Indiana Pacers Receive: F Keita Bates-Diop, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – ATL via SAS) 

San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Chris Duarte 

Of course, Chris Duarte may not fit everyone’s description of a young NBA player. It’s easy to forget, but he’s already 25. 

That’s because last year was Duarte’s rookie year. It’s just that, he was significantly older than the average rookie. What does that say about his upside? 

In our personal opinion, not as much as an average draft analyst would suggest. Some players take a different, longer path to the league.

We shouldn’t assume that they’re finished products strictly because of their age. After all, they still haven’t benefitted from access to an NBA training staff, or an NBA offseason. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Duarte, Indiana Pacers & San Antonio Spurs Updates

Duarte has had exactly one of those. There is still ample room for him to improve. With that said, even if he doesn’t, he’s likely to be a high-level contributor in the NBA for a half-decade or more. 

Is that enough for the Spurs to part with a first-round pick?