Which Spurs Are Getting Looked at By Possible Trade Partners?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 1:04 PM ET

In the midst of their rebuild, with plenty of draft picks and salary flexibility, the San Antonio Spurs are a sensible trade destination for winning players who could help get Victor Wembanyama to the next level.

In almost every mock trade, fans send either Zach Collins or Keldon Johnson out in deals but fail to see one simple truth: if Spurs fans don't want Johnson and Collins, other teams likely don't, either.

The Spurs seem pretty attached to their young core of Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle, but recent reports suggest that the Spurs have players that other teams might overpay for.

According to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, plenty of Spurs are on opponents' trade radar. Julian Champagnie, whose $3 million salary makes him insanely affordable and one of the best value pieces in the NBA, should be on both the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves' shortlist.

On top of that, Devin Vassell has been linked to the Charlotte Hornets. In a deal for LaMelo Ball, Swartz reasons, the Hornets would want a quality player in the trade, not just draft picks.

Champagnie is an interesting trade piece to consider. On one hand, he does his job perfectly well and is on one of the best contracts in the NBA. On the other hand, is he really a long-term piece? We here at Inside the Spurs lean towards yes, and generally think that having a quality wing on the bench is a good thing, but for a first-round pick? If the offer is too good to refuse, who are the Spurs to say no?

Fans would likely prefer picks to accompany Johnson and Collins in a possible deadline deal, but the Spurs have plenty of players that other teams might be willing to overpay for.

Check out the Inside the Spurs homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.

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

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