The San Antonio Spurs are anticipated to remain relatively quiet leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 8. However, there’s still a window for the Spurs to make a strategic move. While acquiring a high-profile star like Dejounte Murray seems increasingly improbable, the team could opt for a smaller-scale transaction to strengthen the young core and provide support to Victor Wembanyama.
The Spurs currently possess minimal depth at point guard, with Tre Jones serving as the sole true point guard on the roster. Although Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham are capable of playing the point, their strengths lie in off-ball play. Following the conclusion of an experiment involving Jeremy Sochan handling the ball, the Spurs have seen success pairing Wembanyama with a traditional point guard. Unfortunately, Jones is the only player fitting this description on the roster.
One player on the NBA trade market who aligns with the Spurs’ needs is Bones Hyland. The 23-year-old guard finds himself on the bench of the Los Angeles Clippers, experiencing a decline in playing time following the Clippers’ acquisition of James Harden. As Hyland’s minutes dwindle, the Clippers are reportedly seeking potential suitors.
Although the Clippers lead the league in three-point shooting percentage, they rank 19th in three-point attempts. Therefore, acquiring a player like Doug McDermott, who can increase shooting volume while bolstering their win-now aspirations, aligns with their objectives.
In a mock trade scenario, the Spurs could receive Bones Hyland and PJ Tucker, while the Clippers acquire Doug McDermott. McDermott, set to become a free agent this summer, offers the Clippers flexibility to adjust their roster. On the other hand, both Hyland and Tucker are under contract through the next season, with Tucker likely being bought out by the Spurs.
Hyland has showcased his abilities as an effective backup guard for the Denver Nuggets and Clippers in his first two seasons, averaging 10.9 points and 2.9 assists in 19 minutes per game. Additionally, he boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 36%.
While Hyland exhibited glimpses of potential greatness during his rookie season with the Nuggets, he struggled to secure playing time on a win-now Clippers team crowded with stars like James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Rather than flipping McDermott for draft picks or minimal returns, the Spurs could take a calculated risk on Hyland while his stock is relatively low.
In summary, while the San Antonio Spurs are expected to maintain a low profile leading up to the trade deadline, a move to acquire Bones Hyland could provide much-needed depth and support to their backcourt, aligning with the team’s long-term vision and goals.
