NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Point Guards the San Antonio Spurs should target

Coming into the 18/19 NBA season, the San Antonio Spurs were expected to struggle to keep up with their Western Conference rivals. After all, the Spurs had lost All-Star Kawhi Leonard, and the team were also hurt by the retirement of Manu Giniboli, in addition to the shock departure of longtime point-guard, Tony Parker.

Nevertheless, Gregg Popovich has once again managed to get the best out of a limited roster, and despite immense competition in the West, the Spurs currently sit in sixth place thanks to an impressive 30-22 record.

The Spurs have performed well above expectations so far this season, although the team still faces a tough battle to reach the postseason. Every team except the Suns and Grizzlies still have a chance to finish in the top 8, and the San Antonio roster may need one or two additions before the trade window closes.

Among the areas that the Spurs will be looking to strengthen is the point guard position. San Antonio has heavily relied on Patty Mills so far this season, although the veteran is more suited to the bench role that he has occupied throughout the majority of his career.

So with the February trade deadline quickly approaching, here are three point guards that the Spurs should target.

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#3 Terry Rozier

Dallas Mavericks v Boston Celtics

Terry Rozier is currently at a crossroads in his career. The point guard has excelled when given the opportunity to start, such as during last seasons playoffs in which Rozier averaged 16.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per contest, although the 24-year-old has since returned to the bench.

Kyrie Irving has seemingly blocked Rozier's path to ever starting in Boston, and 'Scary Terry' himself has repeatedly stated his desire to be a regular starter. Rozier is already a reliable point guard who offers good production, and Rozier still has plenty to potential to develop further. Ultimately, the Celtics are likely to be willing to make a deal, and the Spurs should explore a trade.

#2 Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. Knicks vs Mavericks

Over the last two weeks, reports have emerged that Dennis Smith Jr. has no long term future in Dallas with the Mavericks. The 21-year-old was only drafted by the Mavericks 18 months ago, and during his rookie season, Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game, and was named to the 2018 All-Rookie Second Team.

This season, Smith Jr. is averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds, although the decline in stats can be attributed to the arrival of Luka Doncic. The rookie sensation has taken over the Mavericks offense, and this is reportedly a contributing factor in Dallas wanting to trade away Smith Jr.

Nevertheless, the situation could work out nicely for the Spurs, as Smith Jr. would inject youth into an ageing San Antonio roster, and the youngster would also have the opportunity to grow significantly under Gregg Popovich.

#1 Kemba Walker

Charlotte Hornets v Indiana Pacers

Kemba Walker was last summer linked to the San Antonio Spurs, although Michael Jordan reportedly pulled the plug on any deal. Despite this, Walker will become a free agent in the summer, and after spending his entire career in North Carolina, Walker could finally be ready to test himself on a new team.

If the Spurs can manage to convince Walker to join, the team would be signing a ready-made superstar. Walker is set to be named to the NBA All-Star team for a third consecutive year, and the 28-year-old is currently enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game.

The Spurs may not be able to get a deal done for Walker before the February trade deadline, however, Walker is a realistic target for the summer, and the Spurs should do everything in their power to convince Walker that his future lies in San Antonio.