Spurs' plan with second lottery pick is becoming painfully obvious

San Antonio might end up shopping their 14th pick.
ByWill Eudy|
Brian Wright, San Antonio Spurs
Brian Wright, San Antonio Spurs | PATRICK T. FALLON/GettyImages

The San Antonio Spurs currently hold the number two and number 14 picks in Wednesday's NBA Draft, but there's no guarantee they keep both picks. If recent history is any indicator, they may opt to trade away the 14th pick in order to gain back future draft capital, just as they did one year ago.

Last June, the Spurs were the owners of the 8th pick but ended up flipping it to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves ultimately selected Rob Dillingham, but San Antonio got back some valuable future assets that included a 2030 pick swap and a 2031 unprotected first round pick.

Rob Dillingham may become a great player, but it's safe to say that the Spurs still feel good about the return they got from that deal. With that being the case, it feels even more likely that they repeat last year's strategy and deal away that 14th-overall pick. 

The Spurs may trade the 14th pick

The top of this year's draft is rather top heavy, and the middle tier doesn't have nearly as much star potential. With that being the case, it makes a bit more sense for San Antonio to keep stacking up draft picks for the future as they continue to build a contending team around Victor Wembanyama. 

Just think about how the Oklahoma City Thunder built their championship roster. The 2025 NBA champions stacked up draft picks for years, adding several high draft picks while also retaining flexibility for the future. This is the method San Antonio will want to attempt to replicate. 

Of course, the second overall pick is expected to net the Spurs a major piece in Dylan Harper. But once that selection has been made, there's less reason for San Antonio to try to hit on a late lottery pick. Better to take the pick that's more of a sure bet and deal the other one. 

The San Antonio Spurs have shown us their patience and diligence throughout the two years Wembanyama has been on the roster. Brian Wright knows that this team isn't going to get results overnight, so it's better to have a long-term plan in place. Adding two prospects this offseason has the potential to create a little bit of a log jam. Trading pick number 14 would be the right move for the future.