When Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox return to the lineup next season, the San Antonio Spurs are anticipated to make the playoffs. A starting five of Fox, Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and Harrison Barnes, with Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, and two high-level rookies off the bench, would be a terrific young lineup. However, the Spurs are one of several teams linked to Kevin Durant. At the same time, the fandom appears divided, primarily since Durant is 36 years old; adding him alongside Wemby and Fox would make the Spurs immediate title contenders. However, the Suns are reportedly seeking three draft picks and a young player.
The Spurs have plenty of picks, but would they be willing to give up one of their core players? Castle was made untouchable during Fox’s trade talks with the Sacramento Kings, so it’s realistic to expect the Spurs to be hesitant to sell him, even though Durant is a superior player than Castle. “One dark-horse team worth mentioning in connection with Durant is the San Antonio Spurs,” writes ClutchPointsBrett Siegel. “After just making a big move to pair De’Aaron Fox with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are poised to make even more moves this offseason.” The Spurs’ motivation for adding Durant is clear, but depending on who they give up, their window may be limited.
“There have been whispers among league personnel about the possibility of the Spurs pursuing Durant and creating the best offensive trio in the league next to Fox and Wembanyama,” according to Siegel. The league insider then suggested Vassell and Barnes as the Spurs’ top trade options. It’s difficult to argue against the Spurs acquiring Durant for the inexpensive cost of Barnes, Vassell, and possibly Blake Wesley, as well as three draft picks. Durant would take over Vasssell’s scoring duties, Sochan could join the lineup, and the Spurs would most likely keep one of their two 2025 draft picks to address either the backup center situation or the wing void.
The Spurs have eight picks between 2025 and 2031, so they would be able to keep five after this hypothetical trade, allowing them to add talent later after Durant retires. Of course, the Spurs would only agree to a deal if Durant signed a contract for more than just next season, effectively ensuring that he would complete his career in San Antonio.
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