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Because the San Antonio Spurs have tons of roads they can take – even more thanks to two first round picks won in Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery – to build their roster around generational talent Victor Wembanyama, it’s appropriate to look at the different options.
Wemby used his spectacular rookie year to establish that he’s rapidly on his way to serving as the centerpiece for a contender. That leaves the Spurs to determine how much veteran help they should bring in this summer.
For instance, if San Antonio thinks that building through their draft and around a young core that also includes Devin Vassell, who averaged nearly 20 points per game this year, and Jeremy Sochan, who made the NBA’s Rising Stars game in his first two seasons, they can use and keep their picks at four and eight in the draft.
Should the Spurs look to bring in a veteran, with the numerous first and second round picks they have through the next decade as trade bait, they could swing for an impact player. There’s no shortage of speculation about the potential of adding Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. But there are a couple of other star players the Spurs could look to acquire.
Spurs trade for Sixers star Tyrese Maxey
There’s very good reason to think Tyrese Maxey isn’t going anywhere. Already a very good player, the Philadelphia 76ers guard won the NBA’s Most Improved Player while making the All-Star game this season. But he’s a restricted free agent as he goes off his rookie contract. While it stands to reason that the 76ers will do everything to keep Maxey next to former league MVP Joel Embiid, what if another team makes an offer that Philly can’t refuse?
The Spurs have tons of salary cap room and even if they don’t outright get Maxey through restricted free agency, they could entice him with a sign and trade. San Antonio now has the No.4 overall pick in the draft to offer along with future first rounders and a player or two on a young roster.
It’s not likely, but it’s worth an ask. Especially considering how dynamic Maxey and last season’s 25.9 points per game and 29.9 ppg in six playoff contests would fit next to Wembanyama.
Donovan Mitchell
Chicago Bulls star Zach Lavine is continuously linked with trade rumors. But his salary cap hit next season would be 43 million. There’s chatter that the Boston Celtics might be willing to shop Jaylen Brown if yet another long playoff run alongside Jayson Tatum at the top doesn’t result in a title. But Brown will count 49.3 million against the cap – the same as Devin Booker. There’s reported trouble with the Phoenix Suns “Big Three” that also includes Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.
Cleveland Cavaliers stud Donovan Mitchell’s salary next season will be $35.4 million. And the career 25 PPG scorer might demand a little less than Maxey in return because he’s older. “Spida” will be 28 years old when next season starts.
At the Frost Bank Center
Donovan Mitchell getting some corner 3’s up before tonight’s game vs the #Spurs #Cavaliers pic.twitter.com/K2R9REtsRv
— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) February 4, 2024
In providing some much needed mentorship, not to mention quite a bit of playoff experience to the young Spurs, Mitchell would serve as a fantastic scorer alongside Wembanyama and could get him the ball in great spots.
Big time trades have long been the r0ad less taken for the Spurs. The presence of Victor Wembanyama puts everything on the table.
More must-reads:
- Three stars from Monday’s NBA playoffs
- Derrick White makes unique history in Eastern Conference Finals
- The 'Most three-pointers made in the playoffs' quiz
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