Spurs may still have a path to a top 3 NBA Draft pick after all

The San Antonio Spurs might've missed out on a top-three pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, but their shot at one of the potential franchise-changing bigs isn't completely dead.

It would be a huge surprise if the top three guys taken on June 23rd aren't Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero in whatever order. Because of their size and high skill level, many believed the three teams that ended up at the top of the NBA Draft would be against trading their pick.

According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, that might not necessarily be the case. "If (other teams) are interested in doing something, we’re always available to listen,” Houston Rockets GM Rafael Stone said shortly after his club won the 3rd overall pick. “If there’s something that makes sense for both teams it’ll get done.”

As Amico explains, the No. 3 pick might not be the only thing the Rockets are open to trading this summer. "Word is they may also explore deals involving Kevin Porter Jr. or both the pick and Porter," he continues. Christian Wood is also someone they'll potential shop around. He could draw serious interest as a talented big on an expiring contract.

We'll do a deeper look at potential trade packages that could tempt Houston in the near future, but my early thoughts are such a deal would come at a decently hefty price. Names like Keldon Johnson or Devin Vassell will likely need to be involved along with multiple picks in the Spurs' new expansive trove of assets.

As it stands, the Spurs will attempt to find a gem at 9th in the NBA Draft, and there's certainly a lot of promising talent that will be available at that position. But with Brian Wright's renewed aggression that started at the NBA trade deadline, don't be surprised to hear about San Antonio reaching out to their division rival sometime this offseason.