Trade Grade: Spurs Deal Doug McDermott to Pacers - Good or Bad?
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich predicted a quiet trade deadline for his team. And he was right, but the Spurs weren't completely silent.
San Antonio hopped in on a three-team trade with the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers. In the deal, the Sixers acquired Buddy Hield, while the Pacers brought the Spurs in to replenish that outside shooting by getting Doug McDermott.
As a result, the Spurs received Marcus Morris and a future second-round pick. The Spurs are expected to waive or agree to a buyout with Morris, which will open up a roster spot for San Antonio.
Dec 28, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Doug McDermott (17) dribbles the ball during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers guard Skylar Mays (5) at Moda Center.
© Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN graded the trade and gave the Spurs a B+ for their role in the deal.
"Nearly five years after Morris reneged on a verbal agreement to sign with the Spurs, they finally got their guy," ESPN writes. "Well, not exactly. ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported San Antonio will buy out or waive Morris, ending up with a second-round pick for its trouble."
The Spurs get two positives in this trade. One, they get some value for an expiring McDermott contract. That future second-round pick may never amount to anything, but at least the Spurs are trying to find value for McDermott, who would have left in free agency this summer anyway.
On top of that, the team will have an open roster spot once they figure out Morris's situation. Perhaps that could lead to the team converting a two-way contract into a standard one, or they could sign a young free agent and give him an opportunity to make an impact late in the season.
Either way, this deal provides some flexibility, which should give the Spurs something to cheer about.
