San Antonio Spurs news dump: Pre-draft interviews and Walker signs with Klutch

Nov 13, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward DeMar DeRozan (10) daps LaMarcus Aldridge (12) after making a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. (Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

Yesterday was a huge day for news in the world of the San Antonio Spurs, so we’re going to take you through the topics at the forefront of conversations.

Believe it or not, the San Antonio Spurs are actually a hot talking point in the landscape of this NBA offseason. Multiple reports and rumors circulating suggest the team has been active in trade talks, looking to establish itself as one of the few teams looking to make a splash in the immediate future. With that in mind, every bit of news counts, so we’re going to recount a heated Wednesday full of information.

Spurs Twitter has been booming with possibilities. Rumors resurfaced saying the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are intrigued by a LaMarcus Aldridge trade, which may very well be true, but the information that’s been circulating extends far beyond just that. There’s reason to believe the Spurs are priming for a draft-day trade to move up and secure a higher draft selection.

Beyond that, the organization and DeMar DeRozan need to figure out what they’re going to do next. News 4 San Antonio’s Don Harris suggested that San Antonio is preparing for DeRozan to opt into his contract, but remain prepared for the opposite outcome. However, the exact opt-in/opt-out date remains unclear, so keep an eye out for DeRozan-related news.

We also had a pivotal player sign with a new agent, multiple NBA Draft prospects interviewing with the San Antonio Spurs and an impending announcement about new uniforms.

Next: Lonnie signs with Klutch Sports

Mar 3, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) celebrates a three-point basket during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. (Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)

San Antonio Spurs rising talent Lonnie Walker IV signs with Klutch Sports.

Yesterday, it was made official that another one of the Spurs’ fan favorites will be represented by the highly-regarded agency Klutch Sports, which is operated by Rich Paul. In signing with Klutch, Lonnie Walker IV became the third San Antonio Spurs player to become a part of the agency. Instead of being directly managed by Rich Paul like Dejounte Murray and Trey Lyles, Walker will join only Gary Trent Jr. in being represented by Lucas Newton.

While there’s a certain stigma against Klutch Sports, the organization seems to have a good relationship with the San Antonio Spurs to date. They actively worked to get Marcus Morris Sr. to sign his deal with the team after reneging and signing with the New York Knicks last offseason. Shortly after these events, they parted ways with Morris. Klutch also worked to get Dejounte extended in San Antonio and helped the Spurs make up for the loss of Morris by bringing along Lyles — A capable rotation player and decent starter.

We are excited to welcome @lonniewalker_4! #Klutch pic.twitter.com/bnmoOXVuf4

— Klutch Sports Group (@KlutchSports) November 11, 2020

Believe it or not, this could bode in the San Antonio Spurs’ favor in the long-run. Having that rapport between an agency and a front office helps when negotiating down the road. Beyond that, Klutch Sports does everything to position its players for success and the Spurs are incredible at developing and implementing talent. For that, Klutch will always be open-minded when negotiating with San Antonio.

Walker will be up for a contract extension beginning next offseason, so this year will be pivotal to his progression and eventual payday. First, the team needs to figure out what’s going to happen with DeRozan, Derrick White and Jakob Poeltl’s contracts.

Next: Spurs interview/work out with multiple prospects

The San Antonio Spurs workout and interview potential draft selections.

Another wave of intriguing prospects is said to have worked out for or interviewed with the San Antonio Spurs. Multiple sources and outlets made note of this as draft prospects had media availability, but the same names that continuously came up in association with the Spurs.

According to reports from various outlets (H/T Noah Magaro-George and Jeff Garcia), the Spurs are said to have spoken to each of the following players: Isaac Okoro, Tyrese Haliburton, Deni Avdija, Onyeka Okongwu and Patrick Williams. Furthermore, reports indicate they’ve worked out French point guard Theo Maledon and Vanderbilt forward Aaron Nesmith.

Considering the buzz that’s stemming from the Spurs regarding potential draft-night moves, it feels plausible that San Antonio moves up on the day-of. However, it seems like the team is doing its due diligence by having conversations with players who could reasonably fall to them at No. 11. However, the likes of Okongwu, Avdija, Okoro and Haliburton are expected to be picked by the time San Antonio gets its chance to pick.

If they were to move up to No. 2 in a deal with Golden State, San Antonio could pick nearly anyone they want. However, they may not have to trade up so high to reach their goals. No matter how things turn out on the November 18th NBA Draft, we can trust the Spurs have done everything to ensure they pick the right player.

Next: Official uniforms are on their way

San Antonio Spurs will reveal their uniforms tomorrow via social media.

So we’ve pretty much already seen the newest ‘City Edition’ uniforms that the San Antonio Spurs will sport next season, but it’s not official just yet. They’re preparing a rollout that’s set to begin tomorrow with a video series. Signs pointed toward the Spurs unveiling a retro-themed alternate uniform when the team changed its social media design to a simple grey background that’s accentuated with three stripes: Teal, pink and cream orange — The fiesta colors.

If the jersey that was leaked is confirmed, the Spurs’ new uniform will feature the three stripes in fiesta colors across the torso with script lettering in a black with a white outline. It’s a clean design that fans have been extremely excited about after asking for a change year after year. San Antonio’s military history has been celebrated through their uniforms for years now and quite frankly, it’s become a bit played out.

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This isn’t to say San Antonio shouldn’t celebrate its military community — Their support for veterans will not waver, but they never found a camo jersey that stuck around and a fresh look helps to ease the pain of missing the playoffs. Instead, they’ll celebrate the heritage of their city by bringing back colors that represent an integral part of San Antonio’s culture.

Beyond that, these colors breath some life back into the team. Donning white, silver and black exclusively remains a classic styling for the Spurs, but this isn’t the same team that we’re used to. Even though they need to figure it out on the court and put together a winning product, this is the most flashy and one of the more exhilarating groups we’ve had in Spurs history.

Between the high-flying athletes, ankle-breakers, 3-pointers and up-tempo play, these aren’t your grandfather’s San Antonio Spurs.

That deserves to be celebrated with jerseys that represent the flair of this new core.