Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
The Spurs have become increasingly ambitious over the years, and may be looking to make a big splash in the summer market. This explains the rumours linking them to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo… but now also to another big name.
A glance at their latest transactions offers a glimpse into the progress of their project. Last summer, the Spurs acquired experienced recruits to pilot a very young squad, snapping up Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Then, as the trade deadline approached, they sacrificed a substantial package to acquire De’Aaron Fox during the season.
The franchise has indeed decided to speed up the process to enable Victor Wembanyama to fight for the title as quickly as possible. So far, however, these various operations have not even been enough to get him into his first playoff campaign. His managers therefore intend to continue their efforts, and could offer him a new heavyweight reinforcement during the off-season.
In addition to Durant and Giannis, the other Finals MVP mentioned at the Spurs
Although very active on the market in recent months, San Antonio’s front office still has several assets it could use to acquire a superstar. Their two main targets would be Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo… but not the only ones. According to Chris Mannix, reported by Justin Leger of NBC Sports, Jaylen Brown would be added to the list:
Justin Leger: Brown, four-time All-Star and NBA Finals MVP in 2024, will have tremendous value on the market if Boston decides to include his name in trade talks. And while sending him to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been much talked about lately, a team on the rise in the Western Conference appears a more realistic contender.
“The team I’d watch the most for Jaylen Brown is the Spurs,” said Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix on The Off C’season this Wednesday. “Sure, I think the Spurs would love to get their hands on Giannis, but the Bucks are likely to demand Stephon Castle in return. And if that’s the case, I can’t see San Antonio agreeing to that deal.”
“On the other hand, I don’t think Boston would ask for Stephon Castle, but rather the #2 pick in the Draft. Not to mention Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson and other future first-round picks (…) With Fox, Brown, Castle and Wemby on this team, it would make them a title contender in the Western Conference as early as next year.”
It remains to be seen whether the Celtics will sell.