The San Antonio Spurs made it clear this NBA offseason that they were throwing their hat into the ring for the “Vying for Victor” series next year.
By trading away Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks in return for a cache of future draft capital, the Spurs made it clear that they weren’t going to be a competitive team next season and will likely competing for the best lottery odds to greaten their chances of landing the top pick and the chance to acquire French prospect, Victor Wembenyama.
The Spurs began this process when they shipped out Derrick White to the Boston Celtics last season. Now, with White and Murray on new rosters hoping to compete for the title, the Spurs have just a few remaining veterans that they need to find new homes for.
Josh Richardson was acquired in the Derrick White trade last season, and his two-way services are sure to command a decent return from a contender. Jakob Poeltl might just be a tad too old to be part of the Spurs’ next era, just like Dejounte Murray was, and the Spurs should be willing to at least explore the market for his interior defense.
The Toronto Raptors were reported to be suitors for his talents, and there is surely more than one team who could use his rim protection on their roster.
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Another veteran that will likely be on the move at some point this season is sharpshooter Doug McDermott. Shooting continues to be at a premium in the NBA, especially in the postseason, and McDermott remains one of the league’s most steady snipers.
Here are the top three teams that should try to swing a deal for the former Creighton Bluejay: