Spurs' decision with second overall pick is becoming clearer and clearer

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe the San Antonio Spurs will keep the No. 2 pick in the draft and select Dylan Harper (subscription required). Since the draft lottery in Chicago, there has been speculation that the Spurs could trade the pick for a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo, if he becomes available.

Another reason why it's believable that San Antonio could trade the pick is because of the team's existing backcourt, which consists of De'Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Even if Giannis doesn't request a trade, the Spurs could use the pick to trade back in the draft with a late lottery team.

The draft is over a month away, and a lot could happen between now and then. However, it's become more evident by the day that San Antonio likes Harper. He turned 19 in March, so he's two years younger than Victor Wembanyama and better fits the Spurs' timeline with the former No. 1 pick. They have one of the best players in the league (and he'll only get better), but there is no rush for the team to use the No. 2 pick to vault themselves into the title conversation in a trade for a star.

Spurs leaning toward keeping No. 2 pick to select Dylan Harper

The new-ish collective bargaining agreement incentivizes teams to build through the draft. Fox will be eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension this summer, and Wemby will be eligible for a five-year, $271 million extension next summer. Adding in the high salary of a player like Giannis would complicate San Antonio's finances. That isn't to say they should stay away from Giannis, but it's the reality of today's NBA.

It's not like the Spurs will have to settle for Harper, as he has the potential to develop into one of the best guards in the NBA. He averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in his lone collegiate season, shooting 48.4% from the field and 33.3% from three. His shooting needs to improve, but he has the speed, size, and tools that an NBA team can't ignore.

Luck was on San Antonio's side (again) at the lottery, and it could pay off in a big way come June if the Spurs select Harper with the second pick. He'd be the perfect addition to a team capable of making a lot of noise next season in a stacked Western Conference. Flagg has rightfully received a lot of hype, but beware of Harper.