The San Antonio Spurs are a favorite of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokuneum in a potential blockbuster trade this offseason, but the Greek freak has reportedly not requested trade yet, and San Antonio has not had “substantive negotiations” on two MVPs.
Spurs are reluctant to trade draft picks, young player giannis antetokounmpo
According to Michael C. Wright of ESPN, the Spurs “has not had any substantive discussions about Antetokounmpo yet.”
Wright noted that San Antonio has been “asking questions about the teams that want to trade,” but the team doesn’t seem interested in giving up the draft pick or any young player.
San Antonio sent four first-round picks to acquire De’aaron Fox during the trade deadline, but still had the equity retained or used in the trade, including the No. 2 draft pick to increase the roster, and the Hawks’ first-round pick.
The Spurs also have the right to have the first unprotected exchange with Atlanta in 2026 and 2027. They have a total of 6 first games over the next eight years, years of draft pick exchanges and 17 second round picks.
San Antonio is not actively pursuing Kevin Durant
San Antonio was also named the preferred trade destination for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, but the team was not actively pursuing the 15-time All-Star thanks to Spurs’ Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported a week ago that four other teams expressed interest in Durant: the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks.
However, the Knicks are no longer a 36-year-old, as the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy said the Knicks “will not trade for future Hall of Fame members.”
“The asking price in Phoenix may be too steep, and for a franchise that wants to be cautious, it’s very likely that Durant will stay in the sun,” Wright wrote.
Spurs intend to build around young core
Adding superstars like Antetokounmpo or Durant will certainly help make Spurs title contenders, but some may argue that such a move is not worth the risk of the team’s future.
The Spurs are better focused on developing young players than trading valuable works. They can act for younger, cheaper All-Stars instead of all-out NBA titles.
By 2032, San Antonio is allowed to make three more first deals, including two of the firsts in this year’s draft.
The Spurs have the right to exchange first round games with Boston in 2028 and to have the right to play first round games with Dallas or Minnesota in 2030 (if landed at 2-30).
Timberwolves will first send its unprotected persons in 2031 to San Antonio, which has the right to exchange the first round with Sacramento in 2031.
