As fast as the San Antonio Spurs started the NBA season, as they won five out of their first seven games, they have fallen back down to Earth. San Antonio lost 16 out of their next 17 games, plummeting in the standings, which seemed to be their goal entering the season anyway.
Even with the three-game winning streak they are on, the Spurs are still in the bottom five of the league regarding records.
As a result of that, many people expect the Spurs to continue to be sellers in the coming weeks and months when it comes to making trades. A blockbuster in the offseason was completed when San Antonio traded All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and draft picks.
There are still multiple veterans on the roster that are garnering attention. Contenders are inquiring about Josh Richardson, as his two-way play is a perfect complementary fit on plenty of rosters. Sharpshooter Doug McDermott is also an intriguing target as an elite floor spacer, but his contract running beyond this season is a hold-up for some teams.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl & San Antonio Spurs Updates
That duo was targeted by the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a package built around Russell Westbrook and a protected first-round pick. San Antonio turned that down as they wanted an unprotected pick to take on Westbrook’s contract.
But, the player that could have the biggest market is Jakob Poeltl. The impending unrestricted free agent has been great for the Spurs, turning into one of the best defensive centers in the NBA and providing efficiency on offense. As shared by Michael Scotto on HoopsHype, Poeltl has a chance to become the most sought-after center in the league.
“Jakob Poeltl could join Myles Turner as the top centers on the trade market if San Antonio decides his projected free agency market will be too high this summer. The most San Antonio could’ve offered was a four-year, $58 million extension, but the two sides failed to agree before the season. With the league’s lowest payroll, San Antonio will have enough cap space to retain him. Teams looking for a center upgrade at the deadline will be closely monitoring Poeltl’s potential availability.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The asking price is reportedly very high as the Spurs are looking for multiple first-round picks in exchange for the 27-year-old center. San Antonio is intent on meeting their asking price, as they will not just trade him away to the highest bidder ahead of the deadline.
That could be, in part, because there is some mutual interest in continuing the partnership. Poeltl reportedly would not mind remaining with the Spurs and San Antonio believes he would be the perfect fit alongside Victor Wembanyama, the crown jewel of the 2023 NBA Draft class that teams are tanking for.
