The San Antonio Spurs have an opportunity to strengthen their Western Conference position after injuries to Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams.
Edwards could miss up to two months following a right knee procedure. Williams faces surgery for a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, with no established return timetable.
The Spurs should respond by improving the supporting cast around Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. These two proposed trades would add forward defense and shooting without breaking up that foundation.
Trade for PJ Washington to strengthen the frontcourt
Spurs receive PJ Washington. Dallas Mavericks receive Keldon Johnson and San Antonio’s 2029 first-round pick, protected in the top 10.
If that pick does not convey, it becomes the Spurs’ own 2030 and 2031 second-round selections, with no first-round rollover.
Washington would give Wembanyama a stronger defensive partner against physical forwards. His rebounding and ability to switch assignments would also provide an alternative to relying on smaller perimeter combinations.
His shooting remains inconsistent, so this acquisition should be judged on lineup balance rather than expectations of elite spacing.
The Mavericks have substantial forward depth around Cooper Flagg, including Naji Marshall, Santi Aldama and Zaccharie Risacher. Johnson would supply downhill bench scoring while the first-round opportunity compensates Dallas for surrendering Washington’s defensive versatility.
There is also financial motivation. Johnson’s expiring contract would replace Washington’s four-year commitment, giving the Mavericks flexibility around Flagg. Dallas could still value Washington enough to reject the proposal, but the offer provides tangible basketball and asset returns.
Washington earns $19,813,044 against Johnson’s listed $18 million salary. Those figures fit the Spurs’ available matching capacity. Washington signed his extension in September 2025, so its initial trade restriction has expired.
San Antonio would surrender a productive scorer and a potentially valuable pick. That is a meaningful investment in a forward whose usefulness extends beyond this season’s injury openings.
Acquire Royce O’Neale for shooting and defensive flexibility
Spurs receive Royce O’Neale. Charlotte Hornets receive Harrison Barnes and the New Orleans Pelicans’ 2028 and 2029 second-round picks.
This proposal requires waiting until December 15, when Barnes becomes trade-eligible. It should also be contingent on his approval, resolving any trade-consent requirement.
O’Neale would improve spacing without requiring possessions designed for him. He shot 40.8% from three last season and offers experience defending multiple perimeter positions, giving the Spurs another option when opponents target their smaller guards.
The Hornets would receive two draft assets and an expiring contract while reducing salary. With Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel and Grayson Allen providing perimeter options, Charlotte could redirect an older reserve’s minutes toward its developing roster.
O’Neale earns $10.875 million in base salary, compared with Barnes’ $8 million. His additional season under contract would also preserve a useful rotation piece for another playoff run.
December timing means this would strengthen the Spurs for the broader contention race, rather than provide an immediate October response. O’Neale is a proposed target, not a player established as available.
Together, the packages add approximately $4.69 million in listed salary before incentive adjustments, within the Spurs’ current first-apron room. They reuse no players or picks and preserve Luke Kornet behind Wembanyama.
Washington would add frontcourt strength, while O’Neale would contribute shooting and defensive versatility. Together, they would give the Spurs a more balanced rotation while preserving the core of their championship pursuit.
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