10 Best Point Guards For The San Antonio Spurs This Summer

Spurs Receive: Trae Young

Hawks Receive: Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Julian Champagnie, 2025 first-round pick (Raptors), 2025 first-round pick (Hawks)

The San Antonio Spurs are positioning themselves to make a significant leap in the Western Conference with the addition of Victor Wembanyama, a player of generational talent. To maximize his impact, pairing him with a top-tier point guard who can complement his playstyle and enhance the team's dynamics is essential.

Trae Young emerges as the ideal candidate for this role, showcasing a remarkable season where he averaged 28.3 points and 9.7 assists per game while maintaining a shooting efficiency of 45% from the field and 37% from beyond the three-point line.

In the proposed trade, the Spurs would part with Keldon Johnson, who had a solid season himself with an average of 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, and Tre Jones, who contributed with 6.4 points and 4.2 assists per game. The inclusion of Julian Champagnie along with two first-round picks makes this a compelling offer for Atlanta if they decide to rebuild or retool their roster.

Trae Young's scoring prowess and playmaking abilities would provide a dynamic complement to Wembanyama. Young's ability to score from anywhere on the court and his exceptional ball-handling skills would draw significant defensive attention, thereby creating more open spaces for Wembanyama. His adeptness at pulling up from deep and stretching defenses is particularly advantageous in pick-and-roll situations.

This synergy would not only leverage Wembanyama's height and reach for easy baskets but also enhance his effectiveness in the post due to the improved floor spacing. Additionally, Young's impressive season stats, including his nearly double-digit assists average, highlight his capability to facilitate high-scoring games and foster an environment where Wembanyama can thrive.

Adding Young to the roster would not only benefit Wembanyama but would also elevate the entire team's performance. His vision and ability to distribute the ball effectively would maximize the potential of other young talents on the roster, such as Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell, by placing them in better positions to succeed. Moreover, Young's experience in high-stakes games would bring a competitive edge and leadership, fostering a culture of success and resilience within the team.

2. De’Aaron Fox Would Be A Prime Acquisition For The Spurs

Spurs Receive: De'Aaron Fox

Kings Receive: Devonte' Graham, Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie, 2024 first-round pick (Hornets), 2025 first-round pick (Bulls), 2027 first-round pick

Following a disappointing exit from the play-in tournament, the Sacramento Kings might be open to shaking things up, presenting an ideal opportunity for the San Antonio Spurs to leverage their assets for a significant talent upgrade. De'Aaron Fox, with his blazing speed and impressive scoring ability, emerges as a prime target. Last season, Fox dazzled with averages of 26.6 points and 5.6 assists per game, showcasing his ability to lead an offense.

The proposed trade package includes Devonte' Graham, who could offer the Kings some veteran guard presence, and Malaki Branham plus Julian Champagnie, both young talents with potential. The inclusion of multiple first-round picks provides the Kings with valuable assets to either rebuild or retool their roster around other core pieces. For the Spurs, this trade represents a calculated risk to accelerate their rebuild, betting on Fox’s ability to be a game-changer.

Fox’s addition would bring a dynamic presence to the Spurs’ backcourt. His speed and agility make him a formidable threat in transition, an area where the Spurs have looked to improve. More importantly, Fox’s proven scoring and playmaking would complement the Spurs’ young core, providing them with a seasoned leader who is still in his prime. His style of play could also help in maximizing the potential of the Spurs' emerging talents, offering fast-paced and high-energy basketball that excites both fans and teammates alike.

Fox’s leadership and experience, particularly in high-pressure games, would bring a new dimension to the Spurs. His ability to take over games and clutch performances would be invaluable for a team aiming to climb back into playoff contention.

Snagging De’Aaron Fox could significantly shift the Spurs’ trajectory, pairing him with Victor Wembanyama to create a dynamic and formidable core. This duo could not only enhance the Spurs' playoff prospects but also dramatically increase their entertainment value, making San Antonio a must-watch team once again.

3. A Strategic Reunion with Dejounte Murray

Spurs Receive: Dejounte Murray

Hawks Receive: Devonte' Graham, Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie, 2025 first-round pick (Hawks), 2027 first-round pick ( Hawks)

After missing the postseason, the Atlanta Hawks might be considering shaking up their roster, which gives the San Antonio Spurs a great opportunity to bring back Dejounte Murray. The Hawks are at a crossroads, deciding between building around either Murray or Trae Young. With the Spurs keen to solidify their lineup around Victor Wembanyama, reacquiring Murray could be a strategic move.

In the proposed trade, the Spurs would receive Dejounte Murray, while the Hawks would get Devonte' Graham, Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie, and first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 originally belonging to the Hawks. This deal not only gives Atlanta a chance to refresh its roster but also compensates them with future assets to steer their rebuild or retooling efforts.

Murray's 2023-24 season stats—22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game on 46% shooting—illustrate his well-rounded game, making him an ideal pairing with Wembanyama. His defensive acumen could complement Wembanyama's rim protection, potentially forming one of the most formidable defensive duos in the league. Offensively, Murray's ability to create plays and score would relieve Wembanyama of excessive defensive pressure, especially in pick-and-roll situations where both can excel.

Murray’s leadership qualities and prior experience with the Spurs’ system would allow for a smooth integration back into San Antonio’s lineup. His understanding of the Spurs' culture and gameplay would bridge the gap between the new and existing squad members, fostering a cohesive unit. The addition of Murray would enhance the Spurs' offensive dynamics and defensive resilience, crucial for making a stronger push in the playoffs.

Bringing Murray back to San Antonio could redefine the Spurs' trajectory, pairing his proven capabilities with Wembanyama’s unique talents. This would not only elevate the team’s on-court performance but also signal a new era of Spurs basketball centered around defensive strength and strategic playmaking.

4. Darius Garland

Spurs Receive: Darius Garland

Cavaliers Receive: Cedi Osman, Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, 2024 first-round pick (Raptors), 2026 first-round pick (Hawks), 2028 first-round pick

With the San Antonio Spurs keen on building a strong team around Victor Wembanyama, acquiring a talented point guard like Darius Garland could be a significant step forward. As part of a proposed trade, the Spurs would receive Garland, while the Cleveland Cavaliers would receive Cedi Osman, Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, and three first-round picks: a 2024 first from the Raptors, a 2026 first from the Hawks, and a 2028 first. This trade provides Cleveland with a combination of veteran presence, promising young talent, and valuable draft assets to facilitate a rebuild or retooling around other core players.

In the 2023-24 season, Darius Garland showcased his prowess as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, posting impressive averages of 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 46% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His ability to manage the game and execute in critical moments makes him a prime candidate to take on a significant role with the Spurs.

Garland’s fit with Wembanyama could be particularly impactful. His high-level ball-handling and scoring threat from the perimeter would draw defenses out, creating more space inside for Wembanyama to operate. Additionally, Garland’s sharp playmaking skills would see him feeding Wembanyama in positions where the young star can best leverage his size and skill set, especially in pick-and-roll scenarios. This could be a boon for Wembanyama’s development, allowing him to maximize his scoring efficiency with less defensive pressure.

Moreover, Garland’s experience and calm under pressure would add a stabilizing presence to the Spurs' lineup, which is invaluable for a team blending youth with ambition. His leadership on the court could help align the team’s young talents, creating a more cohesive unit focused on long-term success. The proposed trade, by sending out Osman, Jones, and Branham along with the draft picks, balances immediate impact with future potential, allowing the Spurs to make a strong push in the playoffs while maintaining flexibility for future adjustments.

Incorporating Garland into the Spurs system would not only enhance their offensive capabilities but also provide a secondary scoring option that can relieve pressure from Wembanyama, allowing the young phenom to flourish without bearing the full brunt of opposing defenses. Garland's integration could signal a significant shift for the Spurs, propelling them into contention with a balanced and dynamic duo of Garland and Wembanyama.

6. Getting Chris Paul In Free Agency

As the San Antonio Spurs continue to sculpt a young and dynamic team around Victor Wembanyama, the prospect of adding veteran leadership becomes increasingly appealing. With a vast career filled with leadership and playoff experiences, Chris Paul emerges as a prime candidate. With a $30 million non-guaranteed contract coming up in the 2024-25 season with the Golden State Warriors, Paul could become a free agent if the Warriors choose not to guarantee his salary by July, providing an opportunity for the Spurs to sign him for a more cap-friendly amount, likely in the range of $10 to $15 million over two seasons.

In the 2023-24 season, Paul's statistics—9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game over 58 games—reflect a shift in his role, transitioning from a primary scorer to a facilitator and mentor. His ability to manage games and make crucial plays remains sharp, making him an ideal mentor for a team integrating young talents and aiming to establish a culture of competitiveness and high basketball IQ.

The potential addition of Chris Paul would resonate beyond on-court production; his influence would mirror the impactful tenure he had with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he played a pivotal role in developing young players and fostering a competitive environment. For the Spurs, Paul's leadership could be instrumental in honing Wembanyama's skills and composure, particularly in high-stakes situations. His experience could accelerate the young center’s adjustment to the NBA, providing insights into handling pressure, optimizing game strategies, and maintaining fitness over a grueling season.

Signing Chris Paul in free agency would be a strategic move for the Spurs, allowing them to balance their youthful aspirations with the wisdom of one of the game's best minds. This would not only bolster their competitiveness but also ensure that their core of young talents evolves in a structured and disciplined environment, paving the way for sustained success in the NBA.

7. Fred VanVleet Could Elevate The Spurs

Spurs Receive: Fred VanVleet

Rockets Receive: Devonte' Graham, Cedi Osman, Blake Wesley, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick (Thunder)

As the Houston Rockets look to overhaul their roster and financial commitments, shedding Fred VanVleet's hefty max contract, which stands at $42 million annually for the next two years, becomes a strategic move. This season, VanVleet has not performed up to the expectations that typically accompany such a substantial deal, averaging 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds over 73 games. By trading him, Houston acquires expiring contracts in Devonte' Graham and Cedi Osman, along with the promising young talent Blake Wesley, thus clearing a significant amount of salary cap space for 2025.

For the San Antonio Spurs, acquiring VanVleet could address several needs. The Spurs are in a transitional phase, looking to complement their promising young core, including Victor Wembanyama, with seasoned veterans who can bring stability, leadership, and a competitive edge. VanVleet’s experience, particularly his role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship run, would bring a proven winner’s mentality to the team.

VanVleet’s skill set fits well with the Spurs’ requirements. His ability to manage games from the point guard position would relieve some of the playmaking pressure from younger players, allowing them to develop at a more natural pace. His average of 8.1 assists per game highlights his vision and ability to distribute the ball effectively, traits that would be invaluable in maximizing the potential of a player like Wembanyama. Moreover, VanVleet’s gritty defensive play and three-point shooting ability (despite a down year in terms of efficiency) would add depth to the Spurs’ backcourt, enhancing both their perimeter defense and spacing.

Strategically, VanVleet’s arrival in San Antonio would not just be about his on-court contributions. His work ethic, toughness, and playoff experience could instill a stronger competitive culture and help shape the team’s identity around resilience and determination. This cultural shift could be pivotal as the Spurs aim to return to the NBA’s upper echelons.

8. Boosting The Spurs' Backcourt With Coby White

Spurs Receive: Coby White

Bulls Receive: Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, 2025 first-round pick (Bulls)

With the Chicago Bulls finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, the team might be on the brink of a rebuild, making Coby White, a Most Improved Player candidate in 2023-24, an attractive trade piece. White’s impressive season, where he averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over 79 games, showcased his growth into a potent offensive player capable of leading a team’s scoring efforts.

For the Bulls, this trade offers a strategic reset opportunity. Reacquiring their own 2025 first-round pick provides them a chance to capitalize on a potentially higher and more talented draft class compared to this year. Additionally, receiving young talents like Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley inject fresh potential into their roster, aligning with a broader rebuilding strategy.

The acquisition of Coby White would provide the San Antonio Spurs with a versatile guard who has demonstrated significant improvement and potential to be a primary scoring option. White’s ability to handle the ball and create his own shot would relieve some of the offensive pressure from Victor Wembanyama, allowing the young star more freedom to operate without being the sole focus of opposing defenses.

White’s integration into the Spurs could be particularly impactful in diversifying their offensive schemes. His scoring knack, combined with his improved playmaking, makes him an ideal candidate to run either the point or shooting guard positions, offering the Spurs flexibility in backcourt configurations. His shooting range would also be a boon, stretching the floor and providing Wembanyama with more space to maneuver inside.

Moreover, White’s youthful energy and upward trajectory could mesh well with the Spurs' developmental philosophy under Coach Gregg Popovich. His presence could spark additional competitiveness and bring new dynamism to the team, enhancing their play on both ends of the court.

9. Cole Anthony Adds Depth And Potential

Spurs Receive: Cole Anthony

Magic Receive: Blake Wesley, Charles Bassey, 2030 first-round pick (Mavericks)

Cole Anthony, coming off a season where he played primarily off the bench for the Orlando Magic, presents an interesting opportunity for the San Antonio Spurs. With Orlando securing the 5th seed in the playoffs, Anthony's role as a non-essential yet talented player becomes clear. His stats for the 2023-24 season included averages of 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists over 81 games, showing his capability to contribute significantly in a rotational capacity.

For Orlando, trading Anthony makes strategic sense as it allows them to acquire additional assets that could be used for future moves or to bolster their current roster. Receiving Blake Wesley and Charles Bassey gives the Magic two young prospects with potential, while the 2030 first-round pick from the Mavericks adds a valuable long-term asset.

For the Spurs, acquiring Cole Anthony could serve multiple purposes. First, it would add depth to their guard rotation, providing a solid backup who can lead the second unit effectively or a starting caliber guard. Anthony’s ability to score in bursts and handle the ball would offer the Spurs flexibility in managing the minutes of their starters, especially in games that are tightly contested or during back-to-back sets.

Additionally, Anthony’s youthful energy and potential for growth align well with the Spurs' developmental philosophy. Under Coach Gregg Popovich’s tutelage, there's a strong possibility that Anthony could refine his skills and decision-making, which would enhance his ability to contribute both on and off the ball. His capacity to pull up from deep and drive to the basket adds a layer of offensive versatility to the Spurs, potentially opening up more space for Victor Wembanyama to operate inside.

10. A Potential Free Agent Splash With D'Angelo Russell

With a stellar season under his belt, D'Angelo Russell emerges as an intriguing option for the San Antonio Spurs in free agency. Russell's impressive performance, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over 76 games with the Los Angeles Lakers, showcases his ability to impact the game as a dynamic scoring guard and playmaker.

As a free agent, Russell presents the Spurs with a rare opportunity to add a proven talent to their roster without giving up assets in a trade. His scoring prowess and playmaking ability would immediately bolster the Spurs' backcourt, providing a much-needed offensive spark alongside rising star Victor Wembanyama.

Russell's fit with the Spurs extends beyond his on-court production. His experience and maturity could bring a veteran presence to a relatively young team, providing leadership and guidance both on and off the court. Additionally, Russell's familiarity with the pressures of playing for a storied franchise like the Lakers could prepare him well for the expectations of playing in San Antonio.

Strategically, signing Russell would signal the Spurs' intent to accelerate their rebuild and return to playoff contention. Pairing him with Wembanyama would create a formidable inside-outside duo, with Russell's scoring ability complementing Wembanyama's presence in the paint. Moreover, Russell's proficiency in pick-and-roll situations could unlock new dimensions in the Spurs' offense, allowing for increased versatility and efficiency.

While there may be other suitors vying for Russell's services in free agency, the Spurs could offer him a promising situation to thrive and continue his growth as a player. With ample cap space and a strong organizational culture, the Spurs could present Russell with an enticing opportunity to compete at a high level while playing a central role in their future plans.