Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Cooper Flagg’s Former Duke Teammate Targeted by Spurs Before NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 12:12 PM ET

The San Antonio Spurs appear to be exploring a bold frontcourt vision ahead of the NBA Draft—and it might involve pairing Victor Wembanyama with a fellow 7-footer who shared the court with Cooper Flagg.

According to Spurs beat writer Jeff Garcia, San Antonio has been linked to Duke center Khaman Maluach. A 7-foot-2 shot-blocking presence with intriguing upside, Maluach played alongside Cooper Flagg at Duke, forming one of college basketball’s most hyped frontcourt tandems.

Now, the Spurs could be aiming to recreate that formula in the NBA.

As Garcia notes, the Spurs hold the No. 4 and No. 14 picks in the draft. While Maluach isn’t currently projected to go in the top five, he’s been a fast riser and is widely expected to land somewhere in the middle of the first round.

via @krystenpeek : Spurs could be eyeing Duke's C Khaman Maluach

"Another buzzy name tied to the Spurs is Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center out of Duke. The Spurs could essentially be building twin towers with Wembanyama and Maluach and there is an appeal to drafting another young big…
— JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) June 4, 2025

San Antonio could attempt to use the 14th pick—or potentially trade up from that spot—to take a swing on Maluach’s raw tools and long-term fit beside Wembanyama. The two would immediately become the NBA’s tallest frontcourt, evoking memories of the “Twin Towers” era.

Of course, Cooper Flagg remains the more headline-grabbing name coming out of Duke, a sure-bet to land with the Dallas Mavericks. But the Spurs’ reported interest in Maluach could suggest a deeper strategy—building with size, length, and familiarity at the core.

Whether San Antonio makes a move for Flagg’s former teammate or opts for a different direction, the speculation around Maluach only adds more intrigue to what’s already a pivotal offseason for the franchise

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: