In the 2024-25 season, the San Antonio Spurs quietly emerged from the rebuild purgatory, posting a 34-48 record and showing remarkable progress with Victor Wembanyama at the helm. Wembanyama dazzled in his second year, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game before a mid-season shutdown due to deep vein thrombosis derailed his campaign.
Meanwhile, newcomer De’Aaron Fox injected a proven scoring punch into a blossoming unit anchored by Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and the backcourt’s flavor grew richer when the Spurs added Rutgers standout Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick in June 2025. With a new head coach, Mitch Johnson, at the helm, the Spurs enter 2025-26 brimming with an elite, youthful core, playoff aspirations, and cap flexibility ready to be leveraged.
Now, with Wembanyama, Fox, Castle, and Harper locking down the future, the front office faces a tantalizing “win-now” moment. The roster has the bones to compete immediately, and whispers around the league suggest the Spurs could swing big with an elite wing, a former Finals MVP, or a reliable 20-point scorer to elevate the offense and spacing around their young nucleus.
By targeting players who fit their franchise schemes, San Antonio’s front office seems poised to push the franchise from hopeful rebuild to serious postseason contender, so let’s dive into some potential options.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, 2027 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly still weighing a potential trade request from two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, amid concerns over the team’s ability to contend for a championship in the near term. Despite significant offseason moves, including releasing an injured Damian Lillard and signing center Myles Turner, the Bucks’ roster may not sufficiently boost their title expectations, especially in a weakened Eastern Conference missing stars like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton due to injuries.
Antetokounmpo, who led Milwaukee to a 2021 championship and is coming off a season averaging 30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 6.5 APG on 60.1% FG, is reportedly evaluating whether this roster can bring home another title. Almost any team, including rivals right now, is closely monitoring the situation and preparing trade packages should he become available.
For the Spurs, acquiring Antetokounmpo would provide a proven superstar to lead their young core. The proposed trade, sending Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, and three future first-round picks to Milwaukee, offers the Bucks a blend of promising talent and draft capital to rebuild around. This move would pair Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, forming a formidable trio that could elevate the Spurs into championship contention.
However, the trade’s feasibility hinges on the Bucks’ willingness to part with their franchise cornerstone and the Spurs’ ability to match Antetokounmpo’s salary under the salary cap. Additionally, the Spurs would need to ensure that the acquisition of Antetokounmpo doesn’t affect the growth of Wemby, a player who is only 21 years old.
Still, the prospect of acquiring the best two-way player in the world isn’t a bad one to consider by any means, and the Spurs should go all-in for The Greek Freak if the opportunity arises. The Bucks might not get better than two future pieces and three first-round picks, considering the market right now.
2. Jaylen Brown
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics Receive: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, 2027 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
Jaylen Brown has been the subject of trade rumors for much of the offseason, with the Boston Celtics reportedly open to discussions about his future with the team. The Celtics have indicated they are willing to part ways with Brown, especially as they look to rebuild around Jayson Tatum, who is expected to miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to injury.
For the Spurs, acquiring Brown (22.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.5 APG) would add a dynamic scorer and defender to their lineup. The proposed trade, sending Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, and three future first-round picks to Boston, provides the Celtics with a mix of established players and young prospects to facilitate their rebuilding process. Pairing Brown with Wembanyama and Fox would give the Spurs a potent offensive trio capable of competing at the highest level.
The challenge for the Spurs lies in navigating the Celtics’ reported reluctance to trade Brown and ensuring that the trade package meets Boston’s rebuilding objectives. Additionally, the Spurs would need to assess how Brown’s playing style and contract fit into their long-term plans. While the acquisition of Brown could significantly bolster the Spurs’ roster, it would require strategic negotiation and alignment with both teams’ goals.
3. Austin Reaves
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, 2032 second-round pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan
Without a doubt, budding star Austin Reaves would add a skilled shooter and playmaker to their backcourt. The future star posted 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 37.7% from deep despite being a third option. Integrating Reaves into the Spurs’ lineup would provide additional spacing and offensive versatility alongside Wembanyama and Fox.
The feasibility of this trade depends on the Los Angeles Lakers’ willingness to part with Reaves and the Spurs’ ability to match his salary under the salary cap. Additionally, the Spurs would need to ensure that Reaves’ contract terms align with their long-term financial strategy.
While the move presents an opportunity to strengthen the Spurs’ backcourt, they need to think carefully about Castle’s growth. Castle might not be the shot-maker and creator that Reaves is, but his impact defensively could be greater. If the Spurs want to win now, this is a trade they have to consider, especially since Knecht brings some sharpshooting as well.
4. Malik Monk
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Malik Monk
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jeremy Sochan, Kelly Olynyk, 2028 first-round pick (SAS)
Malik Monk would provide a scoring spark off the bench and bolster their perimeter shooting, considering he posted 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The proposed trade, sending Jeremy Sochan, Kelly Olynyk, and a future first-round pick to the Kings, offers Sacramento a blend of young talent and veteran presence to enhance their roster.
Integrating Monk into the Spurs’ lineup would add depth and offensive firepower, complementing the existing core of Wembanyama, Fox, and Harper. The challenge for the Spurs lies in ensuring that Monk’s playing style fits seamlessly into their system and that the trade package aligns with Sacramento’s rebuilding objectives.
Additionally, the Spurs would need to assess Monk’s contract terms and how they impact their long-term financial strategy. While the acquisition of Monk could provide immediate scoring benefits, it would require careful evaluation of both teams’ needs and resources.
5. Malcolm Brogdon
Free Agency
Signing Malcolm Brogdon (12.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.1 APG in only 24 games) would add a seasoned playmaker and defender to their backcourt. His experience and versatility would provide valuable leadership and depth, complementing the young core of Wembanyama, Fox, and Harper.
Brogdon’s ability to facilitate offense and contribute defensively would enhance the Spurs’ overall team dynamics. The feasibility of signing Brogdon depends on the Spurs’ salary cap space and their ability to offer a competitive contract.
Additionally, Brogdon’s fit within the Spurs’ system and his role on the team would need to be carefully considered. While acquiring Brogdon could strengthen the Spurs’ rotation when it comes to three-point shooters and playmakers, negotiating a team-friendly salary will be a priority.
6. Patrick Williams
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Patrick Williams
Chicago Bulls Receive: Keldon Johnson, 2028 second-round pick (SAS)
For the Spurs, acquiring Patrick Williams (9.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 39.7% FG) would add a versatile forward to their lineup, capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. The proposed trade, sending Keldon Johnson and a future second-round pick to the Bulls, offers Chicago a combination of established scoring and draft assets to enhance their roster.
Integrating Williams into the Spurs’ lineup would provide additional defensive presence and flexibility, complementing the existing core of Wembanyama, Fox, and Harper. The challenge for the Spurs lies in ensuring that Williams’ development trajectory aligns with their timeline and that the trade package meets Chicago’s rebuilding objectives.
Additionally, the Spurs would need to assess Williams’ contract terms and how they impact their long-term financial strategy. While the acquisition of Williams could provide valuable depth and potential, it would require careful evaluation of both teams’ needs and resources.
