Spurs' Dylan Harper conundrum fuels rampant trade rumors ahead of draft

The 2025 NBA Draft can't get here soon enough for eager San Antonio Spurs fans, who are no doubt sick of all the rumors. The most recent rumors come from Hoops Hype's Mike Scotto, who reported that the Spurs were discussing a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers involving the number two pick.

Combine that with NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor recently pointing out that while he is high on projected number two overall pick Dylan Harper, his fit with the Spurs is far from perfect. That calls into question whether he will actually be the Spurs' pick.

The Spurs should be open to trading the second pick

A potential 76ers offer would likely include the number three pick, the Clippers' 2028 unprotected first-round pick, and a 76ers 2030 unprotected first-round pick. Considering that the Sixers would be moving up just one spot, giving up two unprotected firsts would be a big price to pay but necessary for the Spurs to consider the offer.

Whether they would is very much up in the air. As O'Connor points out, Harper is far from a perfect fit in San Antonio. Especially with the Spurs having poor spacing as is. Swapping out Chris Paul and replacing him with Harper would make those problems worse.

If the Spurs have doubts about Harper or how he'd fit with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, then they might be willing to trade back to take a safer or better-fitting prospect. V.J. Edgecombe comes to mind, even though he doesn't have the same upside as Harper.

The Spurs might know that, but that's where the other two picks come into play. The Sixers own the Clippers' 2028 first, and Kawhi Leonard and James Harden will be 36 and 38 years old, respectively. That means that pick could be especially valuable in three years' time when the Spurs are hopefully contenders.

It would take a Sixers king's ransom for the Spurs to trade Harper

Also, there's no telling where the Sixers will be in five years. Trading back a spot might net the Spurs a lower-ceiling player that fits better as well as a likely future lottery pick and a wildcard future first. That is at least intriguing.

Even so, the Spurs would probably ask for even more, possibly even Jared McCain or another future asset, like a 2032 first-round pick swap. That would likely torpedo the possibility of a trade. And while the Spurs may be open to trading the pick, the asking price will likely be too high for that to actually happen.

All told, even though Harper still seems more likely to be picked by the Spurs than not, the Sixers being interested presents them with an opportunity. If the Spurs are bowled over by an offer, then they should absolutely consider or even agree to the trade. Otherwise, they should draft Harper and figure it out later.