Five free agents the Spurs should consider

After trading the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs freed up about $26 million in cap space this summer. If they give up some of their non-guaranteed contracts, the Spurs will be among the few teams with the cap space to sign free agents to contracts worth $20 million or more. San Antonio has plenty of holes on its roster that it could fill in free agency.

The Spurs were 28th in the NBA in three-point shooting last season, shooting 34.7 percent from three. They had the fourth-most turnovers per game, at 15.1 per game. With Victor Wembanyama leading the way, their defense improved, but was still 22nd in defensive rating (116.4). They lacked shot creators who could create open opportunities besides Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, as the Spurs finished 26th in offensive rating (110). Heading into free agency, they need wings and guards who can shoot and defend.

The 2024 free agent class isn’t loaded with stars. Paul George leads the pack, but he’ll be looking for more money than the Spurs can provide. This summer will be a good one for teams looking for role players. As San Antonio continues to develop its young core, they could supplement them with veteran role players in free agency. Here are some players the Spurs could target when free agency opens on June 30 at 5 p.m. CT.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 6-foot-5 guard/wing

Statistics 2023-2024:10.1 points, 2.4 assists, 1.3 steals, 46% FG, 40.6% 3PT, 89.4% FT, 56.6% eFG

The Spurs could use a veteran presence with Cedi Osman and Devonte’ Graham expected to leave San Antonio. How about a player with championship pedigree? Caldwell-Pope has been a perfect fit for the Denver Nuggets the past two seasons. He provides a smart off-ball wing who can hit deep shots and play good defense on the other end of the floor. The 3&D wing has been a crucial part of their run to the championship in 2023 and one of the best plug-and-play free agents on the market.

The Nuggets are closing in on the second tranche of the salary cap. Caldwell-Pope’s return as a free agent seems unlikely given their financial situation. In fact, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth made a statement that suggests KCP will play for another team next season.

Of the teams with salary cap space, the Spurs are the best fit for KCP. They have a hole on the wing and could use a veteran 3&D player. The question is, will they shell out the money to make a deal? ESPN has projected KCP’s next contract to be over $20 million per year. San Antonio would have to sacrifice a significant portion of its salary cap for an aging role player. That big contract could also be used later to acquire a star. A shorter, team-friendly contract that allows KCP to cash in could make sense for the Spurs as they look to maintain flexibility going forward.

Gary Trent Jr., 6-foot-5 guard/wing

Statistics 2023-2024:13.7 points, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 42.6% FG, 39.3% 3PT, 77.1% FT, 53.1% eFG

San Antonio struggled to make three openers last season. This is one of the reasons teams have been able to grab Wembanyama in the paint. In free agency, they could target the NBA’s best wide-open three-point shooter, who could be cheaper than other options. Trent Jr. made 51.9% of his open threes last season and knocked down 39.3% of his total attempts from that range.

At 26 years old, Trent Jr. fits perfectly into the Spurs’ current youth movement. He is coming off a difficult year where he saw less playing time and a drop in point production. If San Antonio could snag the shooting guard on the cheap, it would be an interesting bet that he returns to the near 18 points per game production he provided in previous years. Trent Jr. is not a perfect player. He is not an impactful defender or playmaker and struggles to score around the basket. He shot just 46.4 percent from two-point range last year. Still, the Spurs need shooters, and he’s one of the best on the market.

Naji Marshall, 2.00m winger

Statistics 2023-2024: 7.1 points, 1.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 46.3% FG, 38.7% 3PT, 79.1% FT, 54.2% eFG

Spurs fans had their eyes on Marshall since last season. The versatile wing can guard multiple positions, make physical plays inside and knock down open lines. San Antonio needs more wing depth. Marshall could step in and start in a versatile lineup rich in defense and length.

The Pelicans are stacked on the wings with Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III. Marshall will likely look to land somewhere where he can play a bigger role and make more money. San Antonio could provide both and still have the cap room to sign another player. It’s hard to find a better match in free agency than Marshall and the Spurs. They need better defenders and shooters on the wing. San Antonio could use some players with a competitive and “mean” level to match Wembanyama. Marshall checks a lot of boxes for the Spurs.

Tyus Jones, 6-foot-1 guard

Statistics 2023-2024:12 points, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals, 48.9% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 80% FT, 56.9% eFG

The Spurs’ needs on the wing have been well documented. They could also use another point guard or two. Tre Jones’ older brother is one of the best true point guards in the league. Tyus is expected to be high on the Spurs’ list of free agent targets this summer. Jones has the best assist-to-turnover ratio in the NBA and makes three shots at a rate of 41.4%. Tyus isn’t the athlete or defender that Tre is, but his skills as a scorer and playmaker are more advanced.

Jones could step in and take over his little brother’s role as the starting point guard while Tre runs the second unit. A pick and roll from Tyus and Wembanyama would be a joy to watch, and his jumper would add another wrinkle to the action. His presence in the starting unit should help San Antonio alleviate some of the turnover issues they faced last season. He’s not a switchable defender or particularly strong at the point of attack, but San Antonio will have plenty of defenders to support him.

Oddly enough, the Spurs are having a bit of trouble playing at fullback. If they plan to play Stephon Castle at point guard, Tyus would take minutes away from Tre and Castle. The Spurs should get creative in how to use these three players. Not to mention Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham, who are entering pivotal years of their careers. Tyus is a better player than any back the Spurs have at this point. He’ll likely be a valuable asset on the open market, but he fills too many needs for the Spurs not to make an offer for him.

Luke Kennard, 6-foot-5 guard

Statistics 2023-2024: 11 points, 3.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 44.8% FG, 45% 3PT, 88.9% FT, 61.7% eFG

The Spurs are in desperate need of three-point shooters, so why not go after the best shooter in free agency? Kennard was second in the NBA in three-point percentage last season behind Grayson Allen. Kennard makes 75% of his three-point shots and relies on ball movement to stand out. He would fill the Doug McDermott-sized hole on the Spurs roster as a three-point shooting specialist capable of making three-pointers and clearing the floor next to Wembanyama.

Memphis Grizzlies decreases Kennard’s $14.8 million team option was offered on Saturday. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, both teams are eager to work out a restructured deal. San Antonio would have the cap space to offer the shooting guard a lucrative contract that could help them steal him from Memphis. Kennard played just 39 games last season after dealing with injuries. The years and money of the contract will likely matter to the veteran shooting guard.

Honorable mentions: Haywood Highsmith, Precious Achiuwa, Dario Saric, Lonnie Walker IV, Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, Keita Bates-Diop