The San Antonio Spurs put the league on notice in December when they took down the defending champs three times in the matter of 12 days. A stretch that shot the young team atop the NBA's power rankings.
With such a young team overperforming this early in the season, questions start to loom about whether or not they could find the last piece to contend at the trade deadline.
ESPN looked at every contender's biggest needs a month before the deadline, and even suggested players the teams could target. When it came to San Antonio, one of last season's Rookie of the Year candidates arose as a piece that would bolster the Victor Wembanyama-led roster.
Spurs' biggest need
"San Antonio won't be looking to make a splash at the trade deadline like last season, when the club acquired point guard De'Aaron Fox," Michael C. Wright wrote. "Instead, look for the Spurs to try to add impact players around the margins. The Spurs rank 17th in 3-point percentage at 35.5%, and over their last three games of 2025, which included losses to Cleveland and Utah, the team shot just 27.4% from range.
"Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie are San Antonio's best long-range shooters, but the Spurs could use another off the bench."
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Who should San Antonio target?
"Scratch Giannis Antetokounmpo off the list because, to date, San Antonio hasn't held any conversations with the Bucks regarding the veteran forward," Kevin Pelton added. "The Spurs have assets to make major trades, but general manager Brian Wright and the rest of the front office are mindful of this young team's growing chemistry and just how easily it can be disrupted. If anything, San Antonio will be looking to add depth.
"Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells would fit as a young perimeter defender who adds solid shooting."
San Antonio is 25-10 and sits comfortably at the second seed in the West with three wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the season. Is any move worth it?
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