Mock Trade Allows Spurs to Save Money on Giannis, Land Different All-Star

The San Antonio Spurs, after landing the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, are the frontrunners to land Giannis Antetokounmpo should the Milwaukee Bucks make him available. However, by the time his contract is up, he will be eligible for a supermax extension, and if the Spurs mortgage their future to add him, they are guaranteed to extend him.

That would mean that the Spurs would have 90 percent of the salary cap tied up in Giannis, De’Aaron Fox, and Victor Wembanyama, slashing any depth for at least the next five seasons.

In a loaded Western Conference, a deep bench might be worth more than a superstar, although the idea of adding win-now talent is tantalizing.

Instead of breaking the bank for Antetokounmpo, the Spurs could instead trade for a familiar face on a cheaper deal and keep a pick in 2025 to build around.

Full Mock Trade Details

Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen, fifth overall pick in 2025

Jazz receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Malaki Branham, second and 14th overall picks in 2025, 2029 first-round pick

With the deal, the Utah Jazz get a franchise rookie to build around with the second pick and can snag a solid youngster at the tail end of the lottery. The Spurs, meanwhile, round out their starting lineup of Wembanyama, Fox, Markkanen, Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell, and add a rookie alongside Jeremy Sochan and Julian Champagnie to keep the bench unit afloat.

There is a chance the Spurs wouldn’t even have to add the selection in 2029 for the Jazz to say yes, since by adding Markkanen to the roster, their own draft picks will suddenly lose value, and Utah might not emphasize the 27th (or later) overall selection.

Markkanen was linked to the Spurs all last summer before signing an extension with the Jazz, but after Utah missed out on a top pick, his future in Salt Lake City looks bleak.

While Antetokounmpo is certainly a better player, the Phoenix Suns are not the model the Spurs want to follow, and adding a star (not a superstar!) while maintaining some depth could be the better long-term play.

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Mock Trade Allows Spurs to Save Money on Giannis, Land Different All-Star

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