The 2024 NBA Draft is only a day away, and virtually for the reason that commerce deadline, the Spurs and Hawks have been related to one another in lots of rumors. Whether or not it’s buying Trae Younger, re-acquiring Dejounte Murray or making draft-day swaps, the 2 groups seemingly can’t keep away from one another within the rumor mill (even when a few of it could or will not be correct).
The most recent instance is an prolonged dialogue between ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Jonathan Givony on Lowe’s podcast relating to the chances of the Spurs perusing the highest total decide from the Hawks — or the Hawks buying it to them to attempt to get again a few of the property that they gave to the Spurs within the Murray commerce.
For example, Lowe introduced up the truth that the Spurs not too long ago introduced in Zaccharie Risacher for a non-public exercise regardless of it being extremely unlikely that he’ll nonetheless be obtainable at 4th: the primary of the Spurs’ two lottery picks. Contemplating he already is aware of and has performed together with his fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, he would definitely be an excellent slot in many regards, but when the Spurs actually need Risacher, what would it not take to get him? Lowe mentioned he feels the 4th and eighth picks usually are not sufficient to get the first decide from the Hawks, whereas Givony checked out from the opposite finish, saying he heard each these picks can be an excessive amount of for Spurs to provide for the highest decide in a reasonably flat draft.
For that matter, if the Spurs actually needed Risacher (or another person who will not be obtainable at 4th, like Alex Sarr), the Hawks could demand much more: resembling their unprotected 2025 first spherical decide that the Spurs presently personal. Contemplating 2025 is meant to be a a lot deeper and stronger draft and the unknown state of the Hawks, it might find yourself being extra invaluable than this 12 months’s high decide, so the Spurs would possible want to maintain that decide or a minimum of put exhausting protections on it.
In the long run, each Lowe and Givony agreed that the Spurs can be simply as nicely off holding their very own picks and can probably stay affected person. There will probably be loads of alternatives to make trades and get good gamers, particularly from groups in wage cap hassle. There isn’t a must panic or rush since Wemby is affected person and ok to organically construct round, plus he’ll make the Spurs a free agent vacation spot, so finally there’s no must throw the kitchen sink at this draft class.
What do you suppose, Spurs followers? Ought to the Spurs look to commerce up within the draft in the event that they suppose they know who their man is, and if that’s the case, at what value? Be happy to debate within the feedback beneath.
You may take heed to the phase on the Spurs starting on the 24:15 mark.
