Few teams in the NBA have the type of potential that the San Antonio Spurs do, with them having a superstar, an all-star, a rising star, and the number two pick, all on the same team. Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Steph Castle, and [potentially Dylan Harper](https://airalamo.com/spurs-now-one-obvious-move-draft-lottery-ages) could be the team's core going forward.
That would not only allow them to hit the ground running next season but also soon help them get back into championship contention. Wembanyama has the potential to be a top-three player in the NBA, and if he does, then the Spurs could be well-positioned to contend. Fox is one of the better point guards in the NBA, and Harper has franchise-changing potential.
Meanwhile, Castle, who just recently won Rookie of the Year, has All-Star written all over him. That gives the Spurs a bright ceiling and potentially a large window to contend for a title. However, how will they fare over the next five seasons? Let's find out.
Predicting the San Antonio Spurs ' next five years
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If the Spurs don't make a major trade this summer and instead bring back their core roster and add a couple of lottery picks in the process, they should be well-positioned. Assuming that they do make the playoffs next season, it could be the start of another long postseason streak.
A healthy San Antonio team that reloads this summer by adding more shooting and a legitimate backup big man could make the playoffs in the West as a sixth seed. Given how balanced the Western Conference is, that wouldn't necessarily preclude them from making the second round.
Nevertheless, I expect them to win a couple of games in the first round before bowing out. Ahead of the 2026-27 season, I expect them to trade Devin Vassell to clear out more playing time for Harper. Hopefully, during his second season, both he, Castle, Fox, and Wembanyama can carry the Spurs into the second round of the playoffs.
Will the Spurs win a championship in the next five years?
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The West has the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets, all of whom could be contenders for years to come. They will also have more playoff experience by that point, and the Spurs may fall victim to one of those teams in the second round of the 26-27 season in six games.
By the 2027-28 season, the Spurs should be hitting their full stride. Harper will be in his third season, Castle will be in his fourth season, and Wembanyama is in his fifth, and all three should hopefully be thriving. That would give three players all under the age of 25 and allow them to contend without breaking the bank.
I expect the Spurs to make the Western Conference Finals but lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are more established. In year four, I expect big changes with the Spurs suddenly far more expensive.
Castle's new contract would kick in while Harper would be extension-eligible. That could mean trading Fox and moving forward with the trio of Harper, Castle, and Wembanyama. That trio has significant potential and could result in them making the West Finals in back-to-back seasons.
The Spurs have the foundations to win a title soon
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Finally, in year five, I predict that the Spurs will win it all. Hear me out. There has been a new NBA champion for seven straight seasons, and the recent collective bargaining agreement has made that something that is likely to continue.
The Thunder's trio may have become too expensive, possibly forcing them to move on from Jalen Williams. The Rockets don't have a clear second option, and the Wolves may not have a second star beyond Anthony Edwards at that point. That could open the door for the Spurs to win a championship.
After all, the East seems perpetually a second-class conference. Also, hopefully Wembanyama will be the best player in the NBA by then, possibly resulting in them winning their sixth championship.
All told, the Spurs' outlook over the next five seasons is extremely bright. They may have a few playoff heartbreaks, but I expect them to win at least one championship in the next five seasons, given their potential.
Projecting the Spurs' next five years
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2025-26—first-round exit
2027-28— second-round exit
2028-29—West Finals exit
2029-30—West Finals exit
2030-31—NBA champions