With roughly a third of the NBA season behind us, the San Antonio Spurs have given us a much clearer picture of who they are-and the early returns are turning heads. Sitting near the top of the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the Spurs have already notched wins over some of the league’s heavy hitters, including the Oklahoma City Thunder (twice), the Lakers, the Rockets, and the defending champion Nuggets.
That kind of résumé isn’t just impressive-it’s telling. Especially when you consider they’ve done it while navigating early-season injuries.
This isn’t a team overachieving on a hot streak. It’s a young, well-constructed roster finding its rhythm faster than most expected.
And because of that, the front office finds itself in an enviable position heading into the trade deadline. At one point, it seemed like San Antonio might be a dark horse in the sweepstakes for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Lauri Markkanen.
They certainly have the assets-young talent, movable contracts, and a war chest of draft picks. But now?
There’s no pressure to make a blockbuster move. The Spurs don’t need to swing for the fences.
They just need to keep building smartly.
Smaller Moves Could Make a Big Impact
Rather than gutting their depth for a big-name star, the Spurs are better positioned to make surgical additions-moves that bolster the rotation without disrupting the chemistry that’s gotten them this far.
One name that could be on their radar: Gary Trent Jr. The Bucks guard is on an expiring $3.6 million deal, and with Milwaukee potentially facing a retool, Trent Jr. could be on the move. The Spurs, with a surplus of second-round picks (including some high-quality ones via New Orleans), could easily put together a competitive offer without touching their core.
Trent Jr. brings exactly what San Antonio could use off the bench: reliable shooting and solid defense. He’s knocked down nearly 40% of his threes over the last two seasons, taking over six attempts per game.
That kind of spacing is invaluable, especially for a team built around a generational big like Victor Wembanyama. Add in his defensive chops, and Trent Jr. could slide into a consistent reserve role seamlessly.
Frontcourt Depth: A Familiar Face, A Familiar Formula
Another intriguing possibility? Knicks big man Guerschon Yabusele.
While he’s been buried on New York’s bench this season, he’s coming off a strong campaign and has the tools to contribute in the right situation. San Antonio had interest in him during free agency, but he ultimately chose the Knicks.
Now, with his role diminished and a $5.5 million contract that runs through next season, the Spurs could revisit that interest-this time via trade.
Yabusele brings size, shooting, and familiarity. He can play both the four and five, stretches the floor with his jumper, and has played alongside Wembanyama before.
That last part matters-chemistry with your franchise cornerstone isn’t something you take lightly. If the Knicks are motivated to move him, they might even attach a second-round pick to sweeten the deal.
Yes, there are some conditioning concerns with Yabusele, but let’s not forget-San Antonio has a track record of turning stocky French forwards into key rotation pieces (looking at you, Boris Diaw). If there’s a coaching staff that can get the best out of him, it’s this one.
Bigger Swings: Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III
Of course, if the Spurs do decide to make a more aggressive move, there are a couple of names worth watching: Pelicans wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III.
Both would command a hefty price-think two first-rounders and potentially a piece like Jeremy Sochan or Kelly Olynyk. A hypothetical package might include Sochan, the Hawks’ 2027 first (which could end up in the lottery), and a 2029 first, along with some of those valuable second-rounders from New Orleans.
But the payoff could be significant.
Jones is the prototypical three-and-D wing-exactly the kind of player who thrives in playoff basketball. He’s a lockdown defender who can take on the league’s toughest assignments-think Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, Kevin Durant-and hold his own. Offensively, he’s a near-40% shooter from the corners and has the size to slide up to the four, which could allow the Spurs to reconfigure their bench rotation and bring someone like Harrison Barnes off the pine.
Murphy III, on the other hand, brings more offensive firepower. He’s developed into a high-volume shooter, averaging over 21 points per game this season and last, while hitting 36.3% of his threes on nearly eight attempts per game.
He’s also a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. If the Spurs want to lean into spacing and scoring without giving up too much on the defensive end, Murphy is a compelling option.
What’s Next for San Antonio?
With six weeks to go until the trade deadline, the Spurs have time-and options. They don’t need to chase a star.
They don’t need to rush. What they can do is identify the right fit, the right role player, and make a move that strengthens an already impressive roster without compromising the long-term vision.
Whether it’s a low-cost shooter like Trent Jr., a buy-low big like Yabusele, or a higher-upside swing like Jones or Murphy, the Spurs are in the driver’s seat. They’ve built a foundation. Now it’s about reinforcing it the smart way.
And if their early-season performance is any indication, they’re more than capable of doing just that.