Looking to make a bold move this offseason, we explore four dream trade targets the San Antonio Spurs could look to pair with Victor Wembanyama.
The San Antonio Spurs may have one of the five worst records in the NBA right now but heading into next season, many expect that to change. Victor Wembanyama, who will likely be named the NBA's Rookie of the Year, is a big reason why. He's an emerging superstar and could very well become one of the top 10 players in the NBA by next season. With these high expectations, the pressure now falls on the Spurs to build a successful supporting cast around him.
As the offseason quickly approaches, you can't help but wonder how aggressive the Spurs will be. As we can only speculate, we explore four bold trade targets the Spurs should pursue this offseason to pair next to Victor Wembanyama.
Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
After being one of the bigger names to headline this past year's NBA Trade Deadline, it wouldn't be surprising if Alex Caruso hit the trade block once again during the offseason. Especially if the Chicago Bulls decide to completely pivot toward a rebuild, which can certainly be on the table.
If Caruso is shopped, the San Antonio Spurs are the type of situation where he could certainly help in a big way as a veteran two-way difference-maker. More as a complementary piece, Caruso could be a strong veteran influence that could prove to be pivotal for the team as they look to make a move up the Western Conference standings.
If the Spurs believe in their young core, a smaller move for Caruso could make some sense heading into next season.
Malcolm Brogdon, Portland Trail Blazers
If the San Antonio Spurs are looking for a veteran guard option to take some of the playmaking duties off the hands of their younger players, Malcolm Brogdon could make some sense as a potential trade target this offseason. As an expiring contract, Brogdon is going to be a natural trade target for many teams looking to make a jump next season. The Spurs could look at Brogdon as somewhat of a bridge until their young talent continues to develop.
Brogdon could be a difference-maker who comes in to play any type of role for the Spurs - whether that's in a starting capacity or off the bench. He's the type of player who doesn't need the ball in his hands to be all that effective and could also play a role as somewhat of a mentor for Victor Wembanyama and some of the other younger players on this roster. Brogdon could absolutely emerge as a cheap, low-risk trade option for the Spurs.
If San Antonio wanted to make a smaller move this offseason, both Caruso and Brogdon could be excellent options. However, there will also be the opportunity for the team to make a bigger splash too.
Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Last summer it was reported that Brandon Ingram was not going to pursue contract extensions with the New Orleans Pelicans until the 2024 NBA offseason. Well, the 2024 offseason is nearly here. And we're going to find out a lot about what the Pelicans think of Ingram. He's likely going to demand a max extension from the Pelicans and if they're not on the same page, it could make for some interesting conversations.
Not to mention that there were whispers that the Pelicans may have to choose between building around Zion Williamson and Ingram just a couple of months ago. I can't help but wonder if there's a scenario in which the Pelicans end up exploring the trade market for Ingram in a way that the San Antonio Spurs enter the equation. In theory, Ingram would be a great addition next to Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs may be a great situation for Ingram considering he wouldn't have to be a No. 1 option with Wemby and that he could play a role that probably better suits him. The big question is, how much better would Ingram make the Spurs and could they win a championship contender building around this duo?
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Heading into the offseason, Trae Young is expected to be one of the big names that will dominate the headlines. Shortly after the NBA Trade Deadline, it was reported that the Atlanta Hawks were going to possibly trade one of Dejounte Murray or Young this offseason. Whether or not that ends up being true remains to be seen. If it is, there are going to be plenty of teams interested in Young. And the San Antonio Spurs are one of them.
The Spurs have already been linked to Young and you'd have to imagine that if the Hawks genuinely shop him on the trade block this offseason they would at the very least show some interest. Naturally, a Young-Wemby duo would emerge as one of the more dynamic couplings in the Western Conference.
If Wemby makes the developmental jump that many expect him to make heading into his sophomore season in the NBA, this is a move that could not only help the Spurs compete for a playoff spot but also potentially compete with the rest of the West contenders depending on what other moves San Antonio elects to make.