Two Bold Trades Could Help Spurs Turn Finals Heartbreak Into NBA Glory

The San Antonio Spurs came closer than many expected to capturing the 2026 NBA championship. Despite losing the Finals in five games to the New York Knicks, the series was far more competitive than the final result suggested. Several close contests slipped away, leaving the Spurs to wonder what might have been.

For a young team led by Victor Wembanyama, reaching the Finals was a major achievement. The franchise has rapidly transformed from rebuilding contender to legitimate title threat, with Wembanyama emerging as one of the league’s most dominant two-way players.

Still, recent NBA history serves as a reminder that championship opportunities should never be assumed. Teams often believe they will have multiple chances to win a title, only to discover how difficult it is to return to the sport’s biggest stage. San Antonio’s front office understands that lesson well.

While the Spurs possess an enviable young core featuring Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, the Finals exposed a few weaknesses that could be addressed through strategic trades. Two potential moves stand out as ways to strengthen the roster and improve the team’s chances of winning its next championship opportunity.

1. A Potential Reunion With Kawhi Leonard

One of the most intriguing possibilities for San Antonio would be bringing Kawhi Leonard back to the franchise where his NBA career blossomed. Although the circumstances surrounding his departure in 2018 were complicated, enough time has passed that a reunion no longer feels impossible. Leonard remains one of the league’s most complete players when healthy. Even at 34 years old, he continues to excel as a scorer, defender, and playoff performer. His ability to create offense in pressure situations could have been particularly valuable during the Spurs’ Finals series against New York, where late-game execution often proved costly. A veteran presence of Leonard’s caliber would also fit naturally alongside Wembanyama. The young superstar carries much of San Antonio’s burden on both ends of the floor, and adding another elite two-way wing could reduce that responsibility while making the team more versatile against different playoff matchups. Of course, there are risks involved. Leonard’s injury history remains a concern, and any trade would require significant assets. Yet for a franchise with championship aspirations and a wide-open competitive window, acquiring a proven postseason star could be the type of move that pushes the Spurs from contender to champion.

2. Why The Clippers Might Consider A Deal

For such a trade to materialize, the Los Angeles Clippers would need a compelling reason to move on from Leonard. While he continues to perform at a high level, the organization faces important questions about its long-term direction. Despite strong individual production from Leonard, the Clippers were unable to establish themselves as a serious title contender during the 2025-26 season. Missing the playoffs despite having veteran talent may force the front office to evaluate whether a reset is necessary. A rebuilding approach could make future draft assets and younger players more attractive than maintaining an aging roster. If the Clippers decide that their championship timeline no longer aligns with Leonard’s remaining prime years, exploring trade opportunities could become a logical option. In that scenario, San Antonio would represent an appealing destination. The Spurs have young talent, future draft capital, and a roster capable of immediately competing for a championship. Leonard, meanwhile, would join a team already positioned near the top of the Western Conference hierarchy.

3. Upgrading The Backup Center Position

While a blockbuster trade would generate headlines, San Antonio may have an equally important need elsewhere on the roster. The Spurs struggled whenever Wembanyama was forced to rest during the Finals, highlighting the importance of strengthening their center rotation. Luke Kornet provided valuable contributions throughout the regular season and had several memorable moments during the playoffs. His size and effort helped stabilize the second unit, and his role should not be overlooked when evaluating the team’s success. However, the deeper the postseason progressed, the more apparent it became that San Antonio needed greater defensive flexibility behind Wembanyama. Opposing teams were often able to target non-Wembanyama lineups, placing additional pressure on the Spurs’ starters and forcing heavy minutes for their franchise centerpiece. Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford could represent a practical solution. Athletic, experienced, and capable of protecting the rim, Gafford would give head coach Mitch Johnson a dependable option when Wembanyama heads to the bench. More importantly, he could help preserve Wembanyama’s energy throughout a long playoff run, ensuring the Spurs’ biggest star remains fresh when championship moments arrive.