3 Spurs trade targets Raptors could watch amid huge rebuild
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors are likely done making big moves at this point in the offseason, even with the hypothetical Kevin Durant game-changer hovering over them. If they end up moving back into the trade realm, the San Antonio Spurs might be willing to indulge them given their direction.
The trade of Dejounte Murray has signaled that San Antonio is completely bottoming out. With Victor Wembanyama dominating the top of the 2023 NBA Draft and hyped recruit GG Jackson reclassifying to this year’s draft class, the Spurs have their eyes set on one of these stars.
With San Antonio clearly trying to snag an elite youngster, some of the veterans or youngsters that are not going to get tons of playing time could be offloaded in a trade. The Raptors are still working the phones, and RC Buford may be willing to plop a future role player in their hands.
With the Spurs leaning on their young core of Keldon Johnson and Joshua Primo for the next few seasons, the Raptors would do well to at least check in with the same folks who helped facilitate the Thad Young trade. It’s not unrealistic that one of these three players may end up in Toronto.
3 Spurs players the Toronto Raptors could trade for.
3. SG Romeo Langford
Langford’s development was stunted from the beginning. Drafted 14th overall by a loaded Celtics team who didn’t have any spots in the rotation for him, Langford started just 11 games in three seasons with Boston. After moving to San Antonio, injuries limited him to four games.
Langford has struggled with being an efficient scorer when he has been healthy, as proven by his career 40% success rate from the field. Even with those concerns, Langford could be an excellent buy-low candidate that Toronto adds at a minimal cost to them.
Romeo Langford could turn around with the Toronto Raptors.
While he wasn’t the best 3-point shooter at Indiana, Langford was a feared slasher that could fly in and contort himself to impossible angles at the rim. Still just 22 and blocked by names like Primo, Malaki Branham, and Devin Vassell in San Antonio, Langford needs to go somewhere where he is believed in.
Langford could be acquired for another player at the end of the bench and a distant second-round pick. Sometimes, the right environment works wonders for a young player. Langford may need some lessons from the Nick Nurse shooting school to reach his full potential.