Spurs are playing dangerous game that could sink their culture

As the San Antonio Spurs look to build their next championship team, they are still working to establish a new culture. Previously, they had David Robinson and then Tim Duncan to help establish a culture, with long-time coach Gregg Popovich also playing a huge role as well.

However, with a new coach and a constantly changing roster, this team is a blank slate. Chris Paul was brought in last season to help create a culture, and he did wonders in his short stint, but they are still at risk of developing bad habits.

An interesting trend has emerged in recent years with the Spurs developing a close relationship with Klutch Sports, with De'Aaron Fox being the most recent example.

The Spurs are playing dangerous game with Klutch Sports

It's not uncommon for teams to have relationships with certain agencies, with the New York Knicks linked to CAA (Creative Artists Agency). The Los Angeles Lakers also developed relationships with Klutch Sports and the Spurs are apparently doing the same.

Having a close connection with Klutch can be a gift and a curse. A gift in the sense that Rich Paul helped the Spurs land De'Aaron Fox for far less than it would have otherwise taken.

A curse in the sense that the Spurs had to pony up a max contract. Agents can steer players to and away from teams, and if the Spurs run afoul of Paul, then that could come back to bite them. It could also make the possibility of them eventually trading Fox much harder, with Paul potentially squashing trades.

Klutch Sports and Rich Paul may have a say in Spurs moves

That may give Paul more influence over the Spurs than anyone outside of the team, and that may just be the beginning. Paul has shown a startling ability to exercise his power by determining where his players get drafted, with Bronny James and Kharam Maluach being two recent examples.

It's not crazy to think that he could steer a prospect to the Spurs in the near future. That could work to their benefit if he can scare teams off from drafting a player they want. Or, it could potentially obligate them to take a player he represents.

Either way, it may be hard to build a culture when San Antonio is having to rely more on free agency and trades than in their previous eras.

Overall, the Spurs having a relationship with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports is both a gift and a curse. It could help draw other players to the Spurs but also affect the Spurs' ability to build a culture that rivals the one built during the Popovich era.