Spurs' future picks: How Raptors' Siakam trade impacts draft position

After the Toronto Raptors traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, people were unsure of what the direction was. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley are two that can and have produced in the eight games since the transaction took place, with 20 ppg (Barrett) and 19 ppg (Quickley). The news made fans question how bad things might get in Toronto, affecting the top-six-protected pick in the San Antonio Spurs' possession. This Pascal Siakam trade does not help things.

The Raptor record is currently 15-25, good for 12th in the Eastern Conference. Shipping out Siakam is a clear signal of a full rebuild. That includes waving a white flag on the current season. The Spurs want Toronto to be bad, but not that bad. When the lottery system is a factor, anything can happen, so the worst-case scenario cannot be summarily dismissed.

San Antonio will receive compensation no matter what

Remember, if the 2024 pick does not convey, meaning if the pick does not fall outside of the top six, the Spurs would have Toronto's 2025 first-round pick. The caveat is that it would also be top-six protected with the same rules for 2026. If no first-round pick were to convey by 2026, both the Raptors' 2026 and 2027 second-round picks would. If the season were to end today, step one of this scenario playing out would be very possible.

Meanwhile, the Spurs improving becomes a double-edged sword. This team was never meant to compete at a high level, but fans expected more than this. But since this is where the Silver and Black find themselves, it becomes in their best interest to maintain a high draft position. As avid supporters, most want to see a team with Wembanyama show they can win games, and there is nothing wrong with that. The question is: is it in the best interest of team building for the long haul?

The Spurs have 15 first-round draft picks from 2024 to 2030. They have done an astounding job of acquiring assets and are poised to make deals around the league to build around Victor Wembanyama, no matter what happens with the Raptor pick. But that doesn't mean you disregard it. You want all your firepower at its best to make the most effective move when the time is right so keep an eye on Toronto.