No NBA player likes losing games. That isn’t how they’re wired. At the same time, front offices can be happy to see their teams lose. Around the league, there are some teams who are tanking to maximize their lottery odds.
It seems that the San Antonio Spurs are one of those teams. This young squad is focused on the future. Fair enough. With that said, it doesn’t feel like Victor Wembanyama is happy with that decision. He’s becoming visibly frustrated with the Spurs’ losing ways.
What should the Spurs do? They don’t have to act rashly. Wembanyama will surely survive his rookie season. With that said, the Spurs could justify getting ahead of this problem by making a major move.
Could they trade for Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal: San Antonio Spurs Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, F Doug McDermott, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 6 Protected – TOR via SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
Tanking doesn’t strictly irk players. Plenty of fans hate the practice as well. Fair enough. When your team is trying to lose games, it’s difficult to watch them on a regular basis.
Sure. With that said, it’s undeniably effective. Look at the Cavaliers. They landed Kyrie Irving and LeBron James through the draft. Whether they were tanking or not, they were lucky. The Cavs would go on to win an NBA title with that duo in the fold.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Eventually, they’d both leave Cleveland. What happened? The Cavaliers drafted Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. In the end, the draft will always be the safest means for NBA teams to acquire talent. They’ll always want to maximize their lottery odds.
Should the Spurs harm their own lottery odds by acquiring Mitchell?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Who are the Spurs tanking for? The upcoming draft is perceived as weak. Meanwhile, the projected number one pick is a mobile French big man who should be a longtime Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Sound familiar?
We’re not saying Wembanyama can’t play with Alexandre Sarr. It does feel fair to say that San Antonio doesn’t need Sarr. Meanwhile, tanking again next season doesn’t sound like a good idea. Soon, the Spurs will need to get Wembanyama some experience with playing winning basketball.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Why not start now? Mitchell is still just 27. He’ll be a star for years to come. Wembanyama should hit his prime before Mitchell exits his. When that happens, they could be the best duo in the NBA.
Should the Cavaliers help them put it together?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Rumors have suggested that Mitchell may leave Cleveland eventually. Who knows if those rumors have substance? If the Cavaliers have reason to believe that Mitchell is committed to them, they shouldn’t make this deal.
Let’s assume that Mitchell is set on leaving. If that’s true, the Cavaliers should move him as soon as possible. This would be quite the return. The Cavaliers would be excited to add a young wing who compliments the rest of their core in Johnson.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Meanwhile, bringing in an elite shooter like McDermott could help them continue winning now. Still, the real appeal here is the addition of three unprotected firsts. In time, the Cavaliers could use those picks to trade for another star. Luckily for their players, they’re well past the point of losing games on purpose.
