The San Antonio Spurs face a critical off-season, as they lack the promising cornerstone needed to compete with the rebuilding teams. While the addition of Victor Wembanyama through the draft could change this, the Spurs should also focus on trading for high-ceiling prospects. This may involve packaging Keldon Johnson to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for their 2023 first-round pick, potentially within the top five. While Johnson has value as a solid starter, a top-five pick would likely yield someone with more potential.
Alternatively, the Spurs could explore the Dallas Mavericks' interest in Jeremy Sochan's immense defensive potential. While the Mavericks' 2023 first-round pick alone is likely to be number ten, which isn't enough value for Sochan, combining it with future seconds or Jaden Hardy could make it an attractive option for the Spurs. This move could help the team keep pace with other up-and-coming teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Charlotte Hornets, who all have their potential superstars.
In preparation for the future, the Spurs have been jettisoning notable veterans in recent seasons, making Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson, and Doug McDermott all natural trade candidates. While all three players possess some win-now qualities, they are not ideal for a long-term rebuild, and trading them for valuable draft picks could be a wise move.
Aside from draft picks, the Spurs should also be on the lookout for young talent. Patrick Williams, from the Chicago Bulls, could become available if they become impatient and seek more plug-and-play help. Additionally, Jaden Springer, who has only played 17 minutes for the Philadelphia 76ers since being chosen as the 28th pick in the 2021 draft, could be an excellent acquisition for the Spurs.
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