Less than a week separates us from the NBA trade deadline, and the San Antonio Spurs are all but guaranteed to make a trade. Particularly after news that Jeremy Sochan and his agent are exploring trade options.
Assuming that San Antonio doesn't get much in return for Sochan, that would be a disappointing trade deadline. However, they may very well make another deal. One that excludes him and one that could bolster their roster and dramatically improve their championship odds.
Let's take a look at three potential trades the Spurs can make that don't include Sochan
Spurs land Michael Porter Jr. from the Nets in mock trade
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Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is having a career year, averaging 26 points while shooting 39.4% on 9.4 3-point attempts per game. Nevertheless, many Spurs fans will likely groan at the prospect of the team trading for him.
His weird reputation and injury history are big turn-offs. Still, there's no denying that he could be a perfect offensive fit for a team that has had trouble putting the ball in the basket since December.
Recently, Nate Duncan, [of the Dunk'd On podcast](https://open.spotify.com/episode/32DkRa1AQV3zKavEBrsB4V), floated an [interesting trade proposal](airalamo.com/spurs-linked-elite-trade-target-would-instantly-divide-fans). The trade would see the Spurs trade Harrison Barnes, Sochan, and Kelly Olynyk plus the Atlanta Hawks' first for Porter Jr.
Of course, in keeping with a theme of the article, the Spurs could swap Sochan out for Jordan McLaughlin. If that deal were to happen, the Spurs would get a major upgrade at power forward. Porter Jr. has broken out and is showing that he is among the best movement shooters in the NBA.
Considering that he was once seen as a negative asset, the Nets getting expiring contracts and a likely lottery pick might be enough for them to part with Porter Jr. at the deadline.
Spurs trade for Bobby Portis Jr. in proposed deal
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If the Spurs have a potential flaw, it appears to be at power forward. The rapidly declining play of Barnes has raised question marks about their depth at that position.
Particularly with Sochan failing to pan out. If Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is ultimately traded ahead of the deadline, then Spurs fans should hope that fellow Buck Bobby Porter Jr. does too.
He is having one of the best shooting seasons of his career, drilling 45.2% of his threes, and remains one of the better second-unit scorers in the NBA.
If the Spurs can trade Olynyk and a future first-round pick for Portis Jr., then they could solve their shooting woes and problems at power forward.
Spurs add Trey Murphy III in potential Pelicans trade
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Despite possibly being off the trade block, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III remains an intriguing possibility. He is a high-volume 3-point shooter and 20-point-per-game scorer who can also defend his position.
That adds up to being a top trade target for contenders. The problem is that the Pelicans want three firsts for him. No thanks. Not for that price. But, if the Pelicans were to value quality over quantity, then the Spurs could offer them two possible lottery picks.
The Atlanta Hawks' pick swap in this year's draft could end up being a lottery selection. San Antonio could also offer up a 2031 pick swap courtesy of the Sacramento Kings, giving the Pelicans possibly two lottery picks.
The Spurs can also offer the expiring contracts of Olynky and Barnes, helping the Pels shed salary as they look to retool their roster.
Of the aforementioned trades, Porter Jr. is the most intriguing. But perhaps the most realistic one is a deal for Portis Jr. Let's hope San Antonio can make a big trade ahead of the deadline.