Spurs trade 2025 second-round pick to Pacers for future pick and cash
The San Antonio Spurs are shipping their No. 38 pick in the 2025 NBA draft to the Indiana Pacers. In return, they’ll get some cash and a future second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
That future pick? It’s the Sacramento Kings‘ second-rounder from 2030, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports.
There’s some financial strategy at play here. The No. 23 pick Indiana traded away last week would’ve cost them about $3.2 million against the cap. A second-round pick only costs $1.3 million in the first year.
Indiana now holds the 38th and 54th picks in the upcoming draft.
For the Pacers, sending out cash in this deal pushes them into the second apron for next season, Bobby Marks of ESPN points out.
Spurs still loaded with draft assets despite Fox trade
San Antonio just had their best season since 2018-19. They’ve built a promising core featuring Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, and their newest addition, De’Aaron Fox.
The Spurs paid a hefty price for Fox at the trade deadline, sending out four first-round picks. But they’re still sitting on a treasure chest of draft assets.
They have the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft.
They also own Atlanta’s upcoming first-round pick.
On top of that, San Antonio can swap first-rounders with Atlanta in 2026 and has the Hawks’ unprotected first in 2027.
All told, the Spurs control six first-round picks over the next eight years, multiple pick swap rights, and a whopping 17 second-round picks.
They’re still allowed to trade three more first-rounders through 2032, including both of their 2025 first-round picks.
The pick swap options don’t end there. San Antonio has the right to swap firsts with Boston in 2028 (protected for the top pick only), and can swap with either Dallas or Minnesota in 2030 (if the pick falls between 2nd and 30th).
Minnesota will also send their 2031 unprotected first-rounder to San Antonio. The Spurs can ultimately swap first-round picks with Sacramento that same year.
Roster and financial flexibility heading into next season
The Spurs already have 10 players locked in for next season, according to Spotrac.
De’Aaron Fox could sign a new deal as soon as August 3rd, which is the first day he’s eligible for an extension. Fox can sign a massive four-year, $229 million maximum contract.
Beyond potentially extending Fox and making two first-round picks, San Antonio will have access to their $14.1 million non-tax exception and $5.1 million biannual exception, per Bobby Marks.
The big question mark is Wembanyama’s health. The NBA Rookie of the Year was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder after his first All-Star appearance. There’s no timeline yet for when he’ll be back next season.
Before his season ended in mid-February, Wemby was playing at an incredible level. He was on track for Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defense, and All-NBA honors. He led the entire league in blocked shots despite playing in just 46 games.
