Who is Spurs' new PG Juan Nunez, and is he expected to play in 2025?

The San Antonio Spurs selected Juan Nunez with the 36th-overall draft pick, but will we see him on the court next season?

Juan Nunez
Juan Nunez | YASUYOSHI CHIBA/GettyImages

The San Antonio Spurs made another surprising move on the second night of the 2024 NBA Draft, dealing away their 35th-overall pick to the Indiana Pacers and getting back the 36th pick and cash considerations. With that pick, they selected Spanish point guard Juan Nunez. The prodigy is 20 years old and has already suited up for Spain's national team.

It was not the first pick San Antonio made in this draft process. On Wednesday night, they dealt their eighth selection to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for two future first rounders. Brian Wright and company clearly had their objectives in mind headed into the draft, and it appears they got the players and picks they were looking for.

Now that Nunez is one of the newest Spurs, the discussion about his future is already underway. Will he travel to San Antonio and be part of the full-time roster next season, or will he end up staying overseas?

Juan Nunez may end up staying overseas in 2024-25

The reality is that a lot of NBA second-round draft picks that come from international teams wind up staying in their original country for a season or two. It even happened with Nikola Jokic, who was drafted 41st-overall by the Nuggets in 2014. The now three-time MVP remained overseas in 2014-15 before playing his first NBA season in 2015-16.

According to Spurs reporter Paul Garcia, Nunez is currently under contract with both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Juan is reportedly supposed to return to play with Barca, as Real Madrid is not expected to match his contract.

This creates a murky situation, but it appears that Nunez's commitment will be to his Spanish team, at least for next season. Unless something changes, it would be a surprise to see him in Silver and Black next year.

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