San Antonio Spurs: 3 players the Spurs need to keep out of trade talks

The San Antonio Spurs have already made several moves this summer, and the franchise appears open to making further additions. In recent years, the Spurs have largely remained on the sidelines during the offseason, although the franchise has changed their approach after losing Kawhi Leonard, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker over the past year.

While Gregg Popovich's uncanny ability to get the most out of a limited roster was once on show during the 18-19 season, San Antonio's front office will be aware that the team has failed to win a playoff series in back-to-back seasons.

The Spurs are unlikely to pull off a blockbuster deal during the final weeks of the summer, although the franchise could make some smaller moves to solidify the roster. While some of the existing roster will need to make way, here are three players that San Antonio should keep out of trade talks.

#3 Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay has become an important player for coach Popovich

Just days into free agency, Rudy Gay agreed to a new two-year $32 million extension to stay with the Spurs. This makes Gay's immediate future in San Antonio safe, although some have suggested that the Spurs overpaid for the veteran, and may look to offload him later this year.

However, the Spurs will need to take on bad contracts in order to offload Gay's latest payday, and it is worth noting that the Brooklyn native has quickly adapted to Popovich's coaching system.

Despite expecting to feature from the bench, Gay started 51 games last season and shot a career-high 50% from the field. The 32-year-old has also developed into a threat from beyond the arc, and may assume a mentorship role following the exits of Parker, Gasol, and Ginobili.

#2 Bryn Forbes

Bryn Forbes enjoyed a breakout season with the San Antonio Spurs

Entering the 18-19 season, Bryn Forbes had started just 12 times, however, the young guard took advantage of the Spurs' injury issues to enjoy a breakout season. Forbes started 81 times during the regular season, averaging 11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 43% from three-point range.

These were surprisingly large numbers for an undersized guard that went undrafted back in 2016, although Forbes' minutes are expected to be impacted by the returns of Derrick White and Dejounte Murray. The Michigan State man also has just one-year remaining on his current contract, and a host of NBA teams would be interested in signing the emerging talent.

Nevertheless, the Spurs still have the opportunity to tie Forbes down to a long-term deal, and there is no reason to believe that his development will stall. Ultimately, Popovich should continue to give the guard solid minutes, while the Spurs front office works towards a contract extension.

#1 LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge continues to be among the San Antonio Spurs' best performers

LaMarcus Aldridge's impact continues to divide some NBA fans, although there is no doubting that San Antonio performs best when the veteran is on the court. During the 18-19 season, the Spurs' offensive rating soared to almost 120 points while Aldridge was leading the offense, and it was also one of the best statistical years of Aldridge's career.

The Texas native averaged 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting at more than 50% from the field. Aldridge also performed well during the Spurs' first-round exit to the Denver Nuggets, and the 34-year-old is signed through the 20-21 season.

Aldridge will earn $50 million over the next two seasons, and despite his advancing years, the power forward continues to be a huge asset to Popovich's team. Ultimately, Aldridge should continue to play an important role over the next couple of seasons.