The San Antonio Spurs have made one thing crystal clear: Victor Wembanyama is the franchise cornerstone, and everything moving forward is about building the right roster around him. But as the trade deadline looms, the Spurs may have to make some tough calls-ones that could involve saying goodbye to a few familiar faces in order to bring in a legitimate co-star.
According to recent reports, San Antonio isn’t looking to chase a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo or any other superstar that would force them to mortgage the future. Instead, they’re taking a patient, calculated approach.
The front office wants to see what Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox can do together in the postseason before making any major roster-shaking decisions. That measured outlook also ties into their long-term financial planning, especially with extensions for Wembanyama and rookie guard Stephon Castle on the horizon.
Still, that doesn’t mean the Spurs are sitting on their hands. They have a treasure chest of assets-young talent, draft capital, and expiring contracts-that could be used to make a meaningful move before the February 5th trade deadline. And if there’s one area where they could use a boost, it’s at the power forward position.
Enter Pascal Siakam.
The four-time All-Star has reportedly emerged as a potential trade target for San Antonio. With Harrison Barnes now coming off the bench and Jeremy Sochan reportedly on the trade block, Siakam would instantly upgrade the starting five. He brings playoff experience, versatility, and a scoring punch that could take pressure off Wembanyama and Fox.
A proposed trade making the rounds would send Siakam to the Spurs in exchange for a hefty package:
Spurs receive:
- Pascal Siakam
Pacers receive:
- Devin Vassell
- Keldon Johnson
- 2026 first-round pick (pick swap, most favorable of ATL/SAS)
- 2029 first-round pick (lottery protected)
- 2032 first-round pick
- 2032 second-round pick
That’s a serious haul. Vassell is the team’s best shooter and has been a key part of the rebuild.
Johnson, a vocal leader and veteran presence, has embraced a bench role this season and continues to bring energy and toughness. Losing both would sting.
But Siakam isn’t just a name-he’s a proven difference-maker.
This season, Siakam is averaging 23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, shooting 48.3% from the field. He’s still that same downhill, matchup-proof forward who can create his own shot and doesn’t need a perfect offensive setup to get buckets. In a seven-game series, that kind of versatility becomes a weapon.
The draft compensation is significant too. That 2026 pick-whichever is better between the Spurs’ and Hawks’ selections-could be valuable.
The 2029 pick is San Antonio’s own and likely to convey if Wembanyama stays healthy. And those 2032 picks?
They're far off, but still meaningful in the long-term picture.
For Indiana, the appeal is clear. The Pacers aren’t looking to rebuild-they’re looking to retool around Tyrese Haliburton, who’s just 25 and already one of the best young point guards in the league.
Vassell and Johnson fit their timeline perfectly. That’s why a deal centered around expiring contracts like Barnes or Kelly Olynyk wouldn’t move the needle.
Indiana wants real pieces, not just cap relief.
So what would the Spurs look like if they pulled the trigger?
A starting five of Fox, Castle, Siakam, Wembanyama, and Julian Champagnie would be one of the most intriguing lineups in the league. That group offers length, scoring, playmaking, and defensive switchability.
Off the bench, you’ve still got Harrison Barnes, Dylan Harper, and Luke Kornet providing depth. Even after a deal like this, the Spurs would have a solid second unit and future picks in the bank.
Now, if San Antonio could somehow swap Barnes into the deal instead of either Vassell or Johnson, it becomes an even bigger win. But as it stands, this is the kind of trade that could elevate the Spurs from a promising young team to a legitimate playoff threat.
For now, though, the organization appears content to wait. Unless the right opportunity presents itself, expect only minor moves at the deadline. The Spurs are playing the long game-but if they decide to speed up the timeline, Pascal Siakam could be the piece that changes everything.