The San Antonio Spurs are far from contenders in year one with Victor Wembanyama. They are at the bottom of the Western Conference and headed toward the top of the lottery again. Wemby is a future superstar, but the Spurs entered the season with the youngest roster in the league it has shown. Wemby wants some veterans, and the Spurs should try to make that a reality next season.
San Antonio traded their only player over 30 years old at the deadline. They got back Marcus Morris, but he was waived, which will leave Cedi Osman as their most experienced player with six years in the NBA.
The Spurs were quiet at the deadline, but there will be plenty of veterans available this offseason. Who can the Spurs land? Players will want to team with Wemby, and San Antonio should start recruiting these talents now.
14. P.J. Tucker
Tucker has been a strong 3-and-D forward for more than a decade in the NBA, but little has gone right this season. He was in the 76ers rotation before being traded to the Clippers just three games into the season in the James Harden deal. The 38-year-old got a shot in LA but has not played since Nov. 27.
Tucker is healthy but out of the rotation. He wants to play but is avoiding a buyout to collect his $11.5 million player option this summer. The Clippers have no plans to use him and will be eager to offload his contract in the next transaction cycle.
Tucker’s offensive woes are well-documented, but his team is on pace to make the playoffs for the eighth straight year. The undersized forward brings toughness and a veteran presence to any team, which is exactly what the San Antonio Spurs need. He is a strong fit if they want an end-of-the-bench option, but the Spurs will have plenty of others.
13. Evan Fournier
Fournier has struggled to get minutes since 2022. He appeared in just three games before being traded to the Pistons at the deadline in the Bogdan Bogdanovic deal. The 31-year-old was a key rotation piece for the Nuggets, Magic, Celtics, and Knicks before falling into head coach Tom Thibodeau’s doghouse.
Fournier has still shined on the French National Team and knows Victor Wembanyama well. The 6’6 wing could come to San Antonio and help the Spurs. He could be a key voice in the locker room and play a role on the court. Fournier still has plenty left in the tank, but he must find the right situation.
The 31-year-old is a career 37.8 percent 3-point shooter who plays stout defense and can score. Fans should not expect too much, but he would help Wemby get to his spots and make the teenager even better.
Evan Fournier will be a free agent this summer and looking for a place where he can get minutes. Victor Wembanyama would welcome him to San Antonio, and the Spurs need veterans to help their young talent reach their ceilings. Fournier is no stranger to being a leader and could be a fantastic fit in the Alamo.
12. Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk is a 6’11 big man with a unique skill set. The 32-year-old is in his 11th NBA season and on his sixth team. He is a plus shooter and playmaker capable of playing as a stretch four or acting as an offensive hub at the five. Olynyk is a career 37.0 percent 3-point shooter, and the soon-to-be free agent figures to draw plenty of interest on the opening market.
He was traded from Utah to the Raptors at the deadline, and Toronto is rumored to be interested in re-signing him. Several teams will want him on their team because of his skills and ability to play several roles. Olynyk fits on any franchise and his versatility improves any roster.
The 6’11 big man has 48 games of playoff experience, but has started just two contests. He could play next to Victor Wembanyama or back him up. Head coach Gregg Popovich would maximize his production and get the most out of the veteran.
The 32-year-old has spent the last three-plus seasons on a rebuilding team. He is comfortable being a veteran leader on a struggling team or making an impact on a playoff squad. The San Antonio Spurs want to jump back into contention quickly, and Kelly Olynyk could be a fantastic bridge between the eras.
11. Jae Crowder
Crowder has been a key piece on a playoff team for a decade straight. The Bucks will make it 11 years when they clinch their place in 2024. The 6’6 forward offers defense, versatility, and floor spacing. He can play several different roles and always makes an impact on the game.
The 33-year-old can guard multiple positions and improves the versatility of any lineup. Victor Wembanyama is quickly becoming the best defensive anchor in the league, so adding a veteran forward to play lockdown defense at the three or four would do wonders in improving their D.
The veteran has played in 111 playoff games, including two NBA Finals, but is still searching for his first championship. He took the veteran minimum to play for the Bucks this season. Crowder wants his first ring and will be eager to chase it when he signs with a team this summer.
Can the Spurs improve their roster enough to get into contention? They have a ton of draft capital and young talent. San Antonio wants to build things slowly and put a long-term title challenger around Victor Wembanyama. They need veterans to take the next step, and Crowder would be an intriguing option. Convincing him to sign in the Alamo will be difficult, but the Spurs should shoot their shot.
10. Kyle Anderson
The Spurs drafted Anderson with the final pick in the first round in 2014. He spent four years in San Antonio before leaving for the Grizzlies in free agency in 2018. Anderson broke out in his final season in the Alamo where he averaged a career-high 1.6 steals per game.
The 6’9 forward is comfortable starting or coming off the bench. Slo Mo can play multiple roles and makes an impact on both ends of the floor.
The 30-year-old is having a bit of a down season with the Timberwolves, but Minnesota is near the top of the Western Conference standings. The Wolves spending becomes an issue this summer as Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns get significant raises. Minnesota has $175.7 million committed in salaries without Mike Conley or Anderson under contract. They need a starting point guard, which could have Slo Mo looking for a new home on the open market.
The San Antonio Spurs would love to bring the veteran forward back. His playmaking and defense would be amplified under head coach Gregg Popovich. Anderson would welcome a return (subscription required), but it will likely come down to what franchise offers the largest contract in free agency.
9. Spencer Dinwiddie
Dinwiddie has bounced around in recent years and is about to suit up for his fourth team in the last three seasons. The 6’5 guard was traded from Brooklyn to the Raptors at the deadline but was quickly bought out. He decided to join the Lakers in free agency but will hit the open market again this summer. Los Angeles will not have his Bird Rights meaning he will likely head to another franchise.
The Spurs desperately need a point guard, and Dinwiddie is comfortable starting or being the sixth man. He helped the Mavericks reach the conference finals in 2022 primarily acting as their first guard off the bench. Dinwiddie is a plus scorer and playmaker capable of getting buckets and running an offense.
The 30-year-old is in his tenth NBA season and has made the most of several situations. He has played his way off a few teams, so fit is crucial. Can he adapt to the Spurs way? Gregg Popovich may be able to get the most out of his defense, and Dinwiddie would help San Antonio win games.
Spencer Dinwiddie will be looking for a significant contract in free agency this summer. Are the Spurs willing to pay him as their starting point guard for the next three or four years? It seems unlikely, but the veteran guard could be the top available option.
8. Malcolm Brogdon
The reigning Sixth Man of the Year was traded to Portland just before the start of the regular season and many thought the rebuilding Blazers would send him packing before the deadline. They held onto Brogdon because they valued his playmaking, floor spacing, and leadership. The young Blazers need veterans just like the Spurs, but Brogdon will be on a $22.5 million expiring contract next season.
Portland must extend or trade him if they want to get value in return for the veteran. He is best as a sixth man and has made an impact on four different franchises. Brogdon’s numbers are up, but he has primarily been a starter on the Trail Blazers.
The Spurs need ball-handling and playmaking. Malcolm Brogdon would give them an offensive boost and could play several different roles. He may start or come off the bench. Brogdon can make an impact on the floor and as a leader, which is exactly what San Antonio needs on their roster.
The Spurs would have to trade for the 31-year-old guard. His injury history would be a concern, but San Antonio could likely get him for a couple of second-round draft picks. It would be a cheap price for an impactful veteran at a position of need.
7. Kyle Lowry
How much does Lowry have left in the tank? The six-time All-Star is past his prime, but he was still averaging 8.2 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 28.0 minutes per game over 37 contests with the Heat before getting traded to Charlotte. The 37-year-old never played with the Hornets before being bought out, and he returned home to Philadelphia to join the 76ers.
Lowry lead the Raptors to the championship in 2019. He has to decide how he wants to end his career. The veteran point guard will be a free agent this summer. Does he want to sign with a contender and chase another ring? Lowry could decide to stay in Philly and try to help his hometown franchise. Maybe his desire to make the most money in his remaining years.
Lowry has been a strong leader for years. He knows how to make plays, run an offense, get buckets, space the floor, and play defense. There has been slippage, but he played 26.0 minutes per game in the playoffs last season for the Heat as the franchise reached the NBA Finals. He can still make an on-court impact along with offering a veteran presence and leadership in the locker room.
Kyle Lowry will have his pick of teams this summer. Does he choose Gregg Popovich, Victor Wembanyama, and the San Antonio Spurs? The franchise should be recruiting him now.
6. Chris Paul
CP3 is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best point guards in NBA history. He has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, but the 12-time All-Star was part of the league’s 75th anniversary team. The 38-year-old is still a fantastic playmaker capable of helping any roster.
Paul came off the bench for the first time this season in Golden State, but he will likely become a free agent this summer. He has a $30 million non-guaranteed contract for next season. The Warriors would have to pay significantly more in luxury tax penalties if they keep him on their roster. The most likely move is to make CP3 a free agent or trade him to a team eager for his services.
Paul would certainly get Victor Wembanyama open looks and make his life easier. The veteran point guard is a leader with an elite basketball IQ. CP3 gets the most out of big men, and Wemby is on pace to be one of the league’s best players in his prime. Having a point guard like Paul would speed up that process.
Chris Paul figures to be available and would check a lot of boxes for the San Antonio Spurs. He is likely best coming off the bench and playing a smaller role at his age. Still, CP3 would be impactful on the Spurs and could help all of their young talent take the next step.
5. Mike Conley
Conley had a massive impact on a young Timberwolves squad after arriving at the 2022 trade deadline. They also have a dominant defensive big man. The veteran point guard can organize the offense and get the team a quality look. That is massive late in close games and something Minnesota lacked.
The Spurs need a ball-handler and playmaker for the same reasons. Victor Wembanyama and the rest of their young core will pop even more with a veteran running the offense. Fred VanVleet has had a similar impact on the Rockets this season. Having someone who knows what they are doing leading the show is crucial.
Getting a veteran point guard should be high on the offseason priority list for San Antonio. Conley will be a free agent. Minnesota will want him back, but the Timberwolves cap concerns could make them easy to outbid if the Spurs believe he is the best available option.
Mike Conley is still chasing his first championship, so joining or staying on a contender may be his top priority. San Antonio could sell him on Wemby’s potential, and Conley’s ability to help him blossom into a superstar. It may not be an easy sale, but the Spurs should try as the 36-year-old could quickly help them climb the standings.
4. Tobias Harris
Harris is in the final year of his contract, and the 76ers are preserving cap space this summer. Philadelphia may look to add a third star, but doing so would mean letting go of multiple players’ Bird Rights, including the 6’8 forward. Harris can get buckets, rebound, make plays, and space the floor. He is adaptable to whatever role his team needs and figures to draw plenty of interest on the open market.
Harris is averaging 17.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steal in 34.0 minutes per game for the Sixers this season. He is shooting over 50 percent from the field and 89.6 percent on his free throw. The 31-year-old is in his 13th NBA season, but the veteran is still improving his game.
The Spurs would love to have a stretch four playing next to Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt. The 7’4 rookie will protect the rim and patrol the paint. Harris could grab boards and create space for the offense to operate. San Antonio would need a point guard, but Harris improves their odds of winning and gives them a veteran capable of getting buckets on any team.
Tobias Harris would be a strong addition but below All-Star level. If the San Antonio Spurs want a star, they could look to bring back a skilled forward.
3. DeMar DeRozan
He ended up in San Antonio in the Kawhi Leonard swap. DeRozan was already a four-time All-Star and elite scorer. He helped the Raptors make the playoffs five straight years and was a key part of that era.
Things changed with the Spurs. DeRozan was on a rebuilding team, so his strong stats did not translate to All-Star appearances or accolades. He remained an elite scorer, and San Antonio traded him for a first-round draft pick and two second-rounders in 2021. DeRozan ended up in Chicago but will be a free agent after this season.
He has had extension talks with the Bulls, but no deal was reached. The 34-year-old is looking for another massive payday. Does his current team offer it? If not, DeRozan would be free to sign with any team, and a reunion with the Spurs cannot be ruled out.
He may not be the perfect fit, but having a 6’6 forward capable of scoring 20 points and dishing out six dimes every night is a plus. DeMar DeRozan does his best work in the mid-range, which could clog the floor a bit. Still, adding an elite scorer next to Victor Wembanyama makes the Spurs better.
San Antonio could decide an elite shooter is the superior fit, and there figures to be a former All-Star available if the Spurs can convince him to leave the Bay Area.
2. Klay Thompson
It is unfathomable to think about Klay wearing a different uniform or sharing the backcourt with someone other than Stephen Curry. The Splash Brothers have won four championships together and created a dynasty in the Bay Area. The Warriors do not reach those heights without Thompson, but the end may be near.
Golden State is coming on, but they are still tenth in the Western Conference. If they get bounced in the Play-In Tournament changes must be made. They cannot keep paying a massive luxury bill for a non-contending roster. It could mean a lot of things, including the end of Thompson’s time with the Dubs. The two sides failed to work out an extension, so one of the all-time great shooters is headed for free agency this summer.
Klay wants to stay in Golden State, but the 34-year-old is declining. He is still scoring 16.9 points per game and shooting over 37 percent from 3-point range, but his defense has dropped out. The Warriors are not using him in their closing lineup as the young talent on their roster is taking over.
Klay Thompson could decide to finish his career next to an all-time big man in San Antonio. He would certainly nail open looks created by Victor Wembanyama drawing the defense. The Spurs’ spacing would improve significantly, and Wemby could clean up any defense issues Thompson has.
1. Paul George
PG-13 is still one of the best two-way players in the NBA. He is on the All-Star team for the ninth time. George earned it by averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 33.8 minutes per game this season while shooting 40.0 percent from 3-point range. His games played have been problematic in recent years, but George is healthy and ready for another max contract.
The 33-year-old is on an expiring deal and has yet to work out an extension with the Clippers. LA may have a decision to make. They already re-signed Kawhi, but bringing back George and James Harden would have them paying a massive tax bill and keep them in the second tax apron for the foreseeable future. Owner Steve Ballmer has deep pockets, but their roster building would be impacted too.
If George hits the open market, there will be a bidding war. The San Antonio Spurs should be involved as adding a second star could help them immediately jump back into contention. There is risk with the veteran wing, but teams with franchise players must do that.
Can the Spurs convince Paul George or another star to join them this summer? It is unlikely, but San Antonio will be a destination when their young talent blossoms. Expect the Spurs to add a few veterans this summer as they look to take another step forward, and stay tuned for all the latest.
