The San Antonio Spurs made their intentions crystal clear earlier this offseason when they traded NBA All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks. The only player that San Antonio received in the deal was Danilo Gallinari, who was waived immediately.
Instead, the focus of the return package was draft compensation. San Antonio received three unprotected first-round picks from the Hawks in addition to a pick swap. Their focus is solely on the 2023 NBA Draft, where they are hoping to land one of the top prospects in Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson with a top pick.
The Spurs may not be done making trades. They are very active on the trade market even with training camp beginning next week. Currently, with 20 players on the roster, the maximum amount allowed in the offseason, San Antonio needs to make some moves.
One of the players that they have been shopping in trade talks is forward Doug McDermott. The 30-year-old sharpshooter would be a nice addition to any team in search of more 3-point shooting, but his market isn’t as robust as one may think. According to LJ Ellis of SpursTalk, McDermott isn’t viewed as a positive asset around the league.
“I’m told the Spurs have shopped Doug McDermott this summer but they have only received lukewarm interest. Rival scouts insist that McDermott has a negative trade value due to the two years and $27.5 million he has remaining on his contract. However, the Spurs aren’t interested in attaching an asset to McDermott in order to move him.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs are right to not want to attach an asset to McDermott to trade him. He is a good player to hold onto as his shooting ability will make things easier for the young guys around him. As an expiring contract next offseason San Antonio could be able to get some value in exchange for him.
Things also change during the season. While his market may be lukewarm right now, that could change in an instant. Maybe a player gets hurt and a team needs a veteran shooter to fill the void in the lineup. Or a team gets off to a surprisingly hot start and they are willing to part with a draft pick to bolster their rotation for the stretch run and know they will have McDermott for the following season as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Doug McDermott & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Given the position that the franchise is in, the Spurs can afford to wait to see if a market materializes for McDermott. If not, they can try trading him again next offseason when more teams are projected to be under the luxury tax line.
