Spurs may emerge as the clear winner of a trade they weren't even involved in

The San Antonio Spurs may emerge as the clear winner of a trade they weren't even involved in thanks to the shocking Boston Celtics deal that sent Jalen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Celtics clearly took a step back by trading for Paul George, two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a pick swap. That move raises questions about their future and should pique San Antonio's interest.

Despite not being directly involved in the trade, the Spurs have a vested interest in the Celtics' fortunes, with them owning a 2028 pick swap.

The Spurs may benefit from the Celtics trading Jalen Brown

Boston likely made the Brown trade without taking that pick swap into account. The Celtics still figure to be a playoff team the season after next, but it's possible that they may not be on San Antonio's level.

Remember, San Antonio just benefited from a pick swap, which resulted in them jumping ten selections in the 2026 NBA draft. That was courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks, who owed them a pick swap thanks to the Dejounte Murray trade.

The same could soon happen with the Celtics as a result of the Derick White trade. Even if the Spurs have the best record in the NBA in 2027-28.

Meanwhile, the Celtics could be good but not great, resulting in the Silver and Black jumping up several selections in that year's draft

The Spurs are banking on pick swaps to land top prospects

GM Brian Wright has done a terrific job of acquiring pick swaps in case they actually pan out. Not only does San Antonio own a pick swap with the Celtics, but they also own one with the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves in 2030.

Then there is the pick swap with the Sacramento King in 2031. That could potentially be a stellar asset even despite the recent NBA draft lottery changes.

Hopefully the Kings won't be one of the three worst teams in the NBA but instead will be in the four to 11 range. In that case, the Spurs could land a high pick, possibly even the number one selection thanks to Sacramento.

It seems teams don't care nearly as much as they perhaps should regarding pick swaps. Even if San Antonio doesn't end up with a lottery pick, those swaps still hold plenty of value.

The Spurs were able to jump 10 spots in this year's draft and put themselves in position to select Jayden Quaintance. Quaintance has lottery-level talent but may redshirt this year due to injury.

It's a great strategy that could help San Antonio in the near future. Perhaps even with the Celtics helping the Spurs move up in the 2028 NBA draft.

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