Spurs fans’ biggest dreams may be coming true after absurd start to free agency

As the San Antonio Spurs entered the 2025 offseason, Spurs fans hoped for the best. However, the reality has been even better than could have been reasonably expected. The Spurs saw their first-round pick jump from 8th to second, and that enabled them to select Dylan Harper, who in most years would have been the number one overall pick.

Additionally, they got a clear steal at 14 when Carter Bryant fell to them in the draft. Those two moves alone give the Spurs plenty of hope, but San Antonio continues to make solid moves after free agency begins.

They signed Luke Kornet to a four-year deal with only half of it being fully guaranteed, giving them a potential exit if he doesn't work out. They also acquired Kelly Olynyk, whose basketball IQ, shooting, and passing skills appear tailor-made for the Spurs. Those moves should help solidify the Spurs rotation and fix weaknesses from last season's team.

The Spurs' offseason moves were just what they needed

While the Spurs didn't need Harper, they could use a talent boost, and he will certainly add that. Harper will likely slot in as a backup point guard and also play minutes at shooting guard. He should also play plenty with De'Aaron Fox or Stephon Castle in the backcourt.

That could give the Spurs a nasty 3-headed monster at guard, with three players who can attack the paint and create for themselves and others. After having Chris Paul, Tre Jones, and Castle to start last season, that's a big upgrade, but not the only one.

Suddenly, the Spurs' front court becomes much more logical. At small forward, Devin Vassell will likely start, and I dare to dream he reverts back to being a reliable high-volume 3-point bomber who's also a terrific team defender.

Julian Champagnie is expected to play as the backup small forward, which will benefit the Spurs because he is one of their best shooters and made significant defensive improvements last season. Then there is Bryant, who looks like he could be a menace defensively, wrecking teams on that end of the floor.

He may not be in the rotation immediately, but the last time a wing was this talented defensively as a rookie for the Spurs, they were starting him by the trade deadline. Just saying. Meanwhile, Keldon Johnson may be a depth piece at this point, showing just how drastically the team has retooled since last season.

The Spurs' offseason moves unlock San Antonio's full potential

Harrison Barnes will likely continue to start next season, and after shooting 43% from three, it's clear to see why. The Spurs were far better last season with Barnes playing at the four next to Wembanyama, especially with another shooter in the mix, giving those lineups plenty of spacing.

Jeremy Sochan probably won't start, but if his work on his jumper this summer translates to actual games, then he could reclaim his starting role. Meanwhile, the Spurs gain more front-court versatility with the acquisition of Olynyk. He can play power forward next to Wembanyama or Kornet or even play at center in an offensive-minded lineup.

He's also a career 37% 3-point shooter on decent volume, and he shot 42% last season from deep. At this point in his career, Olynyk is a low-risk gamble. If he performs well, he could be a useful offensive weapon. If he doesn't, his $13.6 million contract would be a desirable trade chip.

Arguably San Antonio's massive upgrade is at backup center and should allow the Spurs to rest star Victor Wembanyama whenever needed. Signing Kornet to a four-year deal also potentially locks him in if he works out.

Meaning that they could have found Wembanyama's long-term backup for less than $10 million. Considering how teams often struggle when their superstar is off the floor, often due to not having a good backup, that can't be understated.

Overall, the Spurs' four major additions should help the team improve dramatically next season. Hopefully, enough to get the team back to the playoffs and become contenders.