How This Trade Impacts San Antonio
The San Antonio Spurs are stuck in an awkward position. They are not going to tank games as long as Gregg Popovich is the head coach. But, they aren’t good enough to be considered contenders in the Western Conference.
The long-term outlook of the franchise would likely improve were they to land a top pick in the NBA Draft. Unfortunately, they aren’t bad enough to finish that low in the standings, either.
So, they will have to get creative when trying to improve the ceiling of the team. Acquiring a soon-to-be 21-year old with the potential of Talen Horton-Tucker would be a shrewd move.
The Spurs have done an excellent job developing players in recent history. Horton-Tucker would benefit greatly going to a team that isn’t in win-now mode. He needs reps to continue his development and will get playing time with the Lakers, but won’t have nearly as long of a leash as he would in San Antonio.
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Kendrick Nunn is also a solid player that the Spurs are receiving. He can provide a scoring punch with the second unit or step into the starting lineup. Nunn was solid in both roles with the Miami Heat the last two seasons.
If Murray is moved, the Spurs would have playing time opened up for rookie Joshua Primo as well. Primo was their first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Derrick White is also capable of soaking up some minutes at the point guard spot if need be.
