The San Antonio Spurs find themselves at a crossroads with the unprotected first-round picks acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade. As the trade deadline approaches, the question looms: should the Spurs keep these valuable assets or trade them away?
There are compelling arguments on both sides of this debate. On one hand, trading the picks could bring in an immediate impact player to accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild around Victor Wembanyama. The Hawks are currently hovering around .500, which means the picks’ value might be at its peak right now.
However, there are strong reasons to hold onto these picks. The unpredictability of the NBA means the Hawks could potentially bottom out, significantly increasing the value of those picks. If Atlanta struggles, the Spurs could find themselves with multiple top-10 picks in upcoming drafts, a scenario that could rapidly transform the franchise’s fortunes.
Another crucial factor to consider is leverage. Draft picks are like gold in the NBA, providing immense bargaining power in trade negotiations. By holding onto these picks, the Spurs maintain flexibility for future moves, whether it’s trading up in the draft or pursuing a disgruntled star who becomes available unexpectedly.
The 2025 NBA Draft is projected to be particularly deep, with impact players available well into the first round. Even if the Hawks’ picks fall outside the lottery, the Spurs could still land a difference-maker. Some analysts believe there could be starter-caliber talent available as late as the second round in 2025.
Looking even further ahead, the Spurs have a pick swap with Atlanta in 2026 and an unprotected pick in 2027. These future assets could prove invaluable, especially if the Hawks struggle in the coming years. The 2026 and 2027 draft classes are already generating buzz, with potential franchise-altering talents like Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa on the horizon.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or trade these picks will depend on the Spurs’ long-term vision and the offers they receive. While the allure of immediate improvement is tempting, the potential for multiple high lottery picks and sustained success might be too valuable to pass up.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ draft pick dilemma, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Keldon Johnson’s struggles since moving to the bench
• The potential for a major trade to accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild
• Updates on Victor Wembanyama’s impact on and off the court
