The San Antonio Spurs have transitioned from a rebuilding team to a formidable force in the NBA, and they will have high expectations next season. The acquisition of De’Aaron Fox, who averaged 19.7 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games with the Spurs before a season-ending injury, has provided a seasoned playmaker to complement the superstar talents of Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama, despite a premature end to his season due to a medical setback, was on track for All-NBA honors and the Defensive Player of the Year award, underscoring his transformative impact on both ends of the court. Now, with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs have a ton of leverage in the NBA market if they want to build a win-now contender.
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Given their current trajectory and the desire to maximize Wembanyama’s and Fox’s prime years, trading the pick for a proven star could catapult the Spurs into immediate championship contention. Let’s explore three NBA superstars the Spurs could realistically target by trading their No. 2 pick, each offering a unique way to elevate San Antonio’s title aspirations.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts in the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum.Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, 2025 No. 2 Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (SAS)
Acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo would signal the Spurs’ commitment to immediate contention, and they are clearly in the shortlist as one of the frontrunners to bring The Greek Freak on board. Pairing Giannis with Victor Wembanyama would create a frontcourt duo of unprecedented defensive versatility and offensive talent.
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Giannis, averaging 31.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in the 2024–25 season, brings relentless energy and a championship pedigree that will only continue to burn. His ability to initiate fast breaks and attack the rim complements Wembanyama’s perimeter skills and shot-blocking prowess.
Together, they would form a defensive wall, and they might compete for the Defensive Player of the Year award against each other. Meanwhile, Giannis’s playmaking would alleviate pressure on Fox, allowing him to exploit defenses with his speed and shooting. The trio’s combined length and athleticism would be a nightmare for opponents, and they will have to be considered a superteam once seeing how they fit.
2. Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2025 No. 2 Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Integrating Kevin Durant into the Spurs’ lineup would provide a seasoned scorer and leader to guide the young core. Durant’s 2024–25 averages of 27.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists underscore his continued offensive prowess despite playing on a very bad team.
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His shooting efficiency would create spacing for Wembanyama to operate inside and for Fox to penetrate defenses. Durant’s experience and basketball IQ would be invaluable in high-pressure situations, offering a stabilizing presence as Wemby continues to learn the ropes in clutch situations.
While Durant’s age (approaching 37) and injury history are considerations, his fit within the Spurs’ system and potential to mentor emerging stars make him a compelling acquisition, and bringing in the future Hall of Famer could see the Spurs catapult to the top-four in the West.
3. Lauri Markkanen
Mar 17, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots a technical free throw during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, 2025 No. 2 Pick
Lauri Markkanen offers a blend of size and shooting that would seamlessly integrate with the Spurs’ existing roster. Averaging 18.6 points and 6.3 rebounds in the 2024–25 season, Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor would open driving lanes for Fox and create space for Wembanyama to operate in the post.
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His presence would diversify the Spurs’ offensive options, making them less predictable and more difficult to defend. Defensively, Markkanen’s size allows him to contest shots and rebound effectively, supporting Wembanyama in controlling the paint.
His mobility enables him to switch onto smaller players when necessary, maintaining the team’s defensive integrity. Markkanen can also occupy both forward spots, giving head coach Mitch Johnson a chance to experiment with his lineups.
Related: NBA Insider Says Rockets, Spurs Are Frontrunners To Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo