San Antonio Spurs Move Jakob Poeltl

Charlotte Hornets Receive: C Jakob Poeltl 

San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Mason Plumlee, 2024 First-Round Pick (CHA) 

Unlike the previous trades, this one features two teams that could conceivably, enter the Wembanyama sweepstakes. 

The Spurs won’t be able to avoid them. Having traded Dejounte Murray this summer, they may be the worst team in the NBA. Young players like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Josh Primo have promise, but none are nearly ready to drag a team to victories on their own. 

On the other hand, the Hornets are in a different position. Specifically, they already have a franchise player. With LaMelo Ball already being as productive as he is, do they need Wembanyama? 

Of course, they’d like him. Still, tanking can have negative consequences. The Hornets need to be concerned with LaMelo Ball’s happiness.

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

Landing Poeltl will give seem a starting caliber player at a position of need. They could make the playoffs, improving their odds of hanging onto Ball long-term. 

That might be worth more than a 14% chance of drafting Victor Wembanyama.