The San Antonio Spurs are gearing up for their regular-season opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, hoping it'll be the first of many wins ahead of a potential postseason run.
The Spurs are looking to rebound from a 13th-place finish in the Western Conference last season, during which All-Star center Victor Wembanyama had his campaign cut short by deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. With the 7-foot-5 Frenchman now fully healthy, the team awaits the return of De’Aaron Fox's from a strained hamstring.
The organization will hope to see a jump from reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and the Spurs will also have No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper at their disposal. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains somewhat uncertain, and the Spurs could use one of their young pieces and draft assets to pursue the two-time MVP if he's made available.
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Spurs acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in blockbuster mock trade
Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes put together a trade proposal that would send Antetokounmpo to the Spurs, kick-starting a rebuilding effort for the Bucks.
Here's Hughes’ proposed trade:
Spurs receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks receive: Stephon Castle, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, 2026 first-round pick (via CHR, top-eight protected), 2026 first-round pick (most favorable of SAS or ATL), 2027 first-round pick (via ATL), 2030 first-round pick (most favorable of SAS, DAL, MIN; top-one protected), 2031 first-round pick (most favorable of SAC or SAS)
It appears unlikely the Bucks will trade their franchise cornerstone, though a lackluster start ahead of the trade deadline could reignite rumors. Milwaukee has turned over every stone to keep the superstar in town, but his desire to win in the prime of his career could lead to a divorce.
A pairing of Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo would create a dominant defensive front. The Spurs would also retain Harper in this deal, leaving them with the Rutgers standout and Fox alongside Wembanyama and Antetokounmpo.
If the nine-time All-Star is made available, the Spurs have the draft capital to make an enticing offer. Adding Antetokounmpo would also make them one of the clear favorites in a stacked Western Conference.
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