If I’m the Spurs, I’m making a trade for one of the EIGHT players listed, as they would each give this San Antonio team a jump that they didn’t have before from a scoring/defensive/leadership standpoint.
The easy trend for who to pair with Wemby is a veteran PG (Chris Paul) and an elite wing scorer/defender.
#1 Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi immediately comes to mind when I’m looking for someone to pair with Wembanyama. He was a former Spur who won a Finals MVP there, and he is an ELITE 2-way player. Yes he has serious injury concerns, but in all 4 seasons with the Clippers, his +- has been no lower than +9.3.
He’s still an elite star when healthy, and he’d be the perfect compliment. (Full Analysis for a Kawhi Trade)
#2 Kevin Durant
Durant went to Texas University for College so the Spurs are already familiar with Durant, and if the Suns have another DOWN season of no true post-season success, expect to see Kevin on a new team, and the Spurs would be a GREAT landing Spot. He’s still a Top-5 Scorer in the NBA and he’d be an immediate stud alongside Wemby. Wemby is also on record saying Durant has been his favorite player in the NBA.
#3 Jimmy Butler
Butler has led the Heat to the finals twice and may have the ability to do it again, with a veteran core and a future all-time great. Butler will also be available to mentor top five pick Stephon Castle, who was the best pick in the first round in my opinion. The Spurs also have solid bench pieces in Tre Jones and Keldon Johnson, and an elite defender in Jeremy Sochan. (Full article)
#4 Zach Lavine
This is the most likely player to be traded early in 2024, and he would immediatly give the Spurs an elite scorer who can heat up at any moment. The goal with this would be that Lavine steps up to the plate and becomes the true #1 outside of Chicago.
#5 Jalen Green & Cam Whitmore
These two are players that aren’t being discussed enough. Whitmore, I believe, will become a SUPERSTAR in the NBA, but the Rockets last season didn’t give him legit run. He’s a high-flying wing who truly is a downhill threat and a great scorer. Green is also a high-flying player, who potentially could develop into a much better facilitator (we saw this at the tail end of 2024 with Sengun injured).
Jaylen Brown fits the exact mold that would thrive alongside Victor, but the only holdout is if the Celtics would ever consider this trade. If they looked to shop Brown, I’d almost Guarantee that the Spurs would make a call.
