San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Mason Plumlee, 2023 First-Round Pick (DEN via CHA) 

Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jakob Poeltl 

On the subject of change, some fans will point to the San Antonio Spurs’ offseason as evidence of shifting trends in the NBA. 

This summer, the Spurs traded Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for three unprotected first-round picks.

To be sure, it’s not how the Spurs have done business in recent years. After two decades of excellence, the Spurs have been mediocre for the last several years, but they’ve also stayed competitive. 

With that said, the league’s sharpest historians know that this isn’t the first time the Spurs have been accused of “tanking”.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jakob Poeltl, San Antonio Spurs & Charlotte Hornets Updates

Whether they really did so in 1996-97 is a matter of debate. It’s worth noting that then-franchise player David Robinson was injured at times throughout the year.

Whether the Spurs were trying to lose or not, their poor season proved to be a huge benefit when they drafted Tim Duncan. 

Does this deal do enough to put them in a better position to land their next franchise player?