The San Antonio Spurs currently have a full roster, including their 15-man lineup and three two-way contracts, but their off-season activity may not be over. They should continue exploring the trade market for potential upgrades, with the Cleveland Cavaliers being a notable potential trade partner.
Although the Cavs were anticipated to be sellers this summer, they have thus far resisted trades for their top players. Should they receive a compelling offer or struggle to mesh during the season, the Spurs could be a strong trade partner. San Antonio has already improved its roster, but if the chance to acquire another star arises, they should seize it.
Paul Garcia of Project Spurs has proposed a bold trade that could significantly impact both teams. The suggested deal would involve the Spurs acquiring star guard Darius Garland from the Cavaliers. In exchange, the Spurs would send Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Zach Collins, and three first-round picks (Chicago’s 2025 first-rounder, and San Antonio’s 2027 and 2029 first-round picks) to Cleveland.
On paper, this trade benefits both teams: the Cavs would receive a starting-caliber wing in Johnson, a reliable backup in Collins, and a promising prospect in Branham, along with three first-round picks. For the Spurs, Garland would provide a long-term solution at point guard, complementing Chris Paul in the short term and taking over the role after next season.
However, the trade would cost the Spurs some depth, particularly at center, with three rotation players leaving for one. This could be a concern, especially with third-string center Charles Bassey still recovering from an ACL injury. Yet, it would give more playing time to players like fourth overall pick Stephon Castle and upgrade the team’s talent level.
The proposed deal seems advantageous for the Spurs, offering a major talent upgrade while consolidating some of their less certain assets. Johnson and Collins, though valuable, have roles that could be replaced, and Branham’s future is uncertain. For the Cavs, the deal provides depth and flexibility, with the potential to retool their roster.
Cleveland might want to evaluate their team with a new coach for 40-50 games and assess their position in the Eastern Conference before making a decision. If the Cavs falter, they could reconsider the Donovan Mitchell and Garland backcourt and explore offers similar to this one. The proposed deal could ultimately benefit both teams, earning an A+ for the Spurs and a B- for the Cavs.
