There is no denying that the San Antonio Spurs have one of the brightest futures in the NBA. They have their franchise player in Victor Wembanyama and his co-star in De’Aaron Fox. They have a bevy of young talent and veterans surrounding their duo and overall organizational stability.
The Spurs will undoubtedly be looking to compete for the playoffs next year and with two lottery picks in a loaded 2025 NBA Draft, which includes the second overall pick, their options are open when it comes to roster building.
With that said though, San Antonio’s path to contention begins this summer and it is time they cash in on their assets to complete their core and begin their quest for championships.
The Spurs must go all-in on acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo for the first time in his career is considering options outside of Milwaukee. He is meeting with Bucks brass this week to weigh his options. If he were to request a trade, the Spurs would be his best option.
Antetokounmpo would give San Antonio a menacing frontcourt alongside Wembanyama. Both players are dominant in the paint on both ends of the floor. Antetokounmpo’s ability to put constant pressure on the rim would open up the floor for Wembanyama to shoot threes and Fox to operate on the perimeter.
Even when you add Fox to the equation, the Spurs' offense is dangerous. Their transition game with Fox and Antetokounmpo would be one of the best in the league, given both players’ combination of speed and strength to create easy looks at the rim or draw defensive attention and kick out to others.
Giannis Antetokounmpo would complete the Spurs' core
Antetokounmpo is also growing as a playmaker, averaging over six assists over the last two seasons. He is also growing as a mid-range jump shooter, shooting 44 percent on such shots this season. As he enters his 30s, having these skills will be important for his longevity.
The Spurs have the assets to entice the Bucks as well. They have the reigning Rookie of the Year in Stephon Castle and other young players such as Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Keldon Johnson.
They have the draft capital to attach to a trade as well, as San Antonio controls all of their first-round picks for the next several years, have the second and 14th overall picks in this year’s draft, and has the Atlanta Hawks’ first-rounders thanks to the Dejounte Murray trade. Those Hawks picks could be valuable, especially if they decide to rebuild.
San Antonio rebuilt for a moment like this: having the chance to win a bidding war for a superstar. With Wembanyama showing that he is ready to lead a team with the right supporting pieces, the Spurs must go all-in on acquiring Antetokounmpo. MVPs don’t hit the open market every summer, and they have to take advantage.