Victor Wembanyama says he dreams of spending his entire career with the Spurs and believes building around the team's core is better than trading for a superstar like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The San Antonio Spurs have long been known for their unselfish, team-oriented style under legendary former head coach Gregg Popovich. And with a new franchise cornerstone, Victor Wembanyama, in place, that identity isn't going anywhere.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama
MIN: 33.2
PTS: 24.26 (54.11%)
REB: 10.98
As: 3.65
ST: 1.13
BL: 3.83
TO: 3.24
GM: 46
In recent weeks, several NBA superstars have been linked to San Antonio — including Kevin Durant, who was ultimately traded to the Houston Rockets, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains with the Milwaukee Bucks.
But should the Spurs have pursued a player of that caliber?
"No, I don't think so. Breaking up your entire core for a single player rarely works," Wembanyama told Maxime Aubin of L'Equipe. "And the Spurs are masters in the art of building teams without having to go out and get too many big players, or having to sacrifice the balance of the group."
San Antonio drafted Wemby with the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, and the French phenom has quickly lived up to the hype.
He currently averages 22.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.7 blocks per game — and has already considered staying with the Spurs for his entire career, just like Tim Duncan once did.
Wembanyama will be eligible for a contract extension next summer that could be worth around $300 million over five years.
"To be honest, I haven't given much thought to this contract extension, or how much it would cost," Wembanyama said. "I know it's not everyone's ambition in the NBA, but it's obviously my dream to spend my entire career with one franchise."
The Spurs haven't made the playoffs since 2019. But with a promising young core led by Wemby, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, the future in San Antonio looks bright.
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