Fischer: Spurs Repeatedly Mentioned By NBA Figures As Potential Home For Young

[Mr. Body]

Because we're better off with Wesley and Branham. FFS, you're so pompous for a re .

Lol man it's always the deformed Morloks who suck Trae Young . Thank god you're probably cleaning sewers somewhere and not running a team.

[timtonymanu]

Lol man it's always the deformed Morloks who suck Trae Young . Thank god you're probably cleaning sewers somewhere and not running a team.

Lol I have a job. I’m not some loser like you who complains about this site but spends day and night here anyway.

[DAF86]

Because we're better off with Wesley and Branham. FFS, you're so pompous for a re .

This has nothing to do with Wesley and Branham, tbh. This is about settling for Trae Young as Wemby's Robin for, at least, the next 5 years (while also giving up a load of assets).

Do you want that? I don't, because I don't think Trae Young will ever be part of a championship team. At least not as a prominent figure.

[Spursfanfromafar]

The question one needs to answer for the Spurs to get closer to contention isn't if Wemby is ready or not, but which is that star/ second star player who will help Wemby in his quest to help the Spurs win a championship in the medium term. Wemby has clearly proven that
a) he is among the best rookies ever,
b) he is already among the best rim-protectors not just today but probably ever, and
c) his offensive game has grown in leaps and bounds and faster than anyone expected.

If the Spurs' strategy is to wait to build through the draft by hitting triples and home runs with their picks, the chances are most likely that they will never get the right mix of support players who will help Wemby reach that mark.

They will ultimately have to get out of the Hinkie-like plan sooner rather than later and their ceiling will be OKC Thunder of today in 3 years' time with Wemby threatening to be as good as SGA is today in terms of being in the MVP conversation *IF* they get all their moves right and surround Wemby with exceptionally performing players around him. The floor could be the 76ers with Embiid and Simmons in it before Butler, Re and others joined the team to push it towards contention in two years time.

On the other hand, if the Spurs decide to accelerate their plan towards contention and play it well in terms of getting the right talent around Wemby in the form of decent Free Agents/ players to be got via trade while retaining their important draft picks and replace the current turd lot of Branham, Champagnie, Mamu, Zollins, Osman, Devonte with more functional role players and even veterans while retaining Vassell, Jones and Wesley and if push comes to shove, even Johnson.. they have a higher ceiling in the same time frame and a much higher floor for sure.

Here are some free agents I would love the Spurs to target next year without jeopardizing the plan to build around Wemby -

Priority 1 - A two-way wing to replace Champagnie, who can provide much better on the ball defense and also consistent shooting, besides shot creation through isolation if needed.

Options -

A. Paul George would be the best fit. He has a player option next year and hasn't still signed an extension with the Clips. Chances of getting - near nil as the Clippers are moving to a new arena and will throw the dice on the Leonard-George combo again even if they falter again this postseason. The only way to get him is to blow the compe ion out with yet another near-max contract for the 33 year old versatile player.

B. Mikal Bridges - would be the perfect fit to Wemby and Vassell and can even catapult the Spurs to playoff contention. Is a free agent only in 2026 though and can be prised out only if the Spurs are willing to trade some picks for him. Sean Marks will surely play hardball and the Spurs might have to trade the Celtics pick in 2028 and one or two of the Atlanta picks to get him. As of now, the Nets aren't keen on trading him, but that stance may change at the end of this season if the Nets continue to stagnate and because they dont have the wherewithal to get good lottery picks in 2024, 2025 (they have the Phoenix unprotected ones in 2025 and 2027 and their own in 2026 but the Suns' picks will be late first rounders and 2026 is 2 years away).

I would gladly trade for Bridges as I think he will be a key bridge (pun intended) to the Spurs' pathway to contention going forward and a perfect fit with Wemby. Chances of getting him - decent but requires the Spurs to give up some draft capital in 2024 and 2025 for sure besides trade Keldon Johnson to the Nets. I personally would gladly do that. Wemby, Bridges and Vassell will be a great two-way combo (all three are already 80%ile and above or nearabouts in both defensive and offensive EPM) plus the Spurs can punt with some picks while keeping some important ones such as their own unprotected ones in 2024 and 2025 possibly.

C. Pascal Siakam - also has a player option. More a PF than a SF, but can capably depend both positions. Not as good as George, but a capable Robin. The Pacers will most likely re-sign him with the catch that they are already paying Haliburtion supermax money and will have to hedge their contract offering a bit to Siakam. If the Spurs are willing to outpay the Pacers, they can get Siakam, but I doubt he is worth the near-supermax or even the max itself. Chances of getting him: Very little, as the Pacers have his Bird Rights and will offer a five year contract (correct me if I am wrong).

D. LeBron James - the closest to an active GOAT is still beating Father Time effectively at age 39. But the cliff isn't far off. Bron also seems to play defense only in crunch time or when he is in the mood. But he will still be a tremendous playmaker setting the table rather easily for Wemby while conserving the energy to be able to mount a good run in the playoffs if required. He, too, has a player option but if he isn't exercising it, he is most likely going to try to latch onto other contenders to win a ring rather than build a contender. Chances of getting him- Nearly NIL.

E. Tobias Harris - While he is nowhere as good as the three players above, he is much better than Keldon Johnson or Jeremy Sochan and will be a certain upgrade over these two, in my opinion. A more capable and consistent three point shooter and someone who offers secondary offense, he can be a good fit with Wemby and Vassell. And he can be had for the relatively cheap as well. Chances of getting him - not bad at all and won't cost much in terms of draft picks etc

Priority 2 - Point Guard , Playmaker.

Options -

A. Trae Young. I dont have to add to what you guys have been discussing here. But suffice to say he will be a high risk, high reward addition. He will be a delight on offense but he is bound to disappoint on defense despite strides made this season. I would personally go for him only if the Spurs dont manage to get any of the aforementioned five and are able to keep its prime lottery picks in 2024 and 2025 besides some of the unprotected picks of the future. Chances of getting him - quite high.

B. Tyus Jones. Tre's brother will be a great fit if the Spurs get one of the Priority 1 wings. And he will be available for relatively cheap. He will be as good as his younger brother but will offer even more steadiness and more importantly much better outside shooting. He will be only inferior to his brother on defense but that won't matter much if the Spurs get a capable on ball wing defender (Mikal Bridges) to pair with Wemby, Vassell along with Sochan. Chances of getting him - very high.

Other role players, one or two among them, that I would target to shuffle the role player set - Isaiah Joe, Lonnie Walker (again!), Jalen Smith, Nic Batum.

My ideal roster next season for the Spurs if all the chips fall in place ( wont happen but still )-

PG: Tyus Jones, Tre Jones, Blake Wesley
SG: Devin Vassell, Lonnie Walker/ Isiah Joe, (two way player)
SF/W: Mikal Bridges, Nic Batum, Julian Champagnie
PF/W: Jeremy Sochan, Zaccharie Risacher, (A decent two way player)
C: Victor Wembanyama, Zach Collins, Dom Barlow

Assumptions:
1. I am assuming the Spurs trade Keldon, Branham, Cissoko plus a host of draft picks (including the Toronto 2024 pick) to the Nets for Bridges if that opportunity is made available (most likely after the draft lottery is done).
2. I am assuming that the Spurs sign Tyus Jones for a reasonable 3 year contract for about $15 million roughly a year, sign Walker/ Joe for contracts worth $8-10 million/ year.
3. And I am assuming the Spurs luck into Risacher in the 2024 draft, which is very much possible considering their own lottery odds in 2024. If something like this transpires, the Spurs get enough three point shooting and defense plus decent playmaking to help Wemby and mould the Spurs into at least a playoff contender. This also allows sufficient development for Risacher (who will push Sochan).

4. If instead, the Spurs land Nikola Topic, they shouldn't go towards getting another PG and should continue to trust Tre Jones as the lead PG but still aim to get Bridges for SF and someone like Naji Marshall as backup PF to Sochan.

---

In a nuts , the Spurs must not hesitate to use its future draft pick basket to get a competent two-way player and a bunch of more effective role players than who they have now. This will accelerate the path to success for the Spurs with Wemby at the helm.

Just one scenario rather than the risky Trae Young trade or just meandering for another year with turds surrounding Wemby and Vassell.

Damn. We could have had Mikal Bridges too. But the Knicks one-upped with a boat load of FRPs.

[John B]

Damn. We could have had Mikal Bridges too. But the Knicks one-upped with a boat load of FRPs.

Reuniting the 2016 Villanova’s. Happy for the Knicks. Those guys play hard.

But that’s too expensive for the Spurs to get into. I’d throw that same for Markkanen though.

[LeBowen]

Windhorst's podcast:

Is this the last trade we see in the next 24 hours of teams returning their picks... The Hawks have the first pick, San Antonio has 4 and 8, and San Antonio has the Hawk’s draft capital... I think the two sides are talking.

I really hope not. The only thing I'd want from the Hawks is DJ because his contract is great value, but we're not getting him without giving at least one of their picks and that swap back.

[Mr. Body]

Major media are desperate for content to make this draft interesting to casual veiwers. Individual talking heads want to make themselves the story, too.

Maybe the Spurs go for Young. Maybe they push everything they have to get a below-league-average three point shooter who doesn't play defense who costs a lot of money. Maybe that's the new path this team will take.

[Seventyniner]

I really hope not. The only thing I'd want from the Hawks is DJ because his contract is great value, but we're not getting him without giving at least one of their picks and that swap back.

It makes sense that the Hawks want to talk to the Spurs. The Hawks might want to do exactly what the Nets did: tear it down but only if they can get back control of their draft. The Hawks are in an even more desperate position because the Spurs control their draft for each of the next three years.

[poopbox]

This has nothing to do with Wesley and Branham, tbh. This is about settling for Trae Young as Wemby's Robin for, at least, the next 5 years (while also giving up a load of assets).

Do you want that? I don't, because I don't think Trae Young will ever be part of a championship team. At least not as a prominent figure.

Trae has 2 more years plus a player option he will probably decline on his contract. That means his would be up right when it's time to pay Wemby, which is pretty ideal.

Also beggars can't be choosers and the Spurs most certainly are not choosers. Say what you want about Trae but he has been the best player on a team to make it to a conference finals. There is no guarantee a star player of Trae's caliber will want to play in San Antonio down the line. Rea life isn't 2k. Starts rarely become available and when they do they surely don't pick up Brian Wright's calls.

[DPG21920]

Reuniting the 2016 Villanova’s. Happy for the Knicks. Those guys play hard.

But that’s too expensive for the Spurs to get into. I’d throw that same for Markkanen though.

And spurs didnt have a shot. NYK not only “overpaid” but Bridges forced his way there and would not have done that for SA so it was not going to happen.

[Mr. Body]

It makes sense that the Hawks want to talk to the Spurs. The Hawks might want to do exactly what the Nets did: tear it down but only if they can get back control of their draft. The Hawks are in an even more desperate position because the Spurs control their draft for each of the next three years.

The best the Hawks can do is replenish their draft capital for the next three years, which will not include what the Spurs own. This won't be impossible.

At least in terms of the draft. I see something where they use Dejounte to get Brandon Ingram and that probably gives them new life.

[LeBowen]

Trae has 2 more years plus a player option he will probably decline on his contract. That means his would be up right when it's time to pay Wemby, which is pretty ideal.

Also beggars can't be choosers and the Spurs most certainly are not choosers. Say what you want about Trae but he has been the best player on a team to make it to a conference finals. There is no guarantee a star player of Trae's caliber will want to play in San Antonio down the line. Rea life isn't 2k. Starts rarely become available and when they do they surely don't pick up Brian Wright's calls.

For me Trae's contract is the deal breaker.
He's got that opt out clause and he'll ask for a max right away.
I don't think having Trae earn $60M a year is the way to winning.

I'd consider the trade only and only if he agrees to a team friendly extension before hand and stays in that ~45M a year range.
Want to win? Accept you're not good enough to lead a franchise and help it out by not asking to be overpaid.

[John B]

It makes sense that the Hawks want to talk to the Spurs. The Hawks might want to do exactly what the Nets did: tear it down but only if they can get back control of their draft. The Hawks are in an even more desperate position because the Spurs control their draft for each of the next three years.

I’d give Hawks their 2025 FRP and our 8th for 1st pick and DJ. I’d throw in Tre/Keldon.

Draft either Sarr or Risacher at 1st, Reed if available at 4 or Castle.

DJ, Reed/Castle, Vassell, Sarr/Risacher, Wemby.

[Ice009]

I’d give Hawks their 2025 FRP and our 8th for 1st pick and DJ. I’d throw in Tre/Keldon.

Draft either Sarr or Risacher at 1st, Reed if available at 4 or Castle.

DJ, Reed/Castle, Vassell, Sarr/Risacher, Wemby.

That would be some potentially sick defense (DJ, Castle, Vassell, Sarr, Victor), not sure about the offense, but man, I am defense first and I loved those days when the Spurs used to LOCK DOWN teams. In any case, I'd be down for making that happen.

[SpursFan86]

If Bridges is commanding that sort of haul, not sure I’m super interested in Young. Seems like we’d have to give back all 3 of the ATL picks + more. I’ll pass on that.

[LeBowen]

DJ's biggest value is his contract.
Ridiculously cheap for his production.
I'd argue it's one of the best contracts in the league.
Just $83M for age 28-30 seasons of a player who can easily average 22/8/8 and be a positive defender.

[Mr. Body]

I would get DJM back if he had better character. Slapping stacks of bills at strippers on his Insta isn't going to do it for me.

The Knicks set the market, though, and everything's going to be so expensive I think the only trades we'll see are for other players and packages. Thanks, Knicks.

[SpursFan86]

I’d give Hawks their 2025 FRP and our 8th for 1st pick and DJ. I’d throw in Tre/Keldon.

Draft either Sarr or Risacher at 1st, Reed if available at 4 or Castle.

DJ, Reed/Castle, Vassell, Sarr/Risacher, Wemby.

No way in ATL does that They wouldn’t even trade Murray for their 2025 FRP + 8, much less give us #1 on top of that.

[John B]

No way in ATL does that They wouldn’t even trade Murray for their 2025 FRP + 8, much less give us #1 on top of that.

Okay give all their picks back + 8 for DJ and 1st.

[Anonymous Cowherd]

I would get DJM back if he had better character. Slapping stacks of bills at strippers on his Insta isn't going to do it for me.

I'm afraid I have terrible news for you about young, super-rich athletes.

[DAF86]

Trae has 2 more years plus a player option he will probably decline on his contract. That means his would be up right when it's time to pay Wemby, which is pretty ideal.

Also beggars can't be choosers and the Spurs most certainly are not choosers. Say what you want about Trae but he has been the best player on a team to make it to a conference finals. There is no guarantee a star player of Trae's caliber will want to play in San Antonio down the line. Rea life isn't 2k. Starts rarely become available and when they do they surely don't pick up Brian Wright's calls.

In no way or form are the Spurs beggars. They are sitting pretty with a generational player on their side and a load of promising assets. There's no need to rush anything, much less for an extremely flawed "star". I would rather lose all games and get a top pick in the 25 draft than trade for Trae Young, tbh.

[poopbox]

For me Trae's contract is the deal breaker.
He's got that opt out clause and he'll ask for a max right away.
I don't think having Trae earn $60M a year is the way to winning.

I'd consider the trade only and only if he agrees to a team friendly extension before hand and stays in that ~45M a year range.
Want to win? Accept you're not good enough to lead a franchise and help it out by not asking to be overpaid.

You might as well get ready for a world where the Spurs never get an actual star player next to Wemby then, because no player who has made multiple all star teams and a all nba team is taking a "team friendly extension" when they will have multiple other teams lining up to pay them a max, which is what Trae will have when his contract is up, since he is an offense unto himself.

Enjoy these 4 to 6 years of Victor, because he is most certainly going to be demanding a trade around that time after spending years watching other teams in the nba pay whatever the price is for players and the Spurs telling him "sorry we can't they won't take a team friendly deal".

This is pretty funny coming off the revelation of Presti asking Giddey to play the Manu role and come off the bench next season and Giddey saying uh, nope, not ing my money up, trade me.

[LeBowen]

You might as well get ready for a world where the Spurs never get an actual star player next to Wemby then, because no player who has made multiple all star teams and a all nba team is taking a "team friendly extension" when they will have multiple other teams lining up to pay them a max, which is what Trae will have when his contract is up, since he is an offense unto himself.

Bam just gave Heat a discount and signed before the season where making all-NBA or winning DPOY would gave him a chance to earn $40M more.
And it's not like Heat's situation is great.

Trae will obviously get offers and I'm not asking him to leave half the money on the table, but taking a 20-25% cut and still making well over $40M a year is a fair offer...if he's about winning, rather than maximizing the amount of money he can earn.
Not to mention how he'd actually earn some more money in endorsments as Wemby's running mate.

Enjoy these 4 to 6 years of Victor, because he is most certainly going to be demanding a trade around that time after spending years watching other teams in the nba pay whatever the price is for players and the Spurs telling him "sorry we can't they won't take a team friendly deal".

I'm all for blowing the load on Markkanen and giving him the max. I just don't think Trae is worth that money.

This is pretty funny coming off the revelation of Presti asking Giddey to play the Manu role and come off the bench next season and Giddey saying uh, nope, not ing my money up, trade me.

And that's why Giddey will never be on a winning team.

[Kevin]

In no way or form are the Spurs beggars. They are sitting pretty with a generational player on their side and a load of promising assets. There's no need to rush anything, much less for an extremely flawed "star". I would rather lose all games and get a top pick in the 25 draft than trade for Trae Young, tbh.

Tanking is no longer an option with Wemby around. Spurs went 13-14 in the final 27 games of last season due to Wemby's emergence. Hawks aren't tanking either without regaining control of their own picks.

[poopbox]

In no way or form are the Spurs beggars. They are sitting pretty with a generational player on their side and a load of promising assets. There's no need to rush anything, much less for an extremely flawed "star". I would rather lose all games and get a top pick in the 25 draft than trade for Trae Young, tbh.

Of course they are beggars. They haven't signed even a good player since Lamarcus, and that had more to do with Lamarcus wanting to come back to Texas. This team has zero promising assets. Those quotes from Brian Wright should tell you that, where he mentioned how they have tried to be aggressive, but haven't done a trade worth anything other than bottoming out the team.

If the Spurs are trash again this year, picking in the top 5 again, I feel pretty strongly we are going to start hearing some "will Victor stay in San Antonio" talk. You don't win DPOY playing for a bottom 5 team. You don't win MVP playing for a bottom 5 team. You don't make all NBA playing for a bottom 5 team. All the things he constantly says he want's to do are impossible until the Spurs put some real talent around him/

Do the Spurs need to rush it? No. But the Spurs are not some single en y picking players off a conveyor belt, they are in a league with teams that are constantly trying to improve and get better. Every time the other team makes a trade...it's a trade you can't make. Eventually all the players you want or could help you get locked into contracts with other teams and then the next thing you know you drafting the Branhims and Wessleys of the world while giving the Zach Collins of the world 17 million because nobody else wants your money, they got it from somewhere else.

Looks like Spurs fans are going to find out the hard way real life isn't 2k.