These trades would not only accelerate the Spurs’ path to contention, but also lay the groundwork for long-term success in the future.
As the 2025 NBA trade deadline quickly
approaches, the San Antonio Spurs find
themselves at a crucial juncture in their
rebuilding process. With the exciting
emergence of Victor Wembanyama as
the centerpiece of their future, the Spurs
need to capitalize on their assets and
make moves that will accelerate their
growth and position them for success in
the coming years. While the team’s
young core shows promise, they need
more support to help elevate them to
playoff contention sooner rather than
later. Here are three trades the Spurs
should consider before the deadline:
Trade for a Veteran Point Guard (e.g., Fred VanVleet)
The Spurs’ backcourt, though talented,
lacks a seasoned floor general who can
guide the team in high-pressure
moments. Adding a veteran point guard
like Fred VanVleet would provide
leadership, scoring, and playmaking.
VanVleet, currently with the Toronto
Raptors, has been a consistent
contributor, averaging solid numbers in
scoring and assists. With his ability to
stretch the floor and defend, he would
complement Wembanyama’s skill set
while taking pressure off young guards
like Tre Jones and Devin Vassell. A trade
for VanVleet could cost the Spurs one or
two of their developing assets, but his
experience would help mold the young
team into a more cohesive unit.
Potential Trade Tre Jones, Josh Richardson, 2025 second-round pick for Fred VanVleet.
This deal would provide the Raptors with
a young, controllable point guard in
Jones, along with some shooting and
defense in Richardson, while the Spurs
gain a proven scorer and playmaker in
VanVleet. A deal like this would make the
Spurs much more competitive in the
West and provide a steadying influence
for the rest of their young roster.
Acquire a Defensive Wing (e.g., OG Anunoby)
Another area where the Spurs could use
some bolstering is on the defensive side
of the ball. While Wembanyama offers
incredible rim protection, the Spurs need
a strong perimeter defender who can
guard the league’s best wings. OG
Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors fits that
mold perfectly. A two-way player known
for his elite defense, Anunoby would
instantly upgrade the Spurs’ defensive
capabilities and give them another
versatile player who can contribute
offensively. His 3-and-D profile would be
a perfect fit alongside Wembanyama,
helping to space the floor and take on
tough matchups.
Potential Trade Keldon Johnson, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick for OG Anunoby
Keldon Johnson, a promising young
wing, could be an attractive piece for the
Raptors in exchange for Anunoby. The
Spurs would need to part with some
draft capital to sweeten the deal, but
acquiring a defensive stalwart like
Anunoby would instantly elevate their
roster. His presence on the court would
allow the Spurs to become a better all-
around team while still maintaining
flexibility for future growth.
Target a Scoring Big Man (e.g., Myles Turner)
While Wembanyama is the future,
pairing him with another dynamic big
man who can score, stretch the floor, and
protect the rim could give the Spurs a
formidable frontcourt. Myles Turner,
currently with the Indiana Pacers, has
been one of the league’s most consistent
shot-blockers while offering the ability to
space the floor with his 3-point shooting.
Turner would complement
Wembanyama perfectly, providing an
additional layer of protection in the paint
and an offensive weapon on the
perimeter. Adding Turner would allow
the Spurs to experiment with different
lineups, giving them flexibility to adapt
to various matchups.
Potential Trade Zach Collins Charles Bassey 2025 first-round pick for Myles Turner.
Collins and Bassey would give the Pacers
a pair of young bigs to develop, while the
Spurs add a proven two-way player in
Turner. This move could help San
Antonio compete immediately, while
Turner’s floor-spacing ability would open
up even more opportunities for
Wembanyama to operate in the post and
on the perimeter.
Conclusion
The San Antonio Spurs are on the verge
of something special with Victor
Wembanyama leading the charge.
However, to fully unlock their potential
and accelerate the rebuilding process,
they must make strategic moves before
the 2025 NBA trade deadline. By
targeting a veteran point guard like Fred
VanVleet, a defensive wing like OG
Anunoby, and a scoring big man like
Myles Turner, the Spurs can add the
necessary pieces to build a competitive
roster around their young superstar.
These trades would not only help the
Spurs contend sooner, but also set the
foundation for sustained success in the
years to come.
