Victor Wembanyama is poised to be a generational talent, but even the most unique stars need a strong supporting cast to thrive. While the Spurs have a lot of faith in Wemby’s potential, they know that finding the right frontcourt partner is essential to maximize his impact. With the 2024 season on the horizon, the Spurs could explore a few big trade ideas to give Wemby the ideal pairing inside.
The team currently has solid young pieces like Jeremy Sochan and Zach Collins, but there’s room for an upgrade if the Spurs are aiming to fast-track their rebuild. Offseason rumors suggested the Spurs were open to making moves, and with their plethora of assets and cap space, they could land a perfect fit to bolster their interior lineup. Let’s explore three possible trades that could take Wemby and the Spurs to the next level.
1. Walker Kessler Could Unlock Wemby’s Offense
Jazz receive: Jeremy Sochan, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick (Hawks)
Spurs receive: Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler has quietly become one of the most promising young big men in the NBA, especially on the defensive end. The young center has been blocking shots like it’s his favorite hobby, and in 2023-24, he was swatting away 2.4 shots per game while pulling down 9.2 boards a night. That’s elite rim protection, and that’s exactly why the Spurs should be all over him. Rumors floated around that the Utah Jazz wanted two first-rounders as the Knicks were interested, which is steep, but it shows just how valuable he’s become in just a couple of seasons.
Now, picture this: Kessler doing all the dirty work defensively while Wembanyama gets to focus on torching opponents on offense. Wemby’s got the offensive bag to be a true mismatch nightmare, but being a full-time defensive anchor could take a toll. With Kessler on board, Wemby could be unleashed, fully tapping into his offensive creativity without worrying about being the last line of defense every possession.
What makes Kessler the perfect partner for Wemby is how seamlessly they would complement each other. Wembanyama has that rare ability to shoot, pass, and handle the ball like a guard, but he’s also 7’4” with a ridiculous wingspan. Pairing him with Kessler’s shot-blocking and rebounding would allow Wemby to take more risks offensively, stretching the floor, and attacking the rim. Meanwhile, Kessler would lock down the paint, clean the glass, and protect the basket.
Sure, giving up two first-rounders plus Jeremy Sochan stings a bit, but think about the long-term picture. You’re building one of the most terrifying young frontcourts in the league. Kessler would make the Spurs’ defense solid while allowing Wemby to fully thrive offensively. This move could fast-track the rebuild, turning the Spurs into serious playoff contenders sooner than expected.
2. Going All-In For Evan Mobley
Cavaliers receive: Zach Collins, Harrison Barnes, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bulls), 2026 First-Round Pick (Hawks), 2027 First-Round Pick (Hawks), 2028 First-Round Pick
Spurs receive: Evan Mobley, Georges Niang
If the Spurs are serious about building a dominant frontcourt to pair with Victor Wembanyama, Evan Mobley might just be their ultimate target. Mobley, already one of the league’s best young defenders, could form a devastating duo with Wemby, making life miserable for any opponent trying to score in the paint. The Cavaliers have been reluctant to entertain trade talks for Mobley, but with a package like this, the Spurs could make them think twice. We’re talking about multiple first-round picks, Zach Collins, and the veteran presence of Harrison Barnes to sweeten the deal.
Mobley’s defensive impact has been elite since day one. He averaged 1.4 blocks per game last season and has shown versatility that allows him to guard multiple positions. Pairing him with Wembanyama would give the Spurs a ridiculous defensive ceiling, with both players capable of switching, blocking shots, and dominating the boards. Mobley’s ability to defend out on the perimeter would also give Wemby more freedom to roam and disrupt plays without being stuck in the paint.
Offensively, Mobley’s game is still growing, but he’s shown flashes of being more than just a defensive stopper. In 2023-24, he put up 15.7 points and grabbed 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting over 58% from the field. That’s solid production, but what’s exciting is his potential to improve, especially in a system like the Spurs, where player development has always been a focus. Wembanyama and Mobley could form a deadly high-low combination, with both players capable of finishing around the rim or knocking down mid-range jumpers.
The trade would require the Spurs to give up a lot of future draft capital, but with Wembanyama on board, they may be willing to push their chips in for a player like Mobley. Adding Georges Niang as part of the deal would provide some additional shooting and veteran leadership, making this trade even more appealing. The Spurs have the assets to make this kind of all-in move, and it could completely change the trajectory of their rebuild.
3. Jalen Duren Could Be A Great Fit
Pistons receive: Jeremy Sochan, 2025 First-Round Pick (Bulls), 2026 First-Round Pick (Hawks), 2027 First-Round Pick (Hawks)
Spurs receive: Jalen Duren
Jalen Duren is one of the more intriguing young centers in the NBA, and the idea of pairing him with Wemby should have Spurs fans excited. At just 20 years old, Duren has already shown flashes of becoming a dominant force on both ends of the floor. He’s got the size, strength, and athleticism to hold his own against the league’s best big men, and his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities would perfectly complement Wembanyama’s unique skill set.
In the 2023-24 season, Duren averaged 13.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 64% from the field. His offensive game is still developing, but what he’s already shown—dunks, putbacks, and easy buckets around the rim—would take some pressure off Wemby to always be the interior scoring threat. Duren could do the dirty work inside, allowing Wembanyama to float to the perimeter, create plays, or focus on mismatches.
On the defensive end, Duren’s presence in the paint would allow Wemby to be even more versatile. With Duren handling a lot of the rim protection and rebounding duties, Wembanyama would have more freedom to roam defensively, block shots from all angles, and even take on the role of a disruptor without the burden of being the primary inside defender. This would give the Spurs an elite defensive combo, with Duren anchoring the paint and Wemby patrolling wherever needed.
The Pistons might not be eager to let go of Duren, but a trade package including Jeremy Sochan and multiple first-round picks could at least get Detroit to the negotiating table. Sochan offers them a versatile, young forward to build around, while the draft capital could be used to continue their rebuild. For the Spurs, this trade would be all about fast-tracking their development around Wemby, adding a young center who fits perfectly into their long-term plans.
