Despite their most recent loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the San Antonio Spurs are generally sustaining success even without Victor Wembanayma. For the most part, they have played like a playoff team, although once Wemby returns, their ceiling suddenly becomes sky-high. Or at least seven feet, three inches.

In an effort to bolster their roster for long-term success, the Spurs have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Should he demand a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, the Spurs seem like a prime landing spot.

The Spurs and their fans seemingly have no interest in parting ways with young guards Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle. If they are truly off the table, the Spurs likely won't be able to drive a hard enough bargain to land the Greek Freak.

Here are three win-now players they could target instead, provided they want to make a splashy trade before the deadline.

Lauri Markkanen

In recent years, perhaps no one is a more frequent trade candiudate than Lauri Markkanen. He is an increadibly talented offensive player who can space the floor better than Giannis, althouigh his defense is not nealry as elite.

No worries, as Wembanyama can make up for anby shortcomings.

Averaging 27.6 points on solid shooting numbers, Markkanen simply doesn't fit with the Utah Jazz's timeline. He has long been included in mock trades, although the contract he signed last season limits possible suitors.

The Spurs woould have to get creative, although his fit in the olineup is apparent, and the Spurs might be able to convince Danny Ainge to take drfat picks instead of young talent, appeasing both the fanbase and the front office.

Keon Ellis

The Sacramento Kings should tear it all down and rebuild. If they finally do, don't expect the Spurs to be the first team they call. 

Ellis is on the last season of his contract and should expect a sizeable payday in free agency. This might be more of a rental than anything, but he would fit in very well with the Spurs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

With the arrival of Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook, Ellis' role has depreciated a bit with the Kings. Last season, however, he averaged 8.3 points and shot 43.3% from deep while being one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

Would he be a starter with the Spurs? Probably not, but for the price of a single draft pick, the Spurs could have a four-man guard rotation of De'Aaron Fox, Ellis, Harper, and Castle.

That foursome should be able to space the floor, facilitate, and defend all at a high level.

Anyone From the New Orleans Pelicans

Trey Murphy III? Sure! Herbert Jones? Why not? Zion Williamson? Maybe, if he comes cheap.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in a free fall, and that comes after they traded away their 2026 draft pick. The Pelicans would do nearly anything to get their hands on a selection, and the Spurs can offer them picks both now and in the future.

Rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen are off to solid starts. New Orleans should go all-in on those two, giving up their current core for a future-driven package. Both Jones and Murphy III won't come cheap, but if the price tag attached to Giannis is too steep, the Spurs could make a very real offer to their in-division rivals, instead.