The San Antonio Spurs are usually a confident bunch, not often involved in NBA trade rumors and free agency buzz.
The acquisition of Kevin Durant by the Golden State Warriors changed all that. Suddenly, the Spurs were seen as inadequate by most pundits (not that bad since all the other teams, even the reigning champions Cleveland Cavaliers are now presented as team that need to make a move).
Thus, even the Sports Illustrated team blog Air Alamo had to evaluate the possible free agent targets of the Spurs in the summer of 2017. Writer Gabriel Esquievel admits it's "way too early" but it does show that the Spurs are concerned, if not discontented.
The Spurs is not a franchise that has consistently thrived by just taking any big name on the market. There is a certain type of player that fits the mold of the Spurs and that is the point of the whole post.
"Chris Paul is an experienced, selfless, multi-faceted point guard that the Spurs could most certainly use now, and especially next summer when Tony Parker is a year older. Chris Paul being team-oriented and defensive- minded makes him a prime Spurs prospect."
Another prospect is Gordon Hayward. The Spurs' shooting wings are no longer as effective as they once were. Danny Green is the main culprit here and replacing him with someone like Hayward would propel the Spurs into legitimate challengers for the Warriors.
"Hayward is a great option to stick at the shooting guard spot with Kawhi Leonard at small forward, because Hayward's 6-foot-8 frame would give him a size advantage over just about any shooting guard in the league. He also could serve as a great small forward in small-ball line-ups that are becoming so crucial in today's game."
Hayward might even be a more urgent target than Paul since Manu Ginobili is closer to retirement than Tony Parker is. Speaking of Parker, his French teammate Rudy Gobert is actually ranked second in Esquievel's list, but his restricted status limits the probability of the Spurs acquiring him. The Utah Jazz will not hesitate throw a max contract or match any offer for their prized center.
Should we even discuss how the Spurs need to improve or is their weakness against the Warriors overstated? That seems to be a question the NBA wants to answer right away. SA Current reported that the San Antonio Spurs will face the Warriors on opening night on October 25.