Does this trade make sense for the San Antonio Spurs?

While adding Ben Simmons gives the Spurs a new identity and a star to build around, it isn’t clear if they would be willing to make this trade. Giving up Dejounte Murray is one thing, but giving up Devin Vassell as well could end up being the deal breaker for this team. 

A swap of Murray for Simmons is something that could be appealing to them, but Vassell has turned into such a huge asset for them off-the-bench and being just 21-years-old, he has a chance to be a very important player in San Antonio for many years to come. 

In 26 games this season, Devin Vassell is averaging 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 steals and is shooting 45.2% from the floor, 35.3% from three-point range. Coming into the league last year, Vassell was being labeled as a “3-and-D” guy on the wing, which he still is, but he has really improved as a mid-range scorer and someone who can create space for himself. 

Moving him, Murray and McDermott for Ben Simmons definitely is not a terrible move for this franchise to make, but quite honestly, they would be better off sticking with what they have and trying to pursue other high-level talents. 

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Dejounte Murray is only going to continue to get better with time, as will Devin Vassell, and Ben Simmons is a major liability to bring in at the cost of so much value.

There is no guarantee that he would want to play in San Antonio long-term and given the struggles he has on offense, the Spurs would really have no real scoring weapons anymore after making this trade. 

As mentioned earlier, Murray, Vassell and McDermott make up about a lot of the Spurs’ total scoring output this season and Ben Simmons surely would not be able to reach such a figure if all were moved. Lately, the team has experienced a surge in offensive production and has jumped to 9th overall in offensive rating.