There is a lot of uncertainty around what the Spurs are going to do this offseason to bolster their roster, but one thing is for sure: Dylan Harper is going to be wearing silver and black for the foreseeable future. Every time a proposal is mentioned for SA to trade down or trade out from the number two pick. The answer is always reported to be a resounding NO.
I find that fascinating because during the season, Cooper Flagg was all anyone could talk about. Harper wasn't discussed much at all, but it's clear now that the upcoming draft is a two-horse race.
Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo discussed a possible blockbuster trade that would see San Antonio get a haul for the pick, including star Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. It's the kind of deal that when you hear the assets, you'd have to pause because it's not a throwaway offer by any means. But the conclusion was clear and definitive.
On Bill Simmons’s podcast episode today @ryenarussillo says nobody in the NBA would trade down from #2 in this draft and @BillSimmons agrees.
— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) June 16, 2025
Bill brings up Lauri Markkanen + 5 + other stuff to the Spurs for 2 and Ryan says that’s still not enough. pic.twitter.com/EVnU0DX239
Spurs will have the best young core in the NBA after the draft
The Harper/Stephon Castle/Victor Wembanyama trio will be a problem for the league. There are too many analysts trying to project negativity onto something that should be celebrated. The league has been moving more and more toward positionless basketball, and the addition of the Rutgers star will empower San Antonio to double down on that playstyle.
I left De'Aaron Fox off the list above because he's slightly older, and at any time, they can move the former Kings point guard. That's not something anyone should anticipate happening any time soon, but when it's time for Swipa to move on, the Silver and Black will still be set up for success because of their youthful core.
It's another reason why I'm bullish on SA's possible acquisition of Kevin Durant. Wembanyama would have his running mates of the future, and Durant could come in and teach them how to win in big moments. KD has played 170 playoff games in his illustrious career. He can teach these guys a thing or two, but he's not just a tutor. He's still an assassin.
There is no law stating that a young team must take the steps to the top. You just need to find a guy with elevator access. Between the unreal skills of Victor Wembanyama and the special abilities of Fox, adding Durant almost guarantees they'll play in a competitive playoff series next season. That experience will only make the youngins that much better, that much faster.
Vic, Steph, and Dylan are all high-end lottery picks. It's unlikely they don't reach their potential in San Antonio. It's a matter of when, not if. By the time that happens, the Spurs will be in the beginning phases of their second dynasty.