Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the NBA’s future face, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. However, Wembanyama will eventually have to win, even if the losing is not his fault. The Spurs have done an outstanding job of building a strong young team around him, but they still need to add more.
If the Spurs want to contend as early as 2025–26, they may need to make another deal.
On the other hand, some may argue that the Spurs should not do so.
They will be well-positioned to compete for a long time.
Rushing through it merely to try to improve today isn’t the end-all be-all.
Plus, it’s not like the Spurs didn’t already sign De’Aaron Fox at the deadline last year. This team wants to win, and Wembanyama has made it clear.
Sports Illustrated recently proposed a trade in which they would go all in, but the transaction would require them to leave Fox. Hawks offered an intriguing trade proposition on SI.
Hawks Receive: Svi Mykhailiuk
Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and a 2027 first-round pick (via LAL, from UTA, top-4 protected).
Jazz Receive: De’Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan. 2027 first-round selection (via ATL, from SAS, unprotected), 2029 first-round pick (via SAS, unprotected), and 2029 second-round pick (via ATL).
“Markkanen was one of the most sought-after players following the 2023-24 season, as he averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds on 63% TS, 40% from three on eight attempts per game, and 41.4% on catch-and-shoot threes.
“Swapping him in for Harris would be an immediate upgrade, as his down season last year delivered 19 points and 5.9 rebounds on 42.3/34.6/87.6 shooting splits despite dealing with ailments for the majority of the year. “He’s a massive wing who can play SF or PF, is 28 years old, and has already signed for the next four seasons,” they stated.
Would the Spurs part with Fox so soon?
While Lauri Markkanen would be a terrific addition to the San Antonio Spurs, it would be difficult to justify in some ways. Sure, the Spurs are a little heavy on guards after drafting Dylan Harper, but Fox is a terrific talent who fits perfectly next to Wembanyama.
“San Antonio finished 20th in 3P% and struggled to find floor spacing to complement Wemby, Swapping out Fox for Markkanen would fit better with their roster and he’d be instantly able to start at PF, which improves their depth because they can bring Barnes off the bench,” the team noted.
Spurs’ 2025-2026 Outlook
Some predict that the San Antonio Spurs will be a very good team next season. ESPN recently stated that the Spurs’ choice to deal Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley for Kelly Olynyk signaled that they will enter the upcoming season trying to win games and push for a playoff spot.
“The subtext here is that San Antonio is becoming more serious about winning in 2025-26. That means no more room for Branham and Wesley, first-round choices in 2022 who have yet to contribute to the team’s success. Both were on the margins of the Spurs’ rotation last season, playing only 1,100 minutes total after combining for nearly 2,500 in 2023-24,” they said.
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