Updated look at Spurs lineup, rotation after Aldridge buyout

Despite being involved in more trade rumors than they have in years, the San Antonio Spurs opted to roll with the guys they have to finish out the season. Having lost three straight, there were expectations that the Spurs would move at least one of five players to help them re-tool for the future.

According to reports, the guys on the trading block for San Antonio were LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay, Trey Lyles, and to a lesser extent, Patty Mills. While many coveted Aldridge, his contract was too difficult to work out in a trade, leading to his buyout.

Regarding DeRozan, reports that he’s interested in playing elsewhere next season appear to be just speculation for now, and the Spurs have responded in kind, keeping him for the remaining playoff push.

Meanwhile, talks regarding Rudy Gay to the Miami Heat fell through for good when San Antonio was reportedly asking too much for the veteran. The Spurs still did one trade Thursday, acquiring Marqueese Chriss and cash from the Warriors for Cady Lalanne. More information on the impact of that move can be found here.

Golden State has traded Marqueese Chriss to the Spurs, source tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021

The Updated San Antonio Spurs roster and rotations

With the buyout of LaMarcus Aldridge, Jakob Poeltl and Keldon Johnson continue to be the starting center and power forward for the Spurs, with Drew Eubanks and Rudy Gay still the first guys off the bench. With the recent improved play of Luka Samanic, there’s a chance he may be taking more of these backup minutes as well.

Popovich on Luka Samanic: “I think he’s beginning to prove himself, (he’s) deserving of time. He’s got more confidence…Hopefully, he’ll continue to improve” I think we’re going to be seeing more of Luka going forward, regardless of what happens at the trade deadline #GoSpursGo

— Ethan (@ethan_farina_) March 25, 2021

Rounding out the starters are Dejounte Murray (PG), Derrick White (SG), and DeMar DeRozan (SF), who are backed up by Patty Mills, Lonnie Walker IV, and Devin Vassell, respectively. The end of the bench includes Trey Lyles, Keita Bates-Diop, Trey Jones, and Quinndary Weatherspoon.

The Spurs are currently 8th and falling in the rankings on their current homestand with the league’s second-toughest schedule remaining.

It’ll take all hands on deck and significant improvement to begin a new playoff streak as The Silver and Black look to have a big re-tooling summer.