The San Antonio Spurs find themselves at a crossroads with the draft picks acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade. Initially seen as a potential goldmine, these unprotected picks are losing value as the Hawks continue to perform better than expected.
Atlanta’s current 18-18 record puts them squarely in the middle of the pack, far from the lottery position many Spurs fans had hoped for. This situation raises a crucial question: Should the Spurs trade these picks now while they still hold significant value?
The argument for trading the picks is compelling. With Victor Wembanyama on the roster, the Spurs have a generational talent who’s already showing signs of frustration with the team’s struggles. Building a competitive team around Wembanyama should be a priority, and these picks could be the key to accelerating that process.
One potential target that stands out is De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings. Fox’s speed, pick-and-roll ability, and improved outside shooting could be transformative for the Spurs’ offense. A Fox-Wembanyama pick-and-roll combination could instantly elevate the team’s ceiling.
However, trading for a player of Fox’s caliber would likely require multiple first-round picks and possibly a key player like Devin Vassell. While Vassell has shown promise, he may not be the ideal second option the Spurs need alongside Wembanyama.
The timing of any potential trade is crucial. Waiting until the draft or offseason might provide more options, as free agency and a wider pool of draft prospects come into play. However, there’s also a risk that Atlanta continues to improve, further diminishing the value of these picks.
For the Spurs, the decision ultimately comes down to balancing short-term gains with long-term potential. Trading the picks could fast-track the rebuild around Wembanyama, but it also limits future flexibility. On the other hand, holding onto the picks maintains options but risks missing out on immediate improvements to the roster.
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:
• Preview of tonight’s Spurs vs. Lakers game
• Analysis of the Spurs’ recent three-point shooting struggles
• Discussion on whether the current Spurs roster is “soft”
