San Antonio Spurs head coach and president of basketball operations Gregg Popovich has officially pulled the plug on trade talks involving superstar Kevin Durant — opting instead to pursue rising phenom Cooper Flagg in a bold and unprecedented shift in direction.
Sources close to the organization confirmed early Sunday that the Spurs have ended negotiations with the Brooklyn Nets, who had been discussing a blockbuster deal that would’ve landed the 2-time NBA champion Durant in San Antonio. Instead, Popovich is all-in on acquiring 2025 projected No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg, who recently declared for the NBA Draft after a dominant season with Duke.
Flagg, a 6’9” forward with elite defensive instincts and high basketball IQ, has drawn comparisons to a young Larry Bird with a modern twist. The 17-year-old Maine native has been the center of intense scouting buzz, and now the Spurs — armed with multiple draft picks and young assets — are positioning themselves to trade up in the draft to secure him.
Popovich’s decision reflects a long-term vision for the franchise, one centered around youth, athleticism, and upside rather than short-term star power. “Pop wants to build a dynasty, not just chase another ring,” one league executive said. “Flagg fits the timeline with Victor Wembanyama and gives them a duo that could dominate the next decade.”
Kevin Durant, now 36, remains one of the league’s elite scorers, but concerns over his age, injury history, and timeline fit with the Spurs’ youth movement reportedly drove the decision. While some fans are stunned by the pivot, others applaud Popovich’s forward-thinking approach.
With Wembanyama already a foundational piece, adding Flagg could create the NBA’s most intriguing young core. Though the trade isn’t official yet, league insiders suggest San Antonio is already in advanced talks to move into the top two of the draft.
One thing is certain: Popovich is not afraid to gamble — and this time, he’s betting on the future.
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