Spurs' Most Realistic (and Most Ridiculous) Options in Free Agency and Trade Market

SAN ANTONIO -- A few weeks after their surprise run to the NBA Finals ended in heartbreak, the Spurs enter free agency with a clear need and plenty of flexibility to add a difference maker or even a star.

All playoffs long the Spurs could have used a big forward with a combination of shooting, rebounding, playmaking, and defense. After strengthening the center spot on the depth chart by drafting Jayden Quaintance and Tarris Reed Jr., San Antonio can look for their wing with all the flexibility they have to sign a free agent or even make a big trade.

From Rui Hachimura or Dean Wade to Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James, San Antonio can make a variety of moves ranging from sensible upgrade to brain-melting blockbuster.

Depth Chart and Roster Situation

PG: Fox, Harper
SG: Castle
SF: Vassell, Johnson
PF: Champagnie, Bryant, Barnes
C: Wembanyama, Kornet, Reed, Quaintance

Everyone who played significant minutes during the Finals is under contract for the next season. De'Aaron Fox's maximum contract extension kicks in, Wembanyama's is being negotiated this summer, and Steph Castle, Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant all remain on their rookie deals. Luke Kornet has three years left on the contract he signed last summer, and Devin Vassell is eligible for an extension, though he's also under contract through 2028-29.

Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson is eligible for an extension and set to make $18 million in the last year of his deal this season. Given the size of his expiring salary, expect to hear his name in the rumor mill as a necessary piece of any big trades, though there's no indication that San Antonio wants to move him. He's a fan favorite and the heart and soul of the team, but Marcus Smart and Naz Reid will tell you that doesn't make you immune.

Veteran glue guy Harrison Barnes is reportedly coming back on a one-year deal worth $8 million. Bismack Biyombo, Kelly Olynyk, Mason Plumlee, Jordan McLaughlin, and Lindy Waters III are all becoming free agents. None of them played a significant role on the court, and it's unclear if any of them will return.

The Spurs had an ultra-cheap team option for Julian Champagnie, but scrapped it and agreed to terms on a new, specially-crafted deal that takes care of him before the bill comes due for the youngsters. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Spurs worked with Champagnie's reps to front-load the 3-year deal worth $45 million, giving Champagnie a well-deserved pay bump without sacrificing long-term flexibility.

This past year Champagnie earned a spot in San Antonio's starting lineup with his shooting, rebounding, and defense. He's clearly a part of the Spurs' plan for the future, but it makes sense for GM Brian Wright to add a bigger forward who offers a different skillset and another option for coach Mitch Johnson. The options range from solid bench piece to must-start veteran.

Salary Cap Opportunities and Goals

The Spurs are about as financially flexible as a contender can be. Apron schmapron, San Antonio doesn't have to worry about that right now. With some new deals on the books for Julian Champagnie and Harrison Barnes, the Spurs still project to have about $20 million worth of wiggle room before they're in luxury tax territory.

With three full roster spots open, GM Brian Wright has access to both the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception of up to $15,049,000 and the biannual exception of up to $5,511,000 as he attempts to attract talent from elsewhere. Perhaps more alluring than the money is the chance to be immortalized as the missing piece alongside Victor Wembanyama and this young core if you win a championship.

That might be enough to convince someone to take less than the full NTMLE or BAE, and depending on the exact numbers for Champagnie and Barnes that might be necessary to keep San Antonio out of the luxury tax. There's no way the Spurs would want to start their repeater tax clock the year before Wembanyama's max contract kicks in, and according to Jake Fischer and arc Stein the Spurs have made it clear that they don't want to use the NTMLE on a contract longer than two years. A two-year contract would come off the books right as a contract extension for Steph Castle would kick in.

The Spurs should be going into this summer trying to bring in the guy who gives them the best chance to get over the hump, the guy with the answers that they didn't have a few weeks ago. Here are some of their options, starting with the most reasonable and ending with the most ridiculous.

Dean Wade: 76ers, 4 Years, $39 million

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) moves the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) in the first quarter. — May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) moves the ball past Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) in the first quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

29 year-old power forward
6'9", 228 pounds
7 years with Cavaliers
5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.4 blocks, 0.7 steals, 22 minutes per game
36% on 3.3 3PA per game

Wade is one of the first free agents off the board and signing with another team. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday night that the 76ers offered a four-year deal worth $39 million.

Free agent forward Dean Wade has agreed to a four-year, $39 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Several contenders pursued the former Cavaliers forward, who has become an indispensable defending and shooting frontcourt piece. pic.twitter.com/VSw15tkITO
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026

Wade could have been an interesting piece for the Spurs as a defense-first forward with size and the ability to space the floor, but Philadelphia offered more money and years than San Antonio would have likely been comfortable with. Now Wade becomes interesting to the Spurs in terms of setting the market for a free agent forward. At around $10 million a year, that would be two thirds of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

If that's the price for Wade, San Antonio will likely need to use most or all of that salary slot worth $15 million to acquire a forward.

Sandro Mamukelashvili: Lakers, 4 years, $52 million

San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) drives to the basket past Toronto Raptors guards Jamal Shead (23). — Apr 13, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) drives to the basket past Toronto Raptors guards Jamal Shead (23) and Scottie Barnes (4) and forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

27-year-old power forward
6'9", 240 pounds
2.5 seasons in San Antonio before leaving for Raptors last summer
11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.5 blocks. 0.8 steals, 22 minutes per game
39% on 3.7

Chalk another one up in the "too many years" category, as Shams Charania reported live on SportsCenter Wednesday morning that Sandro Mamukelashvili is signing a four-year contract worth $52 million to go to the Lakers.

Just in: Free agent F/C Sandro Mamukelashvili has agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to sign with Los Angeles Lakers, with a player option for the fourth season, sources tell ESPN. Big fully guaranteed deal for George Roussakis and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports. pic.twitter.com/dN7L6K7SQm
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026

Mamu earned himself a roster spot in San Antonio a few years ago, and over the course of his 2+ seasons with the Spurs he showed enough to earn a bigger role with the Toronto Raptors last season. Fans in San Antonio will remember the big Georgian's guard skills as a 4/5, as he showcased a nice combination of shooting and handling.

He played 80 games for Toronto last season and put together the best campaign of his career, especially in terms of defense and 3-point shooting. His improvement in those areas and the current state of the roster may be enough for San Antonio to consider a reunion.

The familiarity between Mamukelashvili and the Spurs could make it easier to fold him back into the franchise. He knows the city, the players, and the coaching staff, and they know he can play next to Wembanyama or as the center in a 5-out small ball look. Gregg Popovich always liked Mamu, one of many things Coach Pop and Flavor Flav have in common.

According to Marc Stein Tuesday night, it looked like the Lakers had the inside line on Mamu as they work to fill in the gaps left by LeBron, Luke Kennard, and potentially Rui Hachimura. When they agreed to a trade for Walker Kessler, Mamu, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton followed in quick succession.

The growing anticipation leaguewide is that the Lakers ultimately secure commitments on new contracts from Toronto free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili and Philadelphia free agent Quentin Grimes while still pursuing their top summer target: Utah restricted free agent Walker Kessler. https://t.co/pYMRcSyvrn
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2026

John Collins: Pistons, 3 Years, $51 Million

LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) catches a pass against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter. — Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers forward John Collins (20) catches a pass against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

28-year-old power forward
6'9", 226 pounds
9-year vet, last season with LA Clippers
13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.7 blocks, 27 minutes per game
41% on 3.2 3PA per game

If we ever stop talking about John Collins as a potential Spur it means one of two things has happened: either society has collapsed and NBA basketball no longer exists, or Collins has finally made his way to San Antonio.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Wednesday morning that Collins will instead head to Detroit on a three-year contract worth a total of $51 million. The average annual value of $17 million is more than the Spurs could offer, and with Collins and Dean Wade signing three and four-year contracts respectively it seems to fit the reporting that San Antonio didn't want to do a deal longer than two years.

I wrote about Collins as a good fit alongside the Spurs core of young guards back in 2021 when the guards were Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Lonnie Walker IV. I did it again this past trade deadline when Collins' big expiring contract could have been had. For the same reasons I laid out in 2020 and this past February, Collins remains an awesome option for San Antonio.

With career averages near 16 points and 8 rebounds per game, he finishes plays from all over and cleans the glass. He's dangerous off ball in the dunker spot and spacing to the arc, and as a screener he's effective picking or popping. He's a smart player who plays smart basketball, knows where to be and what to do when he's there.

As always, it made sense for the Spurs to consider bringing John Collins in. And as always, John Collins isn't coming to San Antonio.

Rui Hachimura

28-year-old power forward
6'8", 230 pounds
7-year career split between Wizards and Lakers
11.5 points, 0.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, 28 minutes per game
44% on 3.9 3PA per game

Hachimura is the best pure shooter on this list and a playoff riser in that regard. He's over 51% from deep in his postseason career, and on this last run with the Lakers he hit 57% on almost six attempts per game. He can get to the mid-range, which also gets more important in the playoffs. If the Spurs are looking for a pure sniper at the position Hachimura is probably the guy, and they're reportedly interested in stealing him away from Los Angeles.

There'll be a market for his services, though, and he'd likely cost a good amount of the mid-level exception. San Antonio might prefer to use that salary slot and roster spot on someone who offers more in terms of rebounding, defense, and offensive versatility, someone who brings something different than what Champagnie already does.

Per Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Spurs and Nets have both registered interest in Hachimura. As of Tuesday night, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that the Spurs are one of several teams vying for his services.

Along with Luke Kennard departing the Lakers tonight, starting forward Rui Hachimura is also widely expected to leave the Lakers in free agency, sources said.

The Spurs, along with a few other teams, are making a push to sign Hachimura tonight. https://t.co/KThjki5QKO
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 1, 2026

Tobias Harris

34-year-old combo forward
6'8", 230 pounds
15-year veteran coming off two good years in Detroit
13.3 points, 2.5 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks, 28 minutes per game
37% on 3.5 3PA per game

Harris is one of the most experienced and productive forwards available in free agency. With 15 NBA seasons and 81 games of playoff basketball under his belt, he's proven himself as a do-it-all combo forward. He's also friends with Spurs legend Boban Marjanovic.

Harris has averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds over the course of his career, and he's coming off of two solid seasons with the upstart Detroit Pistons. A five-year max contract that he signed in Philadelphia a few years back led to him being perceived as overpaid, but he's not making $36 million a year anymore. He took a two-year deal worth $26 million per to go to Detroit.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Spurs have mentioned Harris as someone the Spurs have been linked to. Would he be willing to take $15 million a year to come to San Antonio? If so, he could shake up the starting lineup. According to The Athletic, there's a good chance he'll be on the move.

"Harris will be visiting with five teams at the start of free agency, according to a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing negotiations,"Sam Amick wroteon Tuesday night. "At minimum, that means the prospect of Detroit losing Harris is somewhat real."

San Antonio probably wouldn't want to commit more than a year to Harris at his age, especially given the salary constraints on the horizon. But as the next player on the list keeps proving, age is just a number.

LeBron James

41-year-old GOAT
6'9", 250 pounds
22-time All-Star, third-option with Lakers last year
20.9 points, 7.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.7 blocks, 33 minutes per game
32% on 4.1 3PA per game

Yeah that's right, LeBron James. We're talking about LeBron James as a potential free agent signing for the San Antonio Spurs. And while that might sound crazy, it's actually not that crazy at all.

The guy who has served honorably as the face of the NBA for the entirety of Victor Wembanyama's life has a very gray beard and some gas left in the tank. Last year the four-time champion and four-time MVP accepted a smaller role as Luka Doncic fell in LA's lap and Austin Reaves took a leap, but King James still put up 21 points, 7 assists and 6 boards a game.

On a recent episode of his show, Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe laid out the case as to why San Antonio is the most fun landing spot for LeBron. It's a storied franchise and he's always loved Pop. He can fill a need and help them win a title without coming off as ring chasey. He could add one more amazing final chapter to his GOAT-level career, his last championship the first for the Nike athlete most likely to challenge his place in history.

"The most fun team for LeBron to go to is San Antonio. He solves actual issues for them and could actually win the title with them. I really like the idea of him on that team, and I wouldn't consider it a ring chase."https://t.co/GsK1VEAGGg pic.twitter.com/J0Im9jlBbv
— Josh Paredes (@Josh810) June 28, 2026

LeBron isn't the best defender or 3-point shooter on this list. He's the oldest star player we've ever seen, sure to miss time with various injuries. Counterpoint: who cares about any of that stuff, it's LeBron. If he wants to come to San Antonio for $15 million the Spurs should do that 100 times out of 100.

A few hours before free agency began, news broke that LeBron had informed the Lakers that he will be playing for another team next year. According to ESPN's Dave McMeniman, he's less motivated by money and more motivated by the ability to play "meaningful, competitive basketball."

LeBron James has instructed Rich Paul to talk to everyone around the league who is interested in him playing for them and come back to him with what the options are so he can make his decision, a source familiar with James' thinking told ESPN.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 30, 2026

So would LeBron want to come to San Antonio? That much isn't clear. Right now all the chatter about James and his potential impending exit from Los Angeles centers around a potential reunion with Anthony Davis, joining forces with Steph Curry and Draymond Green in Golden State. For that to happen James would need to sign the NTMLE and the Warriors would need to trade Jimmy Butler and picks to Washington and do some other salary cap maneuvering.

LeBron is open to both leaving Los Angeles and taking a discounted pay rate to compete for a title. If the Warriors thing doesn't work out, what would the other options be?

What about a Miami reunion to join his old coach Erik Spoelstra and the newly-acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo? ESPN's Brian Windhorst raised it as a possibility on Get Up on Wednesday morning.

The Cavaliers are reportedly interested, and LeBron is in Cleveland after reuniting with his 2016 Cavs teammates. If he wants to, he can finish his career with a third chapter on the hometown team he started his career with, and won his most improbable and emotional championship with. It doesn't get much more storybook than the kid from Akron returning to Ohio for one last ride.

Beyond nostalgia, there's a basketball case to be made for LeBron to join a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals last year, and the Cavs could make further adjustments the roster. On ESPN's free agency special, Brian Windhorst floated the possibility of Cleveland trading forJaylen Brown as his relationship with the Celtics seems to fray. Even if it's not that dramatic, they have some flexibility.

Even though there are plenty of reasons for LeBron to return to his roots, Cleveland looks like they'll be limited in how much money they can offer him. That's not the primary motivation, but do the Cavs or Warriors give him a realistic chance at competing for a title?

If any team interested in LeBron James is invited to check in, the Spurs should absolutely make a call or three. He has immense respect for Gregg Popovich, and the combination of Wemby, depth, playmaking, and team defense would help give him what he needs to compete.

The Spurs could have used a veteran forward with size and versatility in the Finals, and there is no more veteran or versatile a player maybe in NBA history as LeBron.

If there's a basketball argument against bringing him in, it's that the Spurs were pretty close to winning it all and probably don't need to make a move as seismic and franchise-altering as adding LeBron. He'd change a lot and command a lot of touches on a team with Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Steph Castle, and Dylan Harper, and it would be understandable if San Antonio wanted to make a smaller addition that fit a little more seamlessly.

But those are all probably things you live with if it means bringing in a guy who is arguably the greatest basketball player ever. If San Antonio wants to be in the LeBron James business, they'll have to wait on LeBron James' timeline. Reporting indicates that LeBron is not in a rush to choose his next home, and whether the Spurs get in on the sweepstakes or not they may have to wait for this domino to fall before there's more movement on the forward market.

Kawhi Leonard: Traded to Raptors

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) guards Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2). — Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) guards Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

35-year-old small forward
6'6", 225 pounds
Coming off a healthy, awesome year with Clippers
27.9 points, 3.6 assists, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 0.4 blocks
39% on 6.8 3PA

Several of the league's newsbreakers said that Kawhi would be comfortable signing an extension with either of his former teams: the Spurs or the Raptors. They made it clear initially and throughout the process that there was no indication that the Spurs would be interested in bringing back the seven-time All Star who won Finals MVP in Silver and Black 12 years ago and broke San Antonio's collective heart when he forced his way out.

Leonard is fresh off one of the best regular season of his career, seemingly unencumbered by age or injury. Toronto appeared to be the favorite, and for the second time in his career the Raptors are trading for him. This time, the package is reportedly Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first round pick swap, and two seconds.

Tnere's no universe where the Spurs were going to give up that much to get any player, much less a 35-year-old with a checkered injury history and so much baggage with the team that he still gets booed every time he takes the floor here, even after Pop grabbed the mic during a game that one time and asked everyone to stop.

Add us as a preferred source on Google