The San Antonio Spurs look ready to take the NBA by storm once again. They have seldom been bad in the history of the franchise, but whenever they are, they come away with a generational talent.
First, it was David Robinson, who was eventually paired with Tim Duncan. This time, after one season of tanking and being on the longest playoff drought in franchise history, they came away with Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama is the most hyped prospect since LeBron James with his one-of-one combination of size and skill. Standing 7’5”, he can handle and shoot the ball like a perimeter player while providing ridiculous rim protection and contest ability on defense.
The Spurs are currently 3-2 on the season after dismantling the Phoenix Suns 132-121 behind a 38-point, 10-rebound performance by Wembanyama. If he can stay healthy, there is no reason San Antonio cannot contend for a playoff spot, at least qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament, this season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs Updates
With their timeline rapidly moved up, the Spurs are a team to keep an eye on should an All-Star caliber player hit the trade market. They have stocked up on assets in recent years by trading away veterans and could consolidate their group of young players in a trade as well.
Who could they look to bring to San Antonio? Jonah Kubicek of FanNation on Sports Illustrated believes that Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls would be an ideal trade target for them. LaVine has proven to be one of the most talented scorers in the NBA, earning two All-Star nods in his career.
A capable ball-handler and lead playmaker, LaVine would raise the Spurs’ floor, giving them a veteran to rely on as their younger players continue coming into their own. A lineup of LaVine, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Zach Collins and Wembanyama would be a tough group for opponents to handle.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs Updates
What could a trade between San Antonio and Chicago look like? Kubicek believes the focus of any deal for the Bulls would be getting back as much draft capital as possible.
“A deal of three first-round picks (maybe returning Chicago’s 2025 selection?) and salary filler on shorter contracts should do the trick, but if LaVine returns to All-Star form, the Bulls could hold out for an even larger asking price. The Spurs would have to sacrifice some depth to get a deal done, and with no rush on Wembanyama’s development, the organization might not want to do that,” Kubicek wrote.
If the Bulls are under the .500 mark at the deadline, there is a chance they start selling off some of their veteran pieces. They are overdue for a rebuild, as a player’s only meeting was held on opening night, which is not a good sign for the direction things are heading in.
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