Predicting the Spurs' starting lineup after potential blockbuster Giannis trade

After landing the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs seem more poised to make a big trade. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been linked to the Spurs, and they could trade the second overall pick as the centerpiece of a major deal for him.

Trading such a high pick for him would likely be controversial among Spurs fans, but possibly the right move. For one, projected number two pick Dylan Harper's fit in San Antonio with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle is questionable at best, while Giannis' fit is far better in the frontcourt.

Never mind that he is a top-15 player of all time, and Harper probably won't be, which isn't to say that he won't be great. Also, by trading that pick, it would be the equivalent of at least two firsts and would probably keep Castle out of the trade, another potential win for the Spurs. However, what would be the Spurs' potential starting lineup after a Giannis trade? Let's find out.

Predicting the Spurs' starting five after a potential Giannis trade

If the Spurs were to trade for Giannis, the most likely starting lineup would include Fox, Castle, Harrison Barnes, Antetokounmpo, and Wembanyama. That would be the perfect starting five for San Antonio next season.

With plenty of size, with the shortest player being 6-4 Castle, who is already a good defender, they could shut down opposing teams. They'd have three players 6-8 or taller, with Giannis being elite defensively and Wembanyama being one of the best rim protectors in the league.

Shooting could be a problem, but Wembanyama shooting an impressive 35.3% on 8.8 threes last season gives the Spurs a chance to have enough spacing in that lineup. Of course, Castle improving as a shooter, Fox being able to at least hit a three a game, and Barnes being above average should help too.

The Spurs must make another big move if they trade for Giannis

Trading for Giannis could also help the Spurs solve their backup center problems. Free agent center Brook Lopez would be a perfect fit given his rim protection and three-point shooting.

Better still, if the Spurs were to acquire Giannis, he could potentially recruit Lopez to San Antonio, considering they have played the last seven seasons together. The Spurs using part of the mid-level exception on him would be wise since it would give them added spacing and a reliable backup who, despite his age at 37, has been fairly durable over the last few seasons.

A rotation of Fox, Castle, Barnes, Antetokounmpo, and Wembanyama, and possibly returning Chris Paul, Julian Champagnie, Jeremy Sochan, and Lopez would make a deep and potentially dominant team.

All told, with the Spurs landing the second overall pick, the chances of a Giannis trade seem more likely. If the blockbuster deal were to happen, then Fox, Castle, Barnes, Antetokounmpo, and Wembanyama would be the team's projected starting five.