatarsal in his right foot (i.e. "a fracture or a stress injury to that bone or the healed callus" or "what the contract calls a 'hardware failure' related to the previous injury," per The Athletic) this season, then half of his 2024-25 salary will become non-guaranteed.

[Mr. Body]

Zion stands to lose his contract if he doesn't act even basically right. The guy won't do it. Zion won't even play basketball FOR A LOT OF MONEY.

And y'all want to trade for him.

[DPG21920]

Does NOP have an opt out every year or is it just this summer?

Every year of Zions deal from here on out (with some small caveats). Ingram expires after this season

[spursistan]

That's very high risk IMO. Worst case would be Zion is awesome for the rest of the season and then the Spurs are stuck paying $140 million plus for this guy who clearly doesn't give a about staying in shape. He is who he is; someone who could care less about winning and who is a lousy teammate. New Orleans has put awesome players around him and he never even gave them a chance. He's a loser and will go down as one of the greatest what ifs in league history. Dumping all your money into a lottery ticket when you already have the ultimate win in Victor is absolutely nuts.

tbh, this is one of the least talked about stories in the league: David Griffin has done a terrific job surrounding Zion with talent good enough to be a perennial conference Finals team (borderline All star SF, a bunch of 3&D guys, a dynamic scoring SG, solid backup Cs/PFs) but that comically unserious person never kept his end of the bargain. Spurs would be lock for a Top 4 seed if Wemby had Zion's supporting cast at full health..

I actually feel bad for Pelicans fans; it almost feel like they are cursed with their franchise players (First CP3, then AD, and now Zion) and it somehow got progressively worse results-wise. Think even Adam Silver is done giftwrapping them the #1 lottery pick. Maybe it is just not meant to be, and New Orleans is destined to remain a football city first and foremost. League will look elsewhere as new markets make their entrance (Vegas, Seattle, possibly Vancouver). I could see them move the franchise altogether..

[baseline bum]

tbh, this is one of the least talked about stories in the league: David Griffin has done a terrific job surrounding Zion with talent good enough to be a perennial conference Finals team (borderline All star SF, a bunch of 3&D guys, a dynamic scoring SG, solid backup Cs/PFs) but that comically unserious person never kept his end of the bargain. Spurs would be lock for a Top 4 seed if Wemby had Zion's supporting cast at full health..

I actually feel bad for Pelicans fans; it almost feel like they are cursed with their franchise players (First CP3, then AD, and now Zion) and it somehow got progressively worse results-wise. Think even Adam Silver is done giftwrapping them the #1 lottery pick. Maybe it is just not meant to be, and New Orleans is destined to remain a football city first and foremost. League will look elsewhere as new markets make their entrance (Vegas, Seattle, possibly Vancouver). I could see them move the franchise altogether..

Griffin got them a younger and better Jrue Holiday who was huge in Milwaukee's le run and was clearly the missing piece in turning Boston from underachiever to one of the greatest teams we have seen last year. If Zion gave a I think they already have at least one banner. If you could transplant Wemby's heart into Zion you could have been talking dynasty with him, Holiday, Ingram, plus good role players like Hart and Lonzo, a hungry ass JJ Red , plus New Orleans is incredible at finding good players in the draft. What I would give to have David Griffin running our drafts.

[tbdog]

I’d even strongly consider a lottery protected first if the deal was Keldon + Collins for Ingram.

In 6 months time he may very well be available on the free agency market. Giving up a pick is to secure his bird rights, which I don't think the Spurs need. Not sure what the cap situation is.