Report: The Spurs received’t be trying to make any massive strikes this summer time

There was already extra hype surrounding Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama than anybody since LeBron James entered the league, however he has nonetheless managed to exceed expectations, main many to marvel how the Spurs ought to strategy this offseason. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Adrian Wojnarowski mentioned the Spurs shouldn’t waste any time, and San Antonio Categorical Information’ Jeff McDonald has implied that anybody who thinks the Spurs received’t be searching for upgrades is sorely mistaken, however now we now have a brand new twist.

Windhorst is now saying the Spurs received’t be trying to make any massive strikes or trades this summer time and can as a substitute deal with the 2025 NBA draft, which is meant to be way more proficient and deeper than 2024.

There’s cause to take this critically, as his “supply” may very well be none apart from Spurs GM Brian Wright, as the 2 Brian W’s have been lately seen chatting it up forward of their residence sport vs. the Knicks. (After all, it’s additionally price noting Windhorst whiffed on one other report that evening, claiming ball boys had gone into the stands to retrieve Jalen Brunson’s 61-point ball that Wemby had thrown into the stands, solely to must stroll it again after being knowledgeable in any other case.)

This “information” will naturally result in blended reactions. It certain makes it sound just like the Spurs are going to tank for a 3rd consecutive yr regardless of getting the last word franchise participant final summer time, and a few followers might not be able to abdomen that once more. (I’m unsure I’m.) On the similar time, with their improved play in current months, there’s now some intrigue as to what their present core of Wemby, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones can do after a complete season of enjoying collectively and constructing chemistry.

After all, in the event you’re hoping the Spurs make a giant splash in free company, there may a little bit of a actuality verify in retailer. Solely Cedi Osman, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Dominck Barlow can be off the books this summer time, whereas Devonte’ Graham, Julian Champagnie and Charles Bassey are on partially assured offers. Regardless of this, the Spurs would have the cap house to signal a giant free agent, however just like the draft, that is additionally a considerably weak free company class, the place massive cash would both convey a ball dominant participant or over-the-hill veteran, neither of which might be very best.

Lastly, there’s the concept of constructing a giant commerce. Whereas the Spurs have been tied to names who is likely to be on the buying and selling block like Trae Younger and Donovan Mitchell, there’s at all times the query of long-term match, to not point out what the Spurs must give as much as get them. Johnson is their greatest bargaining chip, however what if groups need one thing extra, like say, Vassell? The Spurs probably aren’t prepared half with him so quickly, plus as decided because the Spurs look like to construct organically by means of the draft, what number of of their picks are they able to half with? There’s could be loads to think about.

If one needed to enterprise a guess, the Spurs will probably take heed to provides that come their means, mull it over, and if one thing is just too good to go up and matches the timeline, they could go for it, however one factor they won’t do is overreact. In any other case, they are going to fill within the gaps with position gamers that match a necessity (like capturing), let their younger gamers continue to grow, hope for a giant get within the 2025 draft, then begin the cost again up the standings. (Principally, the affected person Thunder strategy.)

As straightforward as it might be to panic on the considered one other “tank” season, bear in mind, Wemby is simply going to maintain getting higher, and Gregg Popovich received’t give you the option get away with stuff just like the Sochan experiment subsequent season as a result of he now is aware of what he has on this present roster. Even when roughly the identical squad comes again subsequent season, they SHOULD be decently higher. If not, they’ll nonetheless have the identical alternatives to behave subsequent summer time as they do now.