Chris Paul’s deal with the Spurs is for just one season, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll remain with the team for the duration of that contract. At 39 years old, it’s conceivable that Paul might seek another opportunity to win a championship if it arises. Should he prove his value in San Antonio before the trade deadline, teams may express interest in acquiring him. However, that’s not the only factor at play.
The Spurs might find themselves in a scenario where Stephon Castle is excelling as the primary ball-handler, or the team is exceeding expectations as a whole. Such developments could prompt the Spurs to make moves to strengthen the roster for the second half of the season. Additionally, there are several players around the league with uncertain futures, many of whom will become unrestricted free agents next offseason, except for one.
Trae Young
Despite some fans being skeptical, the possibility of acquiring Trae Young remains a viable option. With three years left on his contract and no year exceeding $50 million, the Spurs have the financial flexibility to pursue him. San Antonio doesn’t have any high-priced contracts on their salary cap.
Young offers elite playmaking, having averaged 10 assists per game three times in his career. He also brings much-needed shooting and adds a competitive edge that aligns with the growing intensity in the Spurs’ roster. Jeremy Sochan and Victor Wembanyama have demonstrated similar aggressiveness in their play, contributing to the team’s energetic attitude. Adding Young could further enhance this dynamic.
Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons is one of the NBA’s most polarizing players, partly due to his extended absence from the court. His career has been quite unusual—drafted first overall, winning Rookie of the Year, and drawing comparisons to LeBron James. Despite being a three-time All-Star, Simmons, now 28, has struggled with injuries in recent years.
He’ll always be linked to the playoff debacle against Atlanta during his time with the 76ers, but this could set the stage for a compelling redemption story. Simmons’ agent asserts that he is “100 percent of himself ready to go.” If true, fans might see the LSU product return to his elite defensive form. Standing at 6’10”, Simmons has exceptional court vision and was named to the NBA All-Defense team twice. Although he struggles with shooting, he could still offer value.
Simmons is set to earn $40 million this season, the final year of his contract. If he fits well with the Spurs, they could potentially re-sign him to a more manageable deal. If not, they would clear significant cap space by letting him go, positioning themselves well for the 2025 offseason. In either scenario, the risk is relatively low.
Lonzo Ball
The Chicago Bulls acquired Josh Giddey this offseason, positioning him as their future point guard. As a result, they might be open to trading Lonzo Ball for the right offer. Given that San Antonio has the financial flexibility to take on such a deal, they could explore this opportunity.
Lonzo Ball’s situation mirrors the reasoning for considering Ben Simmons. He’s struggled with injuries for years, but he’s now optimistic about moving past that period. Recently, Ball has been increasing his basketball activities, including participating in 5-on-5 sessions and showing promising performance. Known for his elite passing, strong defensive instincts, and improved three-point shooting—he shot 42% from beyond the arc before his injury three years ago—Ball could be a valuable addition.
This would be another low-risk move for the Spurs, as Ball is in the final year of his contract, similar to the Simmons scenario. If Ball is truly healthy, he could fit well alongside Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama. The team could benefit from enhanced defensive versatility, potentially disrupting opponents across the league.
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