San Antonio Spurs Rumors: LaMarcus Aldridge attracting plenty of interest around the league, Chris Paul could be swapped for DeMar DeRozan and more

The San Antonio Spurs have shown some signs of life over the past two weeks, although Greg Popovich's team remains in danger of missing out on the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 NBA season.

As we approach the new year, the Spurs hold an 11-16 record and face competition from the Sacramento Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves as they fight to secure one of the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference.

Evidently, the Spurs have fallen a long way over the past few years, and much-overdue changes could be made ahead of the February trade deadline. So as we head into the final few weeks of 2019, here we take a look at all the latest Spurs trade rumors you need to know.

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#1 LaMarcus Aldridge is attracting plenty of interest from around the league

LaMarcus Aldridge has been among San Antonio's best performers

LaMarcus Aldridge has only missed out on All-Star selection once during his four years with the Spurs, and the veteran has once again been among the team's best performers during their underwhelming start to the season. Despite being utilized less on offense, Aldridge has still managed to average 18.8 points on 50.1 percent shooting, while also contributing 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.

Aldridge will turn 35 next year, but Frank Urbina of HoopsHype is reporting that the Trail Blazers, Nuggets, Kings and Suns are among the teams that could be interested in launching a move for the veteran big.

Aldridge is under contract until the 2020-21 season, and the Spurs face no immediate pressure to trade their best player. However, the organization will be aware that Aldridge remains their most valuable trade chip.

#2 Chris Paul could be swapped for DeMar DeRozan

Chris Paul has performed well for the Thunder

With talks over a contract extension failing to advance, it appears that DeMar DeRozan's days with the Spurs are numbered. Due to his age (30) and lack of defense, San Antonio may find it difficult to trade the former All-Star.

However, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes that DeRozan could be swapped for Chris Paul of the Oklahoma City Thunder:

Paul would noticeably beef up their overall defense and has the outside touch to play off San Antonio's other ball-handlers. The balance of Paul's contract is absolutely terrifying. On the flip side, though, the Spurs have proved they can manage players in their twilights better than most.

Paul joined the Thunder from the Rockets during the off-season as part of the blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook. The veteran has performed well in Oklahoma City, averaging 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 31.3 minutes per contest, but his contract is widely regarded as the worst in the NBA.

#3 A major rebuild is inevitable

The Spurs may look to build around young talent such as Dejounte Murray

The Spurs are currently battling to save their streak of reaching the playoffs, and if the rumors are true, the team could still execute a bold move for a player such as Paul. Nevertheless, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that a major overhaul will come in the not too distance future as the Spurs prepare for life after Popovich:

This rebuild is coming in San Antonio. Whether it’s this trade deadline or this summer. There’s no getting around it. It’s going to be a hard road for them. They’re not setup to turn this around very quickly.

With high-earners such as DeRozan (player option), Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Patty Mills and DeMarre Carroll all under contract until at least the 2020-21 season, the Spurs face a lengthy rebuild process once they head down that avenue.