The San Antonio Spurs are somehow in the hunt to make the playoffs in Victor Wembanyama’s second season in the NBA. The superstar Frenchman is averaging 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.9 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 47.7% from the field and 35.6% from three. The Spurs have managed to surround him with some nice pieces including Devin Vassell (16.1 PPG) and even veterans such as Chris Paul (9.7 PPG, 8.4 APG), but they shouldn’t stop building the team there.
The Spurs, holding a 15-14 record, are not far away from becoming a consistent playoff team which is why they should prioritize the right players to push them on both ends of the court. Ranking 14th in offensive rating and 15th in defensive rating, they are a middle-of-the-pack team but could become a legitimate playoff threat rather than a first-round exit by targeting a selection of players we have split into categories: Priority, Secondary, Avoid, and Alternative.
Priority Target: De’Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox is the perfect target for the San Antonio Spurs to pair with Victor Wembanyama, which is why they are currently monitoring the point guard’s situation in Sacramento. Fox is one of the fastest players in the league, capable of breaking down defenses and creating open shots for teammates. With averages of 26.2 PPG, 6.2 APG, and 1.6 SPG while shooting 48.3% from the field, Fox is an offensive dynamo who would instantly elevate San Antonio’s offense, currently ranked 14th in the league.
What sets Fox apart is his ability to thrive in the clutch. He led the NBA in clutch scoring two seasons ago (winning Clutch Player of the Year) and has maintained his reputation as a closer. Pairing this kind of late-game reliability with Wembanyama’s dominance on both ends would make the Spurs a legitimate threat against any opponent.
Fox’s speed and playmaking would also amplify Devin Vassell’s catch-and-shoot game and create easy scoring opportunities for Wembanyama in transition and pick-and-roll scenarios. Defensively, Fox is no liability. While he isn’t a lockdown defender, his quick hands and ability to pressure opposing guards add value on that end of the floor.
For the Spurs, Fox is the kind of all-around talent who could transform their identity from a promising young team into a playoff-caliber squad with a clear direction. A potential trade package would likely include a mix of young players such as Keldon Johnson and possibly Jeremy Sochan along with multiple first-round picks.
Secondary Targets: Trae Young, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga
Trae Young brings elite offensive playmaking, averaging 21.8 PPG and 12.0 APG, making him a potential offensive partner for Wembanyama. Young’s ability to create shots for himself and others would alleviate pressure on the youngster and keep defenses honest.
However, his defensive liabilities and penchant for high-turnover games make him slightly less ideal than De’Aaron Fox. His fit would depend on the Spurs’ willingness to overhaul their roster to accommodate his ball-dominant style, but we have explored a potential trade idea earlier in the year and what a package could look like.
Jimmy Butler, on the other hand, offers a two-way presence that could fast-track the Spurs’ playoff aspirations. Currently swamped in trade rumors with many claiming a trade is inevitable, Butler would bring the veteran leadership needed to guide a young team. While his scoring (18.4 PPG) and playmaking (4.8 APG) would benefit the Spurs, his age (35) and tendency to conserve energy during the regular season make him a short-term solution rather than a long-term fit alongside Wembanyama.
Jonathan Kuminga is a more intriguing option for San Antonio and there could be a deal on the table that the Warriors might not refuse. At just 22 years old, Kuminga has shown flashes of elite potential, averaging 15.5 PPG and 4.5 RPG in limited minutes. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to thrive in transition make him a natural fit alongside Wembanyama. He could grow with the Spurs’ young core, and his acquisition wouldn’t require sacrificing long-term flexibility.
Must Avoid: Zach LaVine, Kyle Kuzma, Walker Kessler
Zach LaVine may have the scoring chops (21.7 PPG), but his ball-dominant tendencies and lackluster defense make him an awkward fit alongside Wembanyama. San Antonio is building a team that thrives on cohesion, defensive intensity, and maximizing Wembanyama’s impact on both ends. LaVine’s inefficient shot selection and inability to elevate teammates don’t align with the Spurs’ philosophy or long-term plans.
Kyle Kuzma, while a solid scorer and rebounder (15.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG), offers little in the way of defensive consistency or playmaking. His high usage rate wouldn’t complement Wembanyama or fit seamlessly into San Antonio’s team-oriented approach. Kuzma’s contract ($21,477,272 and $19,431,819 over the next two seasons) also makes him a questionable investment for a team still developing its core.
Walker Kessler, despite being an elite rim protector (2.9 BPG), overlaps too much with Wembanyama in skill set and positional role. Adding Kessler would clog the paint and limit Wembanyama’s offensive opportunities as a versatile big. The Spurs need complementary talent, not redundancy, making Kessler an unnecessary acquisition.
Alternative Target: Brandon Ingram
Brandon Ingram is a fascinating alternative for the Spurs, offering scoring and playmaking at a high level and we have seen what a package for him could look like. Ingram’s averages of 22.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 5.2 APG show his ability to fill multiple roles. His length and mid-range prowess would complement Wembanyama’s floor-stretching capabilities, creating a dynamic inside-out duo that could dismantle defenses.
The concern with Ingram lies in his impending free agency. Trading for him would likely cost the Spurs valuable assets, and there’s no guarantee he would re-sign in San Antonio. However, if the Spurs can secure a long-term commitment, Ingram’s ability to take over games offensively and provide secondary playmaking makes him a gamble worth considering.
At 27 years old, Ingram fits the timeline of Wembanyama and the Spurs’ young core. He wouldn’t overshadow their rising superstar but instead create a balanced partnership that could contend for years to come. While not the top priority, Ingram is a viable Plan B if the Spurs strike out on their primary targets.
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