Spurs must pump brakes on a blockbuster Giannis trade after major update

It was a tale of triumph and heartbreak for the San Antonio Spurs during the 2025 NBA draft lottery. After entering the draft lottery projected to end up with the ninth overall, they shocked the NBA world by having it jump into the top four.

In fact, they came within one pick of the top selection and the chance to draft potential superstar Cooper Flagg. Instead, they'll have to settle for the lowly number two pick. Of course, I'm joking, and the number two overall pick is an incredible asset that the Spurs can use in more ways than one.

There's the obvious benefit of the Spurs having the second overall pick and the chance to draft a future star. The three most likely options would be Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe.

Each has their strengths and weaknesses; Harper has the potential to be a high-level 6'5 point guard, Bailey can be a jumbo wing who can score in droves, and Edgecombe has two-way potential as an elite defender and versatile offensive player.

The Spurs would be foolish to pass up on any of those three players. Be that as it may, the Spurs also have another option that they must explore ahead of the NBA draft.

Spurs should pump the brakes on a big Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

With the Spurs already rumored to be in the mix to acquire Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, their adding the second pick definitely helps their case. Nevertheless, they should think long and hard about actually pulling the trigger on landing Antetokounmpo after adding that pick.

After all, they are in an unprecedented situation with them having a potential top player in the NBA, as well as an All-Star and a rising star, in Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle, respectively.

If the Spurs feel that they can add another rising star to the mix via the draft, they shouldn't make the move. Passing up on Giannis comes with the risk that he might be traded to the Houston Rockets or Oklahoma City Thunder, but it may be worth the risk.

The Spurs are in a unique situation to contend long-term

There's a scenario where the Spurs could have a 2012 version of the Thunder with multiple young stars. Fox is sure to sign a massive extension this summer that could keep him under contract for the next five years, but that should look increasingly good as the salary cap rises by 10% each season, outpacing the raises in the deal.

Wembanyama and Castle will also be on their rookie-scale contracts for the next two and three years, respectively. Now, a top prospect will be on another rookie deal for the next four seasons, and they should be able to balance contracts and make it work.

That could give the Spurs a potential big four to build around. All told, the Spurs should think twice about trading for Giannis. If they believe they have another star on their hands, then they should keep the pick and continue to build.