On Sunday, the first trade of the NBA offseason was announced: the Memphis Grizzlies would send shooting guard Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four picks, and a pick swap.
The move signalled to the Western Conference that the Grizzlies will be unable to compete and will take a step back, and in the East, the Magic added a pop of offense and will be looking to make it past the first round and perhaps compete for a Finals spot.
Of course, we here at Inside the Spurs would prefer to look at the trade through a San Antonio Spurs lens, and this deal certainly affects the Silver and Black.
For much of the offseason, even longer, the Spurs have been linked to premier trade candidates like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lauri Markkanen, and others.
Durant, it seems, is the most realistic target for San Antonio, and the Phoenix Suns were expected to ask for a matching salary, a promising young player, and three draft picks.
At first, that asking price seemed ridiculously high given Durant's age and contract, although he is a better player than Bane will ever be. With the market set and prices clear, the Suns should be able to drive up the bargaining.
Two picks and a matching salary for KD? Suddenly, that sounds ridiculous, given that the Grizzlies landed up to five picks for someone who will never be an All-Star. Durant, even in his late 30s, is an All-NBA player who will make any team a title threat.
Unless the Spurs are willing to part with more assets than ever thought necessary to add Durant, expect them to build organically this offseason, with a focus on the draft and filling holes in free agency.
Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.