San Antonio Spurs trade rumors: 3 players the Spurs should avoid ahead of the deadline
The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.
The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.
Despite losing Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker in the summer, the San Antonio Spurs currently occupy a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Gregg Popovich has once again surpassed expectations in order to guide his team to a 30-22 record, and the Spurs are currently in a strong position to continue their incredible record of reaching the postseason. Nevertheless, the Spurs are reportedly in the market for additions ahead of the trade deadline, and here we will look at three reported trade targets that the team should avoid.
#3 Nicolas Batum
Despite having one of the most overvalued contracts in the NBA, Nicolas Batum has been linked with a move to San Antonio. Back in 2016, the ambitious Charlotte Hornets were convinced to hand Batum a five-year, $120-million deal, although the 30-year-old is averaging just 9.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
This is limited production considering that Batum is one of the NBA's highest earners, and the Hornets are desperate to offload the Frenchman as the team looks to decrease their wage bill. Few would argue against the fact that the Spurs need to add depth to the wing, however, Batum is evidently not the man to do this, as his salary doesn't offer value for his production.