Spurs' path to a Luka Doncic-like trade heist is crystal clear

The San Antonio Spurs could pull off the blockbuster trade of the year if they are willing to part with De’Aaron Fox. Fans will remember the Lakers gave up Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round draft pick to get Luka Doncic at the 2025 deadline. It was a shocking price for a top-five player in the world.

AD is a top 20 player, and Christie is a skilled 3-and-D wing. Still, the Mavs failed to get Austin Reaves or the Lakers other available first-round draft pick. The Spurs could make a similar move for Giannis or whatever superstar is available, but no other team is getting San Antonio’s future stars.

Victor Wembanyama isn’t going anywhere, but ESPN Tim MacMahon made it clear that the young guard duo is off limits. Stephon Castle has future star written all over him, and Dylan Harper is untouchable after looking like a ten-year veteran as a teenage rookie. The Spurs’ core is 22 or younger and could have them in title contention for the next decade-plus.

San Antonio doesn’t want to waste a minute. They could quickly vault into serious title contention with the right trade. De’Aaron Fox could become the casualty of this blockbuster. He is playing like an All-Star and may keep the package light for San Antonio.

Spurs' path to blockbuster trade involves dumping De’Aaron Fox

San Antonio isn’t getting Giannis or another superstar without giving up talent. Spurs fans would love the package to center on Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and draft picks, but those selections are more important than ever in the second apron era. Teams need cost-controlled contracts to increase their talent and keep their spending in check. The days of four or five first-round picks for a superstar may already be over.

If Castle and Harper are building blocks around Wembanyama, that leaves Fox as the obvious trade chip. It will mean destroying his longtime wish, but the Spurs are chasing a potential dynasty and have to defeat one of the all-time great teams in the Thunder. They can’t let Fox’s desires get in the way.

The Lakers traded a superstar for a top-five player. Anthony Davis wasn’t happy about going to Dallas, but LA made the move anyway. The Spurs getting Giannis for De’Aaron Fox, salary matching, and a light draft pick package would be a similar heist for San Antonio. Fans don’t want to see Swipa go, but difficult decisions must be made in the modern NBA.

To be clear, Luka Doncic isn’t going anywhere. He just signed a three-year extension with the Lakers and is the face of their franchise.

Giannis is the obvious available superstar this year, but under-the-radar names like Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and James Harden could be on the market. Nobody thought Doncic would be traded by the Mavericks just months after leading them to the NBA Finals. The Spurs should be calling every team and not be married to Fox if the right blockbuster becomes available.

The San Antonio Spurs are building something special. They have an elite young core and are already ahead of schedule. The next step is pushing into serious title contention with the Thunder and Nuggets. It may take a blockbuster trade and parting with De’Aaron Fox, but that is the price of doing business.