A blockbuster trade pitch sees the San Antonio Spurs bringing in an All-Defensive wing to help jump-start the team's playoff push.
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San Antonio hasn't made the playoffs since the 2018-19 season, but now armed with All-Star center Victor Wembanyama, All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox, reigning Rookie of the Year guard Stephon Castle, and rookie No. 2 draft pick Dylan Harper, the team — under new head coach Mitch Johnson (who was promoted from an interim role last season while filling in for Gregg Popovich) — may be angling for a play-in tournament bid at the very least.
Granted, the 7-foot-3 (yeah, right) Wembanyama played just 46 games last year while dealing with a blood clot, and has the kind of frame and height that could make him a long-term injury risk.
Now, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report submits that San Antonio could figure out a way to bring in some veteran help along the wing.
While the Spurs may have the young prospects, contracts, and future draft equity that could help them net a disgruntled All-Star a la Fox last year, Swartz advocates for San Antonio to bring in All-Defensive Minnesota Timberwolves combo forward Jaden McDaniels.
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"Jaden McDaniels is a more reasonable target; a young, three-and-D forward to plug in between players like Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox," Swartz writes.
While playing (and starting) all 82 games for the 49-33 Timberwolves last season, McDaniels averaged 12.2 points on .477/.330/.813 shooting splits, 5.7 boards, 2.0 dimes, 1.3 swipes and 0.9 blocks a night.
This spring, Minnesota advanced to its second straight Western Conference Finals, with McDaniels' two-way play serving as a critical component of that journey.
San Antonio currently has a surfeit of talented, ball-dominant guards. Perhaps ditching some of the club's backcourt depth in favor of a switchy, 6-foot-8 forward could be just what the doctor ordered in the loaded West.
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