6 Star players who should want to join the Spurs next season
By Tyler Watts
The San Antonio Spurs changed their trajectory by winning the draft lottery for the third time in franchise history. The reward was Victor Wembanyama, a legendary prospect with all-time great upside. San Antonio did not make a massive splash around the rookie. They are still stockpiling assets, but the Spurs will be ready when Wemby breaks out.
It could happen quickly and force the front office to act fast. The Spurs have more draft picks than they can make over the next seven years, but San Antonio will take its time. There is no rush to acquire a co-star or try to become a contender. It will happen when the Spurs and Wembanyama are ready.
San Antonio could be in the market for a star next summer. It takes a few months for the best prospects to get acclimated to the NBA, but they are showing signs of stardom by the end of their rookie campaign and ready to lead their team to the playoffs in year two. If Wemby is ready to be an All-Star in 2025, the Spurs will get him a co-star.
Star players who should want to join the San Antonio Spurs next season
6. Mikal Bridges
Bridges broke out after being traded to the Nets in the Kevin Durant deal and the franchise believes he can make his first All-Star appearance in 2024. The 6’6 wing averaged 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steal in 34.2 minutes per game over his final 27 contests. Brooklyn was swept by the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, but it did nothing to take away from Bridges’ breakout.
The Nets have shown zero interest in trading the 27-year-old wing, but that could change if they are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings this season. Brooklyn should be fighting for a Play-In Tournament berth, but is that enough to continue building around Bridges?
He is in the middle of his prime and could be eager to join a contender with two years left on his contract next summer. If Mikal Bridges becomes an All-Star, the Nets could get some significant offers. The San Antonio Spurs might step up as Bridges is a Popovich player, and the 6’6 wing could be eager to join Victor Wembanyama in the Alamo.