The Spurs aren’t rushing to trade for Giannis, despite rumors
San Antonio Spurs fans hoping for a Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster might need to temper their expectations. Despite being considered favorites to land the Milwaukee Bucks superstar this offseason, the Spurs haven’t had any “substantive talks” about the two-time MVP, who reportedly hasn’t even asked for a trade.
ESPN’s Michael C. Wright reports that while San Antonio has “been fielding inquiries from teams looking to trade up,” they seem reluctant to part with their valuable draft picks or promising young talent.
This stance might surprise some, especially considering the Spurs weren’t shy about making big moves earlier this year. They sent four first-round picks to acquire De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline.
But the team still has plenty of draft capital in their pocket.
They hold the No. 2 pick in this year’s draft, Atlanta’s first-round pick, swap rights with the Hawks in 2026, and Atlanta’s unprotected first in 2027. All told, they’ve got six first-rounders over the next eight years, multiple swap rights, and a whopping 17 second-round picks.
Kevin Durant not in Spurs’ immediate plans either
The Greek Freak isn’t the only superstar linked to San Antonio. Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant reportedly named the Spurs as a preferred trade destination, but the team has “been conservative in their pursuit,” according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski.
ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported that four other teams have shown interest in Durant: the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks.
The Knicks have apparently dropped out of the race. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post stated they “will not be dealing for the future Hall of Famer.”
There’s also a good chance Durant stays put in Phoenix. Wright notes that “Phoenix’s asking price might be too steep for a franchise looking to remain cautious.”
Building for the future, not mortgaging it
While adding Antetokounmpo or Durant would instantly make the Spurs title contenders, the organization seems focused on a more sustainable approach.
They appear committed to developing their young core rather than trading away valuable pieces for a win-now superstar. Some within the organization likely believe they could target a younger, less expensive All-Star who better fits their timeline.
San Antonio still has plenty of flexibility. They can trade three additional first-round picks through 2032, including both of their firsts in this year’s draft.
They also have swap rights with Boston (top-one protected) in 2028, and with either Dallas or Minnesota in 2030 if the pick lands between 2nd and 30th. The Timberwolves will send their unprotected 2031 first-rounder to San Antonio, who can also swap picks with Sacramento that same year.
For a franchise with such a rich history of patient team-building, this cautious approach might just be the smartest play for long-term success.
