Why Gary Trent Jr. Makes Sense as a Trade Target for the Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are in a unique spot. They’ve got the franchise cornerstone in Victor Wembanyama, a promising young core, and a system that’s starting to take shape. But as the NBA trade season unofficially kicks off around Christmas, the question becomes: what do you get for a team that already has so many of the foundational pieces?
The answer might be Gary Trent Jr.
No, he’s not a superstar. But he doesn’t need to be.
What Trent Jr. brings to the table - efficient three-point shooting and competent perimeter defense - checks two boxes the Spurs could use help with. And he does it at a cost that wouldn’t force San Antonio to reshuffle its roster or mortgage any part of its future.
Let’s break down why this makes sense.
Shooting That Stretches the Floor
Over the past three seasons, Trent Jr. has knocked down nearly 40% of his threes - and he’s not doing it on a small sample size. He’s averaged over six attempts per game during that stretch. That kind of volume and efficiency is exactly what the Spurs could use, especially when building around a generational talent like Wembanyama.
Spacing is everything when you’ve got a big who can dominate inside and stretch the floor himself. Adding a shooter like Trent Jr. ensures Wemby has room to operate and gives the Spurs another weapon to keep defenses honest. Whether it's in spot-up situations or coming off screens, Trent Jr. brings a level of gravity that opens up the floor for everyone else.
Defensive Versatility at a Bargain
Trent Jr. isn’t going to be on any All-Defense ballots, but he’s no liability either. He can hold his own on the perimeter, fight over screens, and stick with most guards and wings. For a Spurs team that often runs lineups with four perimeter players and one big, having another capable defender on the wing is a plus.
And here’s where things get even more interesting: his salary. At just $3.6 million, Trent Jr. is not only a low-risk addition but also an easy piece to fit into a trade.
That kind of contract gives San Antonio flexibility. They wouldn’t need to move a core player to bring him in - just a role player and a couple of second-round picks could be enough to get a deal done.
A Buy-Low Opportunity the Spurs Shouldn’t Ignore
This is the kind of move that smart front offices make - a low-cost, high-upside swing that doesn’t disrupt the locker room or the long-term plan. Trent Jr. is on a one-year deal, which means there’s no long-term commitment unless the Spurs want there to be. And with the Bucks possibly entering a retool or rebuild phase, they may be more open to moving a player like Trent Jr. for draft capital.
San Antonio has the ammo - a stash of quality second-round picks - and the roster space to make this work. Even if Trent Jr. doesn’t carve out a massive role right away, he’d give the team another reliable option off the bench. And come playoff time, that kind of depth can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
The Spurs don’t need to make a splash. They’re not in desperation mode.
But that’s exactly why a move like this makes sense. Gary Trent Jr. isn’t the missing piece to a championship puzzle, but he’s the kind of player who makes the picture clearer.
He brings shooting, defense, and playoff experience - all at a price that won’t force San Antonio to compromise its future. If the Bucks are ready to move him, the Spurs should be ready to pick up the phone.