Spurs Linked As ‘Dark-Horse’ Donovan Mitchell Landing Spot

The 2023-24 NBA season wasn’t a good one for the San Antonio Spurs when it comes to wins and losses. They are currently 19-59 and in last place in the Western Conference with the third-worst record in the league.

However, the future for the Spurs is as bright as any team in the NBA because of Victor Wembanyama. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has been everything the team had hoped for and more during his rookie season.

It would not be a stretch to say that Wembanyama is already one of the most dominant players in the NBA and he isn’t even scratching the surface of his potential. This season’s version of Wembanyama will be the worst one we see of him as he is only going to improve as he moves along in his career.

San Antonio has to be ecstatic about what that future could hold. Wembanyama looks the part of a future MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, NBA All-Star and All-NBA team member. Now, it is time to get to work upgrading the roster around him.

The No. 1 goal for the Spurs this offseason looks to be finding a ball-handler to pair with him. Tre Jones has been solid as the main ball-handler and point guard with Wembanyama, but he doesn’t offer a ton of upside.

That could put the Spurs in the sweepstakes for one of the next All-Star guards who shakes loose and looks for a change of scenery. In the opinion of Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, San Antonio should be a dark horse for Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Could the San Antonio Spurs, who have already been linked to Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, turn to the Cavaliers with all of their future picks?” wrote Pincus.

The draft capital the Spurs have compiled in recent offseasons will be the backbone of any trade package they put together. They have multiple first-round picks in 2024, 2025, 2027 and 2030 and a few swaps and protected picks that will eventually convey.

There is also a plethora of young players on the roster San Antonio could include in a deal to sweeten the package. The Spurs are one of the teams in the best position to swing a blockbuster trade this offseason and will be aggressive.

The time to make a move is now with Wembanyama on his rookie contract. That provides the Spurs with immense value, as they can spend elsewhere on the roster while he is still being paid pennies on the dollar compared to the value he provides on the court.