The San Antonio Spurs still are looking to stay in the mix for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference standings to fight for a spot in the 2022 NBA playoffs. Could they instead pivot at the trade deadline to better position themselves for a rebuild?
According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post podcast (via HoopsHype), rival executives around the NBA have been gauging to see if the Spurs would be willing to part with Derrick White or Dejounte Murray.
“I’ve also heard … that people are calling the Spurs and trying to see if they can get Derrick White or even Dejounte Murray,” Lowe said (at the 42:57 mark).
It seems as though it would be much easier for the Spurs to be willing to part with Derrick White in a potential trade. He is having another productive season with averages of 14.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 45 appearances, but is shooting just 29.8% from beyond the arc.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Spurs Trade Is Focused On Dejounte Murray
While White’s secondary playmaking is helpful and he can get to the rim, but again, he has sorely struggled to convert from beyond the arc this season. It’s clear that he’s not going to necessarily move the needle for a team as a key piece, but can be a solid complement.
The main Spurs player that teams will have their eyes on is Dejounte Murray, who has fully taken advantage of the expanded role he’s received this season. He has averaged 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in 45 appearances so far this season.
Keep in mind, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said last week on “The Hoop Collective” podcast that there has been talk around the NBA about the Spurs becoming willing to part with Murray next summer.
“There’s been some chatter in the league about whether the Spurs would be willing to trade him. Maybe not during the season but next summer.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Spurs Trade Is Focused On Dejounte Murray
The San Antonio Spurs still have somewhat of a chance to be a play-in team in the Western Conference but trail the Portland Trail Blazers by 3.5 games as they have sustained success while Damian Lillard has been sidelined. The New Orleans Pelicans are hot in pursuit of that spot being the same number of games back as the Spurs, too.
