The San Antonio Spurs find themselves in unchartered territory entering the 2021-22 season. As currently constructed, they don't have a squad that is a lock to get in the playoffs in the Western Conference. The Spurs are in perhaps the worst spot for any team in the NBA – ways away from competing for a title, but not bad enough to vie for more ping pong balls for the chance to land their next face of the franchise in the NBA draft.

The foreseeable future looks pretty dull for a team that has basked in glory the previous two decades. Though they do have a promising young core, none of them seem to be a franchise-changing prospect that they could build around and raise their ceiling in the future.

With training camps currently underway, it's likely the Spurs will stick with their current lineup entering the 2021-22 campaign. Still, there are trades out there that San Antonio can still pull off that will, not only improve their outlook this year, but in the future as well. With that said, here are two potential trade targets for the San Antonio Spurs as they go through training camp.

Spurs trade candidates

1. Ben Simmons

This is an easy one. Ben Simmons isn't even in a training camp as of the moment. Maybe the Spurs could be the team that gets him to one. The disgruntled Philadelphia star has essentially renounced himself as a Sixer and reportedly has no plans to show up for camp. With Simmons days in the City of Brotherly Love basically done, San Antonio can attempt to pull off a deal with Philadelphia to land the 3-time All-Star.

The Sixers will likely want Dejounte Murray in any kind of deal for Simmons. San Antonio will also likely give up some more of their young pieces and even a couple of draft assets in order to entice Philadelphia to a deal. While this may seem a lot for a player that has some major flaws in his game, Simmons is still a superior talent compared to any of the players the Spurs will give up.

There is no question that Simmons is still one of the bright young stars in the NBA. Despite his shooting issues, the Australian wing still possesses elite attributes in the other facets of his game.

Offensively, Simmons is one of the most gifted passers and playmakers in the NBA and should be someone coach Gregg Popovich will enjoy mentoring. Listed at 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, his combination of size, length, athleticism, and speed makes him an absolute dynamo as a penetrator and on the open floor. Likewise, these same traits also make the 25-year old one of the best and most versatile defensive players in the league.

Simmons could thrive playing under Pop. His lack of a 3-point shot would fit well under the 5-time NBA champion coach's traditional playing style, which doesn't emphasize perimeter shooter.

If the Spurs are able to acquire Ben Simmons, they have finally found a true centerpiece that they can build their franchise around.

2. Collin Sexton

The Cleveland Cavaliers are unsure whether they want to give Collin Sexton a fat contract when he becomes a restricted free agent next summer. With Cleveland's hesitancy to pay the incoming fourth year guard, they may just look to move him at some point. The Spurs could be a team that may just be willing to take him and reward him with a big bag next year.

In terms of a potential deal, perhaps the Spurs could construct a package consisting of some of their young wing players. San Antonio has a solid crop of lengthy defensive guards and forwards, including Lonnie Walker IV, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson to name a few, that could become useful for the Cavaliers.

The Spurs, meanwhile, sorely need someone who could address their dire need for scoring. Sexton, who averaged 24.3 points in the 2020-21 season, is certainly a guy that fits the bill.

The 22-year old has established himself as one of the most dynamic scoring guards in the NBA. His scoring average has increased each year and most importantly, he gets his points in an efficient manner. Sexton has shot at least 47 percent from the field in each of the past two seasons and is a career 38.5 percent shooter from beyond the arc.

In San Antonio, Gregg Popovich will likely feature the former Alabama stud as their no. 1 scoring option. He and Dejounte Murray should will complement each other well in the backcourt, with the latter developing into one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA.

Should the Spurs get their hands on Sexton, their future will look a little brighter than it is right now.