The San Antonio Spurs have a bright future. Victor Wembanyama has all he needs to become the world’s top player. And Stephon Castle’s recent selection in the 2024 NBA draft appears to be a steal.
However, the Spurs will eventually have to make moves to set their roster for contention. Wembanyama may only be in his second season, but he is already capable of being a big postseason threat.
According to a recent trade suggestion from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the Spurs could be a possible destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the deal may only work if the two-time MVP decides to leave the Milwaukee Bucks. Buckley’s trade proposal appears like this:
Spurs receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks get Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, Zach Collins, a 2025 first-round selection (top-10 protected, via CHI), a 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), a 2030 first-round pick (via DAL), a 2031 first-round pick (via MIN), and a 2026 first-round pick exchange (via ATL).
“If Milwaukee is forced to trade Antetokounmpo, it will surely demand a mountain of trade assets, which considerably thins his list of realistic landing spots,” Buckley said. “…Meanwhile, the Spurs have been stockpiling assets while supporting the development of rising talent Victor Wembanyama. They are still not ready to be called even shadow contenders, but with a megastar like Antetokounmpo in the mix, they might rise all the way to heavyweight contender status.”
Giannis, 29, is currently in his prime. If the Bucks are unable to provide him with a chance to compete for championships, he should consider other options. A Giannis-Wembanyama partnership would be terrible. Both athletes have the potential to become premier two-way stars.
Giannis Would Have to Request a Trade
Giannis would need to push for a trade, according to Marc Stein, who wrote about it in ‘The SteinLine Newsletter’ on November 10. Milwaukee will not move its star until forced to. As a result, Giannis would need to be the driving force for his exit.
“It is understood quite clearly in 29 other front offices that Antetokounmpo is only ever going to be made available for trade if he pushes for it,” Stein said in his SteinLine Newsletter. “But a handful of teams out there have certainly begun planning for such an eventuality — and, in some cases, have already let the Bucks know that they will be ready to talk trade if team officials ever reach that point — even if Milwaukee has zero interest in such discussions as we speak.”
After a slow start to the season, the Bucks have began to string victories together. Doc Rivers’ team continues to climb the Eastern Conference standings. If Milwaukee continues to improve, Giannis’ chances of leaving the team become increasingly unlikely.
Wembanyama Continues to Impress
Wembanyama has played 18 games this season. He is averaging 23.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.4 blocks. He is on track to make both the All-Star and All-Defensive teams. There is no doubt that he will be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year contender in the foreseeable future.
Wembanyama may not be there yet, but he will be able to manage a competitive squad on his own in the future. However, bringing Giannis into the mix would assure he gets assistance from one of the finest players in the world. It would also assure that Wembanyama begins accumulating postseason experience, which might prove essential.
In reality, landing Giannis is a pipe dream. However, if he ever becomes available, few organizations can match the Spurs’ trade assets. As a result, they’re worth keeping an eye on anytime a star player becomes available.
