Victor Wembanyama is the most anticipated prospect to enter the NBA since LeBron James. You likely fall into two categories if you’re not excited about him. You either don’t love the NBA or actively dislike the San Antonio Spurs.
Otherwise, you can’t wait to see this kid in action. Now, the Spurs have to build around him. Most will expect them to take a cautious approach to doing so. That would make sense.
The Spurs could try to work their way back into the lottery once or twice more before they start focusing on winning. That would be a reasonable course of action. On the other hand, the Spurs could get crazy.
They could feel like they were done building through the draft if they’re willing to assume that Wembanyama will be their franchise player. In that event, they could make a massive win-now trade for a star that complements Wembanyama.
How about Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal — San Antonio Spurs Land Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, F Doug McDermott, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
With that said, you don’t have to land the most anticipated prospect since James to build a contender. Sure, it helps. At the same time, young talent comes into the league every year. Teams around the league have players they can reasonably hope will eventually lead them to an NBA championship.
Look at the Cavaliers. Evan Mobley didn’t enter the league with the same fanfare as Wembanyama. He still has the potential to make All-NBA teams.
If Mobley hits his ceiling, he should win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award more than once. The Cavaliers have a potential franchise player, even if he isn’t Wembanyama.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
They didn’t waste time building around him, either. The Cavaliers made a blockbuster deal to acquire Mitchell just last summer. As a result, they’d hoped to take a step forward last year. Unfortunately, they had a somewhat disappointing season.
Should the Spurs risk suffering the same fate?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
The Cavaliers may have been disappointing last year. The blame doesn’t fall on Mitchell’s shoulders. More than anything, Mobley struggled to co-exist with Jarrett Allen. This team had poor spacing, and it cost them in the first round of the playoffs.
The Spurs could acquire Mitchell and learn from that lesson. Even following this deal, they won’t be ready to contend. The Spurs would have more roster-building to do.
At the same time, they’d have their more critical components. Between Wembanyama, Mitchell, and Devin Vassell, they’d have a Big 3 to build around long-term.
Speaking of Vassell, he renders Johnson expendable. They’re very similar players. If the Spurs are concerned, they’ll consider Mitchell’s rumored interest in joining a bigger market.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
With that said, Wembanyama’s market is the world: plenty of eyes would be on Mitchell if he joined the Spurs. If he’s happy to play for them and available, the Spurs should pounce.
Should the Cavaliers make him available?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
There are a lot of rumors surrounding Mitchell. They could be smoke. If Mitchell is truly happy in Cleveland, they’ve got no need to make this deal.
Let’s assume that there’s some truth in the rumors. If the Cavaliers know that Mitchell wants out of town, they should eventually be looking to move him.
In doing so, they should seek players who complement Mobley and Darius Garland. Johnson fits the bill. This young wing can grow with the team and is already impactful enough to keep the Cavaliers relevant.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Moreover, they’re adding to their currently weak wing depth by adding McDermott. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. Throw in a pair of unprotected firsts, which could be enough for the Cavaliers to part with Mitchell. At least they’ll still have Mobley to get excited about.
