Less than two months into the NBA season, trade rumors are starting to circulate, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a potential player in the market. The latest buzz involves the team considering a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. While this acquisition may seem ambitious, the Spurs are under pressure to make a significant move to accelerate their rebuilding process.
The Western Conference is shaping up to be exceptionally competitive, particularly with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder posting one of the best starts in NBA history. If the Spurs can secure a top-four seed, they may find themselves facing the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, a daunting prospect unless they can elevate their performance once fully healthy or through a strategic trade.
Currently, it appears unlikely that the Spurs will acquire marquee names like Antetokounmpo or Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen. Instead, the team’s front office is likely to target high-level rotation players to address specific weaknesses. One critical issue that has plagued the Spurs thus far is their inability to defend the perimeter effectively. Both Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have struggled to contain opposing shooters, resulting in a high opponent three-point shooting percentage of 38.3%, ranking third-worst in the league. This deficiency mitigates the team’s strong interior defense, making it essential for them to tighten their perimeter game.
The Spurs’ defensive strategy must evolve, especially with Wembanyama—standing at 7’5″ with an 8-foot wingspan—capable of protecting the rim without assistance. A potential trade target that could help shore up this critical aspect is New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones. Known for his defensive prowess, Jones has previously been named to an All-Defensive First Team, although his recent performance has not matched that level. Having missed a significant portion of the previous season and starting this season slowly, Jones may soon find himself on the trade block as the Pelicans consider a rebuild.
The Spurs might need to part ways with promising young forward Jeremy Sochan and potentially a first-round pick or two to acquire Jones. However, this trade could significantly enhance their defense, a pillar for any team looking to make a deep playoff run. A top-three defense could be instrumental in the Spurs’ ability to compete.
While Sochan has displayed defensive talent, his shooting limitations hinder his minutes on the floor. In contrast, Jones boasts a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 36.3%, excelling particularly at corner threes. Pairing him with Wembanyama, who draws double or triple teams, and De’Aaron Fox, who effectively breaks down defenses, could provide the Spurs with the shooting threat they need.
As the team continues to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses over the next couple of months while nearing full strength, a prudent approach may be to focus on enhancing perimeter defense and securing another scoring option. If the opportunity arises, Jones could be the player who fits their needs—unless a more enticing or less costly option materializes before the February trade deadline.
