Spurs' failed star trade looks more regretful after avalanche of injuries

At 10-4, it's hard to find fault in anything the San Antonio Spurs did this past summer to improve their roster. They have built a deep roster, with the perfect blend of youth and experience, and of course, the talent needed to win in the NBA.

Still, it is hard not to wonder if they would have been even better had they pulled the trigger on the Kevin Durant trade that would have brought him to San Antonio. The Spurs were rumored to be willing to send Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and the 14th pick to the Phoenix Suns for Durant during the offseason.

However, they backed off at the last minute, and the Houston Rockets swooped in to acquire him.
Durant has been predictably outstanding in Houston, leading to some questions about whether the Spurs should have been more aggressive in acquiring him.

If anything, it would have kept the Rockets from leveling up, and that might come back to bite the Spurs come playoff time.

The Spurs may soon regret not trading for Kevin Durant

Durant is currently averaging an impressive 27.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 37% from three—stellar numbers for a 37-year-old. Letting that kind of player go to a rival may not hurt now, but it could hurt if the Rockets make a deep playoff run with Durant playing a big role.

Then again, the Spurs likely didn't feel comfortable giving up long-term assets for a player who is closer to 40 than 30. There were even rumors that the Suns were seeking either Stephon Castle or the second overall pick, which became Dylan Harper.

Obviously, that wasn't going to happen, but the Rockets got away with trading Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, the 10th pick, and three seconds. That isn't a far cry from what the Spurs were offering, and they had plenty of seconds that they could have thrown in to best the Rockets' offer.

The Spurs are building for the future instead of just winning now

Had they landed KD, the Spurs would have had a starting five consisting of De'Aaron Fox, Castle, Julian Champagnie, Durant, and Wembanyama. That would be among the best lineups in the NBA. Of course, the Spurs' starting lineup of Castle, Vassell, Champagnie, Barnes, and Wembanyama is already one of the best lineups in the NBA with a +12.2 net rating before Fox's debut.

Durant would have likely made it easier for the Spurs to weather their early-season injuries and made it near impossible for teams to double- or triple-team Wembanyama. On the other hand, with Durant, Castle likely wouldn't have shown major improvement this season, nor would they have Carter Bryant.

Also, Vassell and Barnes have had strong seasons. Ultimately, the Spurs likely could have landed Durant and formed a super team that would have been much harder to stop.

Even so, Castle has made a big leap in his second season and could quickly emerge as a star, while Bryant is a promising prospect, justifying the Spurs taking the long-term approach to team building.