The San Antonio Spurs should expect to see a spike in their viewership in 2023-24. In fact, NBA fans around the world will be watching them. With all due respect to everyone on their roster, that’s mostly due to the presence of Victor Wembanyama.
This isn’t an ordinary number-one pick. Wembanyama is widely regarded as one of the best prospects in NBA history. He’s got the potential to revolutionize the sport.
Apparently, he wants to play the 4. Expect the Spurs to cater to him. If Wembanyama wants them to acquire a 5, the Spurs will do it. How about Onyeka Onkongwu of the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Doug McDermott, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Onyeka Onkongwu
Wembanyama may be revolutionary. He’s not necessarily the first of his kind. In fact, tall, thin big men with guard skills are all the rage. Just one year before Wembanyama was selected with the first overall pick, Chet Holmgren was selected second. He’s another potential star in the NBA.
Wembanyama is supposed to be the pinnacle of the archetype. Of course, he’ll have competition. There will be more players of this ilk coming into the NBA before we know it.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Onyeka Onkongwu, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
One of the most notable ones is Cooper Flagg. This American prospect is similar to Holmgren and Wembanyama in body type. In fact, he’s slated to enter the league in the 2025 draft. Could the Hawks target him if they get their pick back?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Obviously, the Hawks don’t do this deal with Flagg in mind. They’ll be hoping to be too competitive by 2025 to make that selection. Of course, that’s not guaranteed. The Hawks just clued up an underwhelming 2022-23 season. As a result, there’s been speculation about major changes in this organization.
This deal gives them a little more flexibility to make those changes. When you control your own pick, you control your destiny. Still, that’s not the main reason the Hawks would do this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Onyeka Onkongwu, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Onkongwu and Clint Capela cannot co-exist. Meanwhile, Onkongwu will be due for a rookie extension the Hawks won’t be able to afford soon. Moving him before they have to pay him is useful. Finally, the Hawks could use an elite movement shooter like McDermott. Couldn’t the Spurs as well?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
This may not be exactly the type of big most are picturing next to Wembanyama. The Spurs need someone to do the dirty work. As a result, some may prefer for them to land a big, hulking center to bang on the low block. Meanwhile, Onkongwu is actually undersized.
So? He’s also a versatile defensive big that can guard across positions. The Spurs could assemble one of the most switchable frontcourts in the NBA by pairing these two big men.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Onyeka Onkongwu, Atlanta Hawks & San Antonio Spurs Updates
If it works out, they’ll have plenty of cap space to pay Onkongwu. The Spurs need to acquire a center. If they’re open to this unorthodox pairing, they should give the Hawks a call. After all, they’ll have a lot of people watching them next season.
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