Spurs Should Target Young Guard in Reduced Role Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 12:34 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs have the means to make a massive move before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, but all signs point to them instead making a smaller move, or standing pat with their current roster.

It's very clear that the Spurs need a backup center, but if they opt instead to add a scoring punch to their bench unit, a trade for a young guard in a reduced role also makes sense.

Both Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley are playing the fewest minutes of their careers this season, and the Spurs could swap one out for a fresh face.

As the Los Angeles Clippers try and make a playoff run on the backs of James Harden, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, and the recently returned Kawhi Leonard, Bones Hyland has remained buried on the depth chart.

The Clippers traded for him in 2023, but over the last two seasons, he has played only 13.5 minutes per night and averaged 6.5 points. This season, he is shooting a solid 37.7 percent from 3-point range.

The Spurs could offer Malaki Branham and a 2027 second-round pick for Hyland. The Clippers have the second-best defense but their offense ranks 23rd, and adding an offensive-minded player like Branham would boost their bench scoring.

While neither player moves the needle for either team, Hyland and Branham would fit in better after this trade, and if Hyland sees a minutes increase in San Antonio, he might be able to return to the production he offered during his rookie season when he made the second-team All-Rookie.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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