San Antonio Spurs trade rumors: 3 players the Spurs should avoid ahead of the deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

Despite losing Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker in the summer, the San Antonio Spurs currently occupy a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Gregg Popovich has once again surpassed expectations in order to guide his team to a 30-22 record, and the Spurs are currently in a strong position to continue their incredible record of reaching the postseason. Nevertheless, the Spurs are reportedly in the market for additions ahead of the trade deadline, and here we will look at three reported trade targets that the team should avoid.

#3 Nicolas Batum

Despite having one of the most overvalued contracts in the NBA, Nicolas Batum has been linked with a move to San Antonio. Back in 2016, the ambitious Charlotte Hornets were convinced to hand Batum a five-year, $120-million deal, although the 30-year-old is averaging just 9.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

This is limited production considering that Batum is one of the NBA's highest earners, and the Hornets are desperate to offload the Frenchman as the team looks to decrease their wage bill. Few would argue against the fact that the Spurs need to add depth to the wing, however, Batum is evidently not the man to do this, as his salary doesn't offer value for his production.

#2 Kevin Love

Cleveland Cavaliers v Minnesota Timberwolves

During the 2018 offseason, Kevin Love signed a huge four-year, $120-million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The extension was a major signal of intent from the Cavs in the days following LeBron James' high profile departure, and the franchise hoped that re-signing Love would help to avoid a rebuild.

Nevertheless, the Cavs have since abandoned any plans to stay competitive, as the team has suffered a disastrous campaign. In light of the current state of the team, the Cavs have already traded away a number of senior players, and recent reports have linked Love with a move to the Spurs.

While Love is a 5-time All-Star, the Cavs man recently turned 30, and the Spurs need to move in a younger direction due to their aging roster. In addition to this, there are lingering fitness doubts over the former Timberwolves man, and a trade for Love is simply too much of a gamble at this stage of his career.

#1 Blake Griffin

After being disrupted with a series of injuries over the last few seasons, Blake Griffin has finally returned to his All-Star self. Griffin has started nearly 50 games so far this season, and the Pistons man is averaging 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. The 29-year-old's form may yet result in a first All-Star appearance since 2015, and there is no doubt that Griffin is currently among the most dominant players in the NBA.

Nevertheless, Griffin will turn 30 in March, and the former Clippers man has signed one of the biggest contracts in NBA history. The power forward still has three seasons remaining on the five-year, $173-million contract that he signed with the Clippers back in 2017, and it is also difficult to see how Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge would fit in the same team.