Does this trade make sense for the San Antonio Spurs?

Trading Derrick White can not only open up available cap space for the Spurs to add more talent to aid them in their rebuild in free agency, but in this trade, the Spurs can also add a young, athletic center in Jaxson Hayes and a future first-round draft pick. 

This is definitely fair value for the Spurs in regards to leveraging White, but the question that remains is if this is a good move for the franchise? 

Derrick White has been with the Spurs since 2017 and has turned himself into a very solid combo-guard in their rotations. Not only can he score, but as mentioned earlier, White’s best attribute is his ability to open up space and opportunities for his teammates. 

By trading White now, the Spurs would be putting their faith in young, developing prospects like Devin Vassell, Josh Primo and possibly whoever they draft with their first-round pick in 2022. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Lakers-Spurs Trade Lands Derrick White In San Antonio

There is definitely liability in this deal with New Orleans, which is why a trade like this would most likely happen in the offseason rather at the trade deadline. It is definitely not a bad trade for the Spurs, but there is not much value for them to get from it midseason, especially when they are going to be looking to move Thaddeus Young’s contract.