The Spurs will have an opportunity to use the draft to fill the two positions they need to upgrade the most, point guard and big forward. Plenty of prospects in the lottery could be the answer as long-term starters next to the ostensible core of Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama.

But the draft is just one way to build a roster. San Antonio has good trade assets and cap flexibility, so if they go for players who need time to mature or simply don’t find the right fits, they could make trades to shore up their roster. While we wait for the fun part of the offseason to start, here are some examples.

Adding two-way versatility at forward: The 8th pick, Keldon Johnson and Devonte’ Graham for Jerami Grant and the 14th pick

Grant is 30 years old but he does fit what the Spurs need. He’s a long forward who can hit threes, create in a pinch and bring athleticism on defense. He’d be an upgrade over Johnson in most areas and should bring more consistency to the position. The Blazers, meanwhile would be moving up six spots while getting younger. Devonte’ Graham would be included to make the salaries match and offer Portland the opportunity to cut some salary by waiving him while Johnson would offer Portland scoring and a contract that declines as the years go by. San Antonio would be taking on Grant’s huge contract that runs for three more years after next season, but the deal expires when whoever they pick fourth ends his rookie contract and Grant would be on a huge expiring deal the year in which Wembanyama’s extension would kick in, which would make him a good trade asset.

Grant seems fine staying in Portland despite being in a rebuilding situation and might not be as disruptive on defense as his athleticism wanes. The Spurs value Johnson and should be hesitant to trade him for a non-star, especially considering his team-friendly contract. But it could be a mutually beneficial deal for two teams in different stages of their rebuild.

A tamer version: the 35th pick, Devonte’ Graham and Julian Champagnie for Harrison Barnes

In this scenario, the Spurs would be focusing on the short term by bringing more consistency to the position. Harrison Barnes is declining but he’s a career 38 percent shooter from outside who wouldn’t be asked to guard the opponent’s best forward. He’s also on a short contract that expires after next season, so he could be flipped or used in a large trade next offseason. Sacramento would get savings they could use to re-sign Malik Monk by waving both players or just Graham while keeping Champagnie as cheap depth and using the 35th pick to go younger. It would be a risky move by the Kings to part ways with a rotation player without replacing him and a low-upside one for the Spurs, as Barnes is not a high-quality starter anymore. His shooting and veteran leadership, though, could make the deal worth it.

A potential low-risk solution at guard: The 8th pick, the Hornets’ 2025 first-rounder (lottery protected), Devonte’ Graham and Malaki Branham for Collin Sexton and the 10th pick

The Spurs are rumored to be interested in Darius Garland, but Garland’s former backcourt partner could be the better get for a team that probably shouldn’t be committing long-term to any lead guard who might not fit alongside Victor Wembanyama. While Garland has four years left on a contract that pays him an average of over $39 million, Sexton is making under $19 million a year for the next two seasons. Garland is arguably the superior player, but their numbers from last season are strikingly similar, with Sexton getting an edge in most categories. Granted, the Cavaliers were a playoff team spearheaded by a high-volume scorer that replicated what Garland does best, but Sexton scored and assisted at a career-high level on a team with less talent. If what the Spurs are after is an explosive scorer and creator, the cheaper Sexton fits the bill.

The Jazz might not be willing to part with a player who had a resurgence last season, especially for the possibility of climbing two spots, likely getting two seconds from the Hornets, and getting a crack at Branham. But it’s tough to assess what Utah is doing, and the franchise selected point guard Keyonte George with one of their first-rounders last season and might want to re-sign veteran Kris Dunn after his impressive year, making Sexton redundant.

A tamer version: Devonte’ Graham’s partially guaranteed contract and the 35th pick for Malcolm Brogdon

If more enticing options don’t pan out, the Spurs could call the Blazers and ask about Malcolm Brogdon. Portland has young guards who need minutes and a surprisingly expensive roster for a rebuilding team, so they might be amenable to part with Brogdon if it means cutting some salary, especially with Brogdon’s stock arguably at an all-time low following a season of injuries in Portland. The Spurs would be using their cap space to absorb part of his contract but Brogdon would be a tall table-setter who can play both guard spots, hit threes and offer a veteran voice in the locker room. At worst, he backs up Tre Jones and leaves in the offseason, when his contract expires. At best, he regains the level he showed in past stops and is either flipped at the deadline or retained next offseason for a lower price.