Realistic Spurs path to Giannis blockbuster trade just opened

The Pelicans are reportedly making everyone on their roster available for trade this offseason, according to NBA insider Kevin O'Connor. That matters because it gives San Antonio an option for a three-way trade with New Orleans and Milwaukee if what we all expect to happen happens. NOLA has a bunch of first-rounders in their possession that they received from the Bucks.

The NBA is waiting with bated breath for Giannis Antetokounmpo to signal that he's ready to leave Milwaukee. It's been over a week since the Greek Freak and the Bucks' front office were scheduled to meet to discuss the future of the organization. The fact that they haven't signaled to the NBA that they've agreed to move forward together makes me believe Giannis will be on the move.

If that happens, the Spurs have a great shot at reeling him in. The 6'10" powerhouse will likely have a say in his destination, but SA is ready to win, and that's what he wants to do. He'll be playing for a smart organization that knows how to treat its superstars.

The Pelicans can make this trade easier for the Spurs

You'd think that involving a third team in any potential trade would make things more difficult, but it's quite the opposite for San Antonio in this scenario. Of course, they'd have to play ball, but if the Pelicans are willing to part with some of those picks, SA may be able to pull off adding Giannis without trading away all of their assets since there will be a third team involved with assets the Bucks covet.

Don't get me wrong, the Silver and Black will still have to give up quite a bit to get what they want, but that may come more in the form of players instead of giving up a bunch of draft picks. Why would the Bucks want San Antonio's picks that badly? They probably wouldn't with the Spurs expected to take off next year.

Atlanta's picks are losing value by the day. They're already a better team than people expected, and we'd like to think that the Timberwolves and Celtics will be bad when 2028 and 2030 roll around, but nothing is guaranteed in this sport. Adding the Pelicans to the mix may be the best way to bring Giannis to Alamo City without gutting the organization of players and assets.

Not that the Spurs would do anything crazy anyway, but the goal is to add talent, not stand idly by while everyone else does because we're too good to cough up some extra pieces. However, a balance must be struck, and this news about New Orleans could be a key factor in achieving that.