Pros and cons for the Spurs trying to acquire Celtics' Jaylen Brown

San Antonio has also been rumored as a potential landing spot for several other star players this offseason, including the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo.

If Milwaukee's asking price is too high, the Spurs could view Brown as a potential target instead to further strengthen their roster.

That said, here is why San Antonio should, and should not, pursue Brown.

Why the Spurs should acquire Brown

The Western Conference is only getting better, and while the Spurs have an elite core with Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, that may not be enough in a conference with so many young and talented teams.

Acquiring Brown may not require San Antonio to sacrifice Castle, who won Rookie of the Year. Mannix believes the Celtics would be more interested in the No. 2 pick as part of the deal, which would most likely be Rutgers star Dylan Harper.

This move would keep the Spurs' long-term future intact while propelling themselves into legitimate contenders for an NBA championship.

Why the Spurs should not pursue Brown

San Antonio has been very fortunate in recent draft lotteries, securing the No. 1 pick in 2023 (Wembanyama), the No. 4 pick in 2024 (Castle) and the second and 14th overall picks in this year's draft.

Boston would, most likely, ask for both picks and more for Brown.

The Spurs should copy the Oklahoma City Thunder's strategy and continue to build their core through the draft, while making trades for players who fill a specific role. 

San Antonio has a track record of drafting and developing star players. Because Wembanyama is part of the equation, the Spurs do not have to necessarily make a trade requiring them to give up expensive and valuable assets.

Instead, San Antonio should acquire players like Kevin Durant, who can still offer great production but not require giving up the farm.

The Spurs have a long runway with their current core, which could include Harper. Inexperience and youth might prevent San Antonio from competing for a championship in the next year or two, but there is no reason to rush success with a trade that will not guarantee an NBA title.