San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama after the final buzzer against the Los Angeles Lakers
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SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs show his disappointment as the clock wind down in the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Emirates NBA Cup game at the Frost Bank Center on November 15, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
The number of truly untouchable players in the NBA is dwindling. Luka Doncic was once a lock to never be traded, and the Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly taken calls on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Only Jalen Brunson, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama are on the “untouchable” plane now.
Of course, things can change in an instant. The Doncic trade sent shockwaves through the NBA that are still being felt. The San Antonio Spurs are never expected to trade Wembanyama. He is due for a contract extension next summer, and it stands to reason the Spurs will toss the max his way.
After that, the Spurs are expected to be a winning team, making sure he never wants to play anywhere else. However, insecure front offices often act rashly, and even the steady Spurs are not immune from speculation.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama defended by Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs is defended by Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Spurs Made Moves to Keep Wembanyama Happy
Coming off a Finals appearance in 2024, it looked like Luka Doncic was the perfect successor to Dirk Nowitzki for the Dallas Mavericks. Six months later, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dallas cited concern about his conditioning, long-term health, and the possibility that they would be able to sign him to an extension. Doncic, to his credit, had long made it clear that he wanted to end his career in Dallas. Such betrayal!
In an effort to keep Wembanyama happy, the Spurs signed Chris Paul, traded for De’Aaron Fox, drafted Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle, and bolstered their frontcourt over the three offseasons he’s been in Texas.
All to avoid the made-up scenario in Nico Harrison’s head from coming true in San Antonio.
“His satisfaction on the team is so interesting,” said Sports Illustrated’s Rachel Nichols on October 15th.
“There was all this chatter around Luka and Dallas for years, right? ‘Oh, they better keep Luka happy. That timeline ticks faster than you think.Oh, it’s a good thing they made the Finals because Luka would have started looking around.’ Even after they dealt him, we heard some of the propaganda out of the Dallas front office. That was about like, ‘Oh, he might not have signed the big deal.'”
Wembanyama, like Doncic, has given zero indication that he is dissatisfied with the Spurs. Still, after the trade shocked the world, teams must exercise caution.
Spurs’ History Should Alleviate Concerns
The Spurs have been led by the same two men since 2002. RC Buford has been in San Antonio since 1997, taking over as general manager in 2002. He is currently CEO. Gregg Popovich has been president of basketball operations since ’97, a title he still holds even after ending his coaching career.
Popovich and Buford kept their core of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker all together for the better part of two decades, and Wembanyama has made it clear that he admires the continuity.
Wembanyama, like Doncic, is addicted to winning. There is little reason to think the Spurs will ever part ways with him.
“I’m not sure Luka Doncic was as much on a mission at that age as Victor Wembanyama,” Nichols admitted. “Victor Wembanyama seems like the kind of guy who wants to see progress. And I think that they needed to have Fox there to sort of bring that progress that was expected.”
Adding Fox was the first step in keeping Wembanyama happy. Every move the Spurs have made since has been a step in the right direction.