The San Antonio Spurs are usually not involved in trade rumors at the deadline, but this season they could be in play for names like Taj Gibson, Evan Turner, Omer Asik, Mike Dunleavy, Kenneth Faried and Pau Gasol this year with injuries to Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard to add some support before making another championship title run.
Last season the Spurs had plenty of support for the Big 3, but this season Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker have another season of wear and tear under their belts and they have been getting stretched thin, as the Spurs have dealt with a high amount of injuries. Danny Green has returned, but Ginobili is still healing up, while players like Duncan, Tiago Splitter and Leonard have all missed time this season and that could spark the team into making a move. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Spurs might be aggressive this season at the deadline and the main reason is due to the age of their primary players.
Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are not getting any younger and if they have to continue playing elevated minutes this season, that could tire them out before getting into the playoffs and coach Gregg Popovich doesn't want any of that going down. The team is ranked in the top 10 in both scoring offense and defense this season, but the team has a losing record against the best teams in the west and that could prompt them to act differently at the deadline this season, as a number of talented players could be available.
Green missed 10 games during the season already and has played in 37 and he will be a primary focus as the season wears on, as he is averaging 7.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists this season. Green had been dealing with a broken left hand and now he is back and that will help with Ginobili out, but the team may need some more support.
Gary Neal with the Bucks is an option after he signed there as a free agent, as he has been mentioned in trade rumors, while Gibson is being shopped by the Bulls and could be a fit alongside Parker. Omer Asik could move from one Texas team to another, as the Houston Rockets big man has been upset with his role all season and while Daryl Morey said that the team will likely keep him, there is a chance that they decide to trade him as the trading deadline date gets closer.
The Bulls have already traded away Luol Deng and reports have the team speaking with the Lakers, Charlotte Bobcats and the Wizards about Gibson. This season he has been playing well enough and with three years on his contract and $8 million this season, that could be a move both sides want to make. The Spurs may sit tight like usual, but adding more support will ensure some rest for their vets down the stretch. The team is ranked in the top of the west and they are looking to get back to the finals after losing to Miami last season.
