The San Antonio Spurs are expected to be very active on the trade front in the coming days as reports suggested that the team will look to make moves that would help them earn a return trip to the finals this season.

Fox Sports reported that the Spurs, who lost to the Miami Heat in an epic seven-game NBA finals showdown last year, know that they need to make big moves in order to keep in step with their rivals.

Sources said that the Spurs are aware that the championship window is closing for their "Big Three" of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The Spurs are not expected to deal any of their top three players; sources indicated that forward Kawhi Leonard could be the odd man out in San Antonio.

According to reports, the Spurs are willing to part ways with the third-year forward. The 22-year-old small forward has been an integral part of the Spurs this season, averaging 11.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, but the former San Diego State standout could be dealt if the Spurs get a good offer before the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

"The defending Western Conference champions have struggled mightily against the league's elite - and with age continuing to inhibit the likes of Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and especially, Tim Duncan, the Spurs could be looking to make a move. None of the aforementioned, of course, are on the block. But forward Kawhi Leonard could be, provided the returns are fabulous," Fox Sports noted.

Recent rumors indicated that the Spurs could make a strong push to strike a trade with the Chicago Bulls in the next few days. Reports suggested that the Spurs are very interested in acquiring Taj Gibson, Carlos Boozer, Mike Dunleavy and Kirk Hinrich from the Bulls.

It is unclear though whether or not the Bulls intend to trade Gibson before the deadline. Gibson has been showing signs of rapid improvement this season, averaging 12.6 points to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

But while acquiring Gibson appears to be a long shot at this point, the chances of trading for Boozer, Dunleavy, and Hinrich are very high since the Bulls have been shopping the three veterans over the past few weeks.