The San Antonio Spurs made a bold move this offseason by signing veteran point guard Chris Paul, adding a wealth of experience and leadership to their young squad. With Victor Wembanyama, the dynamic and promising center, leading the charge, the Spurs are poised to make a significant push for a playoff spot. However, to fully unlock Wembanyama’s potential and enhance their chances, the Spurs need to find the perfect interior teammate for him. A solid frontcourt duo could be the key to turning this team into serious playoff contenders. Let’s dive into five potential big men who could complement Wembanyama’s game and help the Spurs take that next step.
1. Lauri Markkanen Would Fit Perfectly
Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz receive: Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, 2025 first-round pick (Hawks), 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick (Celtics)
Lauri Markkanen is exactly the type of player who could thrive alongside Victor Wembanyama. Standing at 7 feet, Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his underrated defensive presence makes him a perfect fit. His versatility allows him to play both forward and center positions, providing the Spurs with flexibility in their lineups.
In the 2023-24 season, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 39.9% from three-point range. His scoring ability, especially from beyond the arc, would complement Wembanyama’s interior dominance. Markkanen also posted a career-high in defensive rating, showcasing his improvement on that end of the floor.
Recent rumors have swirled around Markkanen being a trade target for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt. Reports suggest that the Jazz are open to moving Markkanen if they receive a substantial offer involving young talent and future draft assets. With the Spurs in need of a solid frontcourt teammate for Wembanyama, this potential trade aligns with their goals.
By acquiring Markkanen, the Spurs would be getting a player who can score from anywhere on the court, opening up space for Wembanyama to operate inside. Markkanen’s experience and skill set would complement Wembanyama’s athleticism and shot-blocking prowess, forming a formidable duo in the paint. His presence would not only boost the team’s offensive capabilities but also add depth and versatility to the roster.
The trade package, although hefty, could be worth it for the Spurs. Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham are promising young talents, and the multiple first-round picks will sweeten the deal for the Jazz. But in return, San Antonio would be adding a proven scorer and an ideal teammate for their rising star, putting them in a much stronger position to compete for a playoff spot.
In summary, Lauri Markkanen’s fit alongside Victor Wembanyama, combined with his recent stellar performance and the Spurs’ need for a dynamic frontcourt duo, makes this trade a potential game-changer for San Antonio.
2. Alperen Sengun Could Be On The Move
Spurs receive: Alperen Sengun
Rockets receive: Zach Collins, Blake Wesley, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick (Hawks), 2028 first-round pick
Alperen Sengun is an exciting prospect who could be the perfect fit next to Victor Wembanyama. Sengun’s impressive stats from the 2023-24 season include averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His versatile game would mesh well with Wembanyama’s skill set, allowing the Spurs to create a dynamic frontcourt duo with Wemby playing as a power forward and Sengun as the center.
There have been rumors that the Rockets were willing to move Sengun in a potential trade for Kevin Durant, indicating their openness to dealing the talented big man for the right price. With San Antonio’s package of young talent and future draft picks, this trade could be enticing for Houston.
Sengun’s ability to facilitate from the post, combined with his scoring and rebounding, would provide the Spurs with a multifaceted offensive weapon. Pairing him with a seasoned playmaker like Chris Paul and a budding star like Wembanyama could elevate the Spurs to serious playoff contenders. This move would not only strengthen the team’s interior presence but also add another layer of depth and versatility to their roster.
3. Brandon Ingram Should Be A Great Scoring Presence
Spurs receive: Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick (Hawks)
Brandon Ingram would bring a significant scoring boost to the Spurs. Last season, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate the offense makes him an ideal fit alongside Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul.
The Pelicans recently made headlines by trading for Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. In this blockbuster deal, the Pelicans sent Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, and two first-round picks to Atlanta in exchange for Murray, adding a versatile two-way guard to their lineup.
Ingram’s situation with the Pelicans has been uncertain. While he has been a key player for the team, there have been ongoing contract extension negotiations. Reports indicate that the Pelicans are hesitant to offer Ingram another maximum salary deal as he enters the final year of his current max contract. This uncertainty has fueled trade rumors, suggesting that if an extension agreement isn’t reached, Ingram could be on the move.
Ingram’s versatility on the wing would provide the Spurs with a dynamic offensive threat. He can score from all three levels and is an adept playmaker, which would take some pressure off Chris Paul in orchestrating the offense. Ingram’s height and length also add a defensive element, making him a well-rounded addition to the team.
The trade package for Ingram, while substantial, addresses the Pelicans’ need for young talent and future assets. Keldon Johnson has shown promise as a scorer and defender, and Zach Collins provides frontcourt depth. The additional first-round picks would be valuable for the Pelicans’ future rebuilding efforts.
Acquiring Ingram would signal the Spurs’ commitment to building a competitive team around Wembanyama. With Paul’s veteran leadership, Wembanyama’s emerging stardom, and Ingram’s scoring and playmaking, the Spurs would have a balanced and potent lineup. This move could elevate San Antonio to a serious playoff contender in the Western Conference, blending experience with young talent and positioning them for sustained success.
4. Jerami Grant Might Be The Missing Piece For A Playoff Push
Spurs receive: Jerami Grant
Blazers receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, 2025 first-round pick (Hawks)
Jerami Grant would bring a versatile and dynamic presence to the Spurs’ frontcourt. In the 2023-24 season, Grant averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc. His ability to score, defend, and stretch the floor makes him an ideal complement to Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul.
Recent reports suggest that the Blazers are open to moving Grant as they look to reshape their roster around their younger talent. With the team struggling to make a significant impact in the Western Conference, trading Grant for young assets and future picks aligns with their long-term strategy.
Grant’s contract runs through 2025, providing the Spurs with a player who can contribute immediately while also fitting into their timeline. His defensive versatility, capable of guarding multiple positions, would be a valuable asset alongside Wembanyama, allowing the Spurs to deploy various defensive schemes.
The trade package for Grant is substantial but justified. Keldon Johnson has shown potential as a scorer and defender, and Zach Collins provides valuable frontcourt depth. The inclusion of the 2025 first-round pick from the Hawks sweetens the deal, making it appealing for the Blazers.
By acquiring Grant, the Spurs would be signaling their intent to compete in the playoffs. His presence, alongside Wembanyama and Paul, would give the Spurs a balanced and experienced lineup capable of making a deep postseason run. This move not only enhances their immediate prospects but also positions them for sustained success in the competitive Western Conference.
5. The Spurs Can Use Brook Lopez’s Experience
Spurs receive: Brook Lopez
Bucks receive: Zach Collins, Blake Wesley, 2028 first-round pick
Brook Lopez would be an excellent addition to the Spurs, providing much-needed veteran presence and defensive prowess. In the past season, Lopez averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and an impressive 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc. His experience and shot-blocking ability would complement Victor Wembanyama perfectly, with Wemby moving to the power forward position and Lopez anchoring the center spot.
The Bucks are reportedly open to reshaping their roster and have been gauging Lopez’s market value. Lopez, who will earn $23 million in the final year of his contract, has attracted interest from several teams, including the Spurs, who are keen to bolster their frontcourt with his skills and leadership.
Pairing Lopez with Wembanyama would create a formidable defensive duo, capable of protecting the rim and defending multiple positions. Offensively, Lopez’s ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting would open up space for Wembanyama and Chris Paul to operate, enhancing the team’s overall scoring potential.
This trade package, involving Zach Collins, Blake Wesley, and a 2028 first-round pick, offers the Bucks valuable assets for their future while providing the Spurs with a seasoned veteran to help guide their young core. With Lopez’s addition, the Spurs could make a significant push towards becoming playoff contenders in the competitive Western Conference.
