San Antonio Spurs: Building Around Victor Wembanyama – What’s Next?

The San Antonio Spurs are on the verge of significant change. Historically, the Spurs have been conservative in the trade market, with their last blockbuster deal occurring in 1974 when they acquired 21-year-old George Gervin. That move resulted in a superstar, but the Spurs have rarely engaged in major trades since. Even the famous draft-night swap of George Hill for Kawhi Leonard didn’t garner much attention at the time. However, things are different now, and it appears the Spurs are prepared to step out of their comfort zone.

Spurs’ Aggressive Approach for a Quick Rebuild

According to Jonathan Givony from ESPN, the Spurs are not interested in a slow, drawn-out rebuild. Instead of taking the Oklahoma City Thunder’s four-year route, the Spurs are reportedly aiming to be competitive within the next two to three seasons. Rumors suggest that the team may be exploring options to trade their fourth and eighth picks in the upcoming draft, possibly to move up to the coveted first pick.

The reason for this aggressive approach is simple: Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent. The French prodigy is unlike any other prospect, and the Spurs recognize that they cannot afford to waste time. Wembanyama is a game-changer, and the Spurs’ plan is to build a competitive team around him as quickly as possible.

Why Wembanyama’s Potential is Unique

The standard approach to rebuilding around a young star usually involves patience. It typically takes players until their mid-20s to lead a team to success. LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Stephen Curry were all around 26-27 when they first won championships. However, Wembanyama is no ordinary player. His combination of size, skill, and versatility allows him to make an immediate impact. For example, after a slow start to his NBA career, Wembanyama’s move to the center position during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks unlocked his full potential. The young star showcased his ability to dominate on both ends of the court, including stealing the ball, dribbling behind his back, and even blocking Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Spurs finished the season on a high note, with Wembanyama playing a pivotal role in a stunning comeback victory against the Denver Nuggets. The Spurs had nothing to play for, but Wembanyama’s 17 points in under three minutes showed just how special he is. His dominance is forcing NBA veterans, like Chris Paul, to take notice. Even Paul admitted that playing against Wembanyama requires teams to completely alter their game plans, especially when it comes to shooting over his 7’4″ frame.

A Rookie Contract: The Key to Building a Superteam

Wembanyama’s rookie contract gives the Spurs a unique advantage. With Wembanyama only earning $12 million per year, the Spurs have the financial flexibility to build a “superteam” around him. This is particularly important in today’s NBA, where the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has made it nearly impossible for traditional superteams to form.

In the past, teams like the Boston Celtics (with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen), the Miami Heat (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh), and the Golden State Warriors (Kevin Durant) were able to form superteams by stacking their rosters with expensive, top-tier players. However, the new CBA rules prevent teams from assembling such star-studded lineups due to salary cap restrictions.

With Wembanyama on a rookie deal, the Spurs have a short two-to-three-year window to add quality pieces around him. Once Wembanyama’s contract expires and he demands a max contract, the Spurs will have to reassess their roster. Until then, they can afford to bring in high-caliber players and compete for championships.

What Do the Spurs Need?

The Spurs were already a solid defensive team, ranking in the top 10 with Wembanyama anchoring the center position. However, their offense was a different story, ranking 28th in three-point shooting. One of the biggest holes on the roster is the lack of an elite point guard. This is where the trade rumors begin to swirl.

Darius Garland Rumors

One of the most intriguing names linked to the Spurs is Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard Darius Garland. The Spurs are reportedly the favorites to land Garland, even over teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Utah Jazz. Garland has shown flashes of brilliance as an All-Star before the arrival of Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland. In a new situation where he can be the primary ball handler, Garland could thrive playing alongside Wembanyama. However, acquiring Garland would come at a cost. If Donovan Mitchell decides to stay long-term with the Cavaliers, Garland may become expendable.

The Chris Paul Option

Another interesting rumor involves veteran point guard Chris Paul. Both the Lakers and Spurs are rumored to be frontrunners to land Paul, although it’s unclear how much he has left in the tank at this stage of his career. Paul’s leadership and playmaking ability could be invaluable to the Spurs’ young core, but his fit alongside Wembanyama is still up for debate.

Potential Trades: Three-Team Deal Scenario

If the Spurs want to acquire Garland, it would likely require a three-team trade involving the Cavaliers and Jazz. One proposed trade scenario involves the Spurs receiving Garland, the Cavaliers acquiring Lauri Markkanen from Utah, and the Jazz getting Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, and two top-10 picks from San Antonio. This deal would give the Cavaliers a much-needed stretch four in Markkanen, while the Jazz could continue their rebuild with young assets and high draft picks.

Alternatively, the Spurs could target Lauri Markkanen themselves. Markkanen has blossomed into an All-Star with the Jazz and would be a perfect fit alongside Wembanyama. Betting odds currently favor the Spurs as the top destination for Markkanen if he becomes available.

The Number One Pick Rumor

One of the most surprising rumors is that the Spurs may be looking to trade up to the number one pick in the draft. This suggests that the Spurs are targeting a specific player, most likely Zachary Reece, who is widely considered one of the top three prospects alongside Alex Saar and Reed Sheppard. Reece, a fellow Frenchman, is a 6’9″ wing who excels on both ends of the court. His defensive versatility and three-point shooting would make him a perfect complement to Wembanyama.

The Future is Bright for the Spurs

The Spurs are at a crossroads, and they appear ready to embrace a more aggressive approach to team-building than in years past. Whether they trade for Garland, Markkanen, or move up in the draft, one thing is clear: the Spurs are not content with waiting. With Wembanyama at the center of their plans, the Spurs are looking to win now, and the NBA landscape is about to feel their impact.