With the NBA trade deadline just hours away, the San Antonio Spurs are still sitting tight. But with the market heating up and some surprising moves already in the books, it’s time to ask: how long can the Spurs afford to stay quiet?
Around the league, the action has been anything but slow. Anthony Davis is now a Washington Wizard after the Mavericks sent him packing in a future-focused deal.
Memphis kicked off a rebuild by shipping Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah. And in a rare point guard swap, the Clippers and Cavs exchanged floor generals.
The message is clear-teams are making moves, and they’re not waiting for anyone.
The Spurs, meanwhile, have been more rumor than reality. They've been linked to big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lauri Markkanen, but so far, it’s all smoke and no fire.
Still, they’ve got the pieces to be active. Between Jeremy Sochan, a stockpile of draft picks, and the expiring contracts of Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk, San Antonio has the flexibility to get something done-especially at a position of need.
Right now, that need is a traditional power forward. With Barnes now coming off the bench and Victor Wembanyama doing his best work on the perimeter, the Spurs are light in the paint. That’s where Memphis could come into play.
The Grizzlies are clearly pivoting toward the future. With Jackson Jr. gone and Ja Morant’s trade value taking a hit due to injuries, suspension issues, and inconsistent effort, Memphis is likely open for business when it comes to veteran talent. That opens the door for the Spurs to make a savvy move.
Two names stand out: Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke.
Aldama is the more polished option. He’s under contract for three more seasons at around $18 million per year and has been productive-averaging 14 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting over 35% from three.
He brings spacing, size, and a skill set that would complement Wembanyama well. But he won’t come cheap.
If the Spurs want him, they’ll likely need to include a draft pick along with a matching salary-Barnes, for instance, could be part of that package.
Clarke, on the other hand, is a more traditional big. He’s a strong defender who can anchor the paint, but he’s also battled injuries and has never played more than 65 games in a season.
He’s cheaper than Aldama and under contract for two more years, but the health concerns are real. Still, for a team looking to shore up its interior defense without giving up major assets, Clarke could be a worthwhile gamble.
There’s also the temptation to swing bigger. Players like Lauri Markkanen or Trey Murphy III would give San Antonio a major boost in floor spacing and scoring punch.
But those deals likely require a heavier lift-more draft capital, more risk. And historically, that’s not how the Spurs operate.
They build methodically, with patience and purpose.
That’s why Aldama makes so much sense. He’s not a headline-grabber, but he’s a high-IQ, win-now piece who fits the timeline and system.
He won’t cost a king’s ransom, and he fills a clear need. With the Grizzlies shedding salary and looking ahead, a one-for-one swap involving Barnes could work financially, and a sweetener in the form of a second-round pick or a lightly protected first might be enough to get it done.
San Antonio doesn’t need to chase a blockbuster. But with the deadline approaching fast and the roster still needing balance, a move like this would be smart, strategic, and very Spurs-like. The clock is ticking-now it’s just a matter of whether they decide to strike.