With the release of Jeremy Sochan yesterday, the San Antonio Spurs successfully freed up one roster spot to make one final roster addition. With so many possibilities, it’s impossible to be sure where the Spurs will look, but we know they are in win-now mode as the second-best team in the West (38-16).
With Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Julian Champagnie (among others), the Spurs already have an effective and talented core of young players. But if they can add more firepower off the bench, it will do wonders for a Spurs team that could use more depth.
With the current free agent pool limited, the Spurs can’t expect any miracles if they make a move right now. As the playoffs approach, however, several players might end up becoming available who could make an especially good fit for this team. That’s why the Spurs may be better off biding their time until one of these four potential buyout candidates breaks free from their respective teams.
Jusuf Nurkic
The Jazz are in full tank mode, and that’s not any place for a 31-year-old big man to be. After spending several years bouncing between teams, he’s reached a crossroads in Utah as they work to secure premium draft positioning. With just a few months left on his current deal, Nurkic only has a limited amount of time to increase his value before free agency. On a team like the Spurs, he could enjoy everything he’s missed out on in his career so far: a competitive environment in a bigger market like Texas.
For the Spurs, more size off the bench is one of their biggest needs right now. While Victor Wembanyama sets a powerful tone as a starter, they lack a reliable backup big man. At 6’11”, Nurk brings that crucial size as well as elite playmaking and ball handling for his position. In 41 games this season, he’s averaging 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 50.3% shooting and 35.2% shooting from three.
Khris Middleton
Former NBA champion Khris Middleton was recently traded to the Dallas Mavericks, but he’s not expected to spend a lot of time there as a rebuilding team on a younger timeline. At 34 years old, with averages of 10.4 points (43.3% shooting and 33.7 % shooting from three), 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, he’s not the same player he used to be, but he can still provide a steady source of scoring, and he deserves one last chance to make a run.
He’d fit like a glove for this young Spurs squad, who could use an experienced veteran to lead them in the playoffs. His versatile scoring game would ensure he’d enhance the offense and alleviate the pressure on Victor Wembanya. While Middleton is undoubtedly in decline, he could be one of the best names available if the Mavericks agree to a buyout.
Marvin Bagley III
With the addition of Marvin Bagley, the Spurs can meet their goals of winning now while also building toward the future. The former second overall pick has struggled to find his place in the NBA, but he’s still got time to grow his game at just 26 years old. As an athletic 6’10” forward/center, he’d make a fine addition to San Antonio’s frontcourt as an elite lob threat who excels in transition.
While not a glamorous name for the Spurs, it’s a potential low-risk, high-reward addition that fits their timeline and needs as a team. The only question for Bagley now is how much longer he’ll remain in Dallas. Despite averages of 10.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 62.1% shooting (45.0% from three), he’s fallen out of the rotation, and a buyout would allow both sides to move on.
Matisse Thybulle
As the Trail Blazers develop an identity around Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan, Thybulle has never been more expendable. At 28 years old, he’s just entering his prime and could reasonably contribute on a number of competitive teams. As it stands, Portland’s stuffed rotation leaves very little room for his involvement, creating the perfect conditions for a buyout agreement.
If Thybulle wants to win, the best place to do it would be in San Antonio, with a deep and competitive team led by the best young player in the world. While he’s been limited to just four games this season (5.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0,8 assists, 2.5 steals, and 0.0 blocks per game on 60.0% shooting and 66.% shooting from three), we know what he can do as a three-and-d role-player with quick hands and exceptional length.
