The San Antonio Spurs have made it clear that they are all-in on Victor Wembanyama, but to add another perfect co-star, the Spurs might have to part ways with some fan favorites.
The San Antonio Spurs, according to reports, have no interest in breaking the bank for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, they would rather evaluate the talent they have, see how far Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox can go in the playoffs, and reassess their needs in the offseason.
On top of that, long-term financial flexibility seems to be a priority, especially as the Spurs prepare to extend Wembanyama and Stephon Castle in the coming offseasons.
However, the Spurs have plenty of assets they could move before the February 5th trade deadline to add win-now talent at positions of need. As Harrison Barnes resees, adding a proven power forward should be a priority, and the Spurs have the means to land a four-time All-Star.
Pascal Siakam Named As Spurs' Trade Target
Barnes has been moved to the bench, Jeremy Sochan is on the trade block, and even though he wouldn't come cheap, Pascal Siakam could be the perfect addition to the young Spurs.
Fadeaway World's Fran Leiva proposed the following deal:
- San Antonio Spurs Receive: Pascal Siakam
- Indiana Pacers Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2026 first-round (pick swap), 2029 first-round pick (lottery protected), 2032 first-round pick, 2032 second-round pick
That 2026 pick would be the most favorable of Atlanta's or San Antonio's, the 2029 pick would be San Antonio's own and would certainly convey as long as Wembanyama is healthy, and both 2032 picks are also the Spurs' own.
Losing the team's best shooter in Vassell and a key veteran in Johnson would hurt, especially as Johnson embraces a bench role, but to add Siakam? There's an argument to be made that it would be well worth it.
"Pascal Siakam is exactly the kind of forward who makes the Spurs’ offense feel unfair in a seven-game series," Leiva wrote. "He’s at 23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, shooting 48.3% from the field, and he’s still the same matchup nightmare who can score without needing a perfect possession."
Losing the Hawks' pick in 2026 would also be a major loss, but to add Siakam, who is under contract for two more seasons, the Spurs would have to make a substantial offer. Keep in mind, the Indiana Pacers are bad this year, but once Tyrese Haliburton returns, they will be aiming to make the Finals again.
That's why the Spurs can't offer the expiring contracts of Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk. Haliburton is 25, the Pacers are ready to win, and Vassell and Johnson fit their timeline.
Would a lineup of Fox, Castle, Wembanyama, Siakam, and Julian Champagnie be one of the best in the NBA? Yup, and Barnes, Dylan Harper, and Luke Kornet coming off the bench give the Spurs depth even after the trade. If San Antonio could swap out either Johnson or Vassell for Barnes, this trade is a slam-dunk for the Spurs, and they keep some assets to use later.
For now, however, the Spurs seem content to see how their current roster can perform, and only small midseason deals are expected.