The San Antonio Spurs are at an interesting crossroads as they look ahead to the 2023 NBA draft. Armed with two lottery picks, No. 2 and No. 14, the organization is poised to make some franchise-altering decisions. These decisions have the potential to greatly determine its future direction! The Spurs will draft Dylan Harper with the expected second overall pick they received from Toronto in 2023. This addition will further strengthen their impressive young core, led by Victor Wembanyama as he begins his third NBA season.
The Spurs have a huge number of future assets. Their bonanza of first-round picks aside, they benefit from a remarkably flexible salary cap situation. This combination of draft capital and financial freedom positions the franchise for potential trades that could further enhance their roster.
Drafting Dylan Harper
The Spurs plan to be active in the upcoming draft. Everything points to them selecting Dylan Harper No. 2. Harper, a standout in college basketball, has garnered attention for his impressive skills and potential impact in the league.
Needless to say, legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has put a lot of faith into the rookie. He stated, “He’s not special because he’s so talented. The way he works on his game is more impressive. The joy he has in playing, it’s like osmosis.” These kinds of remarks speak to the club’s focus on developing talent and creating a roster built on tenacity and perseverance.
The Spurs possess the No. 14 pick, which could be leveraged in various ways, whether to draft another young player or as a trade asset in a larger deal.
Trade Possibilities
While the Spurs are understandably looking to the draft as they continue the rebuild, they are actively searching for trade opportunities to improve their roster as soon as possible. Of all the rumored potentialities, perhaps the most discussed has been the prospect of trading for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Reports have indicated that players like Jeremy Sochan would be off the table in any possible trade discussions.
Beyond Antetokounmpo, the Spurs might have other enticing options available, with some of the league’s biggest stars possibly on the market, especially Kevin Durant. Keldon Johnson and Malaki Branham were just names before, but now they are popular trade targets in the trade debate around Durant. This positive trend emphasizes San Antonio’s willingness to take big, smart leaps.
These strategy-oriented conversations are further supported by the team’s vast financial flexibility. As of now, the Spurs are $33 million under the luxury tax line and $37 million under the first apron. This monetary state of affairs creates a number of flexibility when it comes to trade and makes negotiating with different franchises smoother.
Future Assets
The Spurs’ future looks extremely bright, not just because of their amazing young roster. They have a treasure trove of upcoming draft picks, which will only increase their potential. One of the most intriguing assets is a 2027 unprotected first-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks. This selection should remain even if they continue looking for other trades.
In addition, they have a top-four protected 2029 first-round pick, which turns into two second-round picks if it’s not conveyed. They currently hold a first-round pick for 2030. Its value lies in whichever one of those teams finishes higher than the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and themselves. The Spurs own a 2031 swap option between Milwaukee’s pick and their own. This trade creates plenty of draft flexibility for them.
Brian Wright, the Spurs’ general manager, emphasized the strategic nature of their decisions moving forward: “All the decisions that we’ve made to this point have kind of been under that premise.” This new statement is a great reminder of the team’s outlook over the long haul as they continue constructing a competitive roster.
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