Best Potential 2016-17 NBA Trade Deadline Targets for San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs aren’t typically a significant player around the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean the front office isn’t scouring the league in hopes of boosting the team.

After the release of Nicolas Laprovittola, San Antonio’s roster stands at 14. Without moving a current player, the Spurs could fill that final spot by signing a free agent or trading a draft pick—think Ray McCallum last season.

Since San Antonio is 28-7, it would likely take a complete collapse before the deadline for general manager R.C. Buford to finalize a blockbuster deal involving LaMarcus Aldridge, whose name was previously the part of some early-season speculation. 

Kawhi Leonard is the franchise’s future. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili aren’t moving. Patty Mills, Dewayne Dedmon and David Lee are due just a combined $7.65 million this season, per HoopsHype. They’re not going anywhere, either.

Consequently, there are a limited number of realistic options.

If the Spurs want a big-name option, it will require moving salary. If it’s not Aldridge, that brings Pau Gasol into the picture. Otherwise, they’ll seek out low-budget players. Don’t expect San Antonio to find a suitor, but if the Spurs execute a trade, they would be wise to target one of these names.

Note: When applicable, trades are confirmed via ESPN’s Trade Machine.

Cedi Osman

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Because of the expansive gap in San Antonio’s player salaries, any trade target with a contract paying more than $2 million—and not worthy of discussing Gasol in a larger deal—creates a problem.

Mario Hezonja and Omri Casspi have fallen out of the rotation for the Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings, respectively, but the contract numbers don’t work for the Spurs. The same goes for Kyle Korver and Thabo Sefolosha of the Atlanta Hawks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers might be willing to part with Cedi Osman, though. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com said he believes Osman will be “included in one of the deals in the coming days/weeks.”

Whether the Cavs are open to trading the Turkish guard straight up—particularly to the team that could meet them in the Finals—is the question. But Osman, at worst, is available.

According to Semih Tuna of EuroHoops.net, Osman said that “I will go to the NBA after next season” during the summer of 2016.

Osman needs to improve his consistency as a shooter, but he’s showed promise as a slasher and defender. With Anadolu Efes this year, he’s averaged a career-high 11.6 points while shooting 41.2 percent from …

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