The San Antonio Spurs seemingly have limitless options this offseason. They could draft Dylan Harper second overall, trade for Kevin Durant, Lauri Markkanen, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, or they could make a smaller move while keeping their prime draft caital.
The Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Philadelphia 76ers, none of whom are in a bad spot, landed the top three picks, stealing from rudderless franchises like the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz, who intentionally tanked their season with the hopes of landing a transformative draft pick.
One of those rudderless teams might be interested in jumping up a few spots, although it could be costly.
The Charlotte Hornets, after years (and I mean years!) of lagging near the bottom of the standings, finally have an All-Star player in LaMelo Ball, although they lack an elite supporting cast around him. Sports Illustrated's Owen O'Connor called for them to move up in the draft, although it would take quite a haul.
Charlotte will pick fourth overall, although by then the truly elite young players will be picked off the board. O'Conner suggested a trade where the Spurs would give up the second pick for the fourth pick, the 33rd pick, a 2027 first-round pick (via DAL) and a 2028 pick swap.
With the fourth pick, the Spurs can draft either VJ Edgecombe or Tre Johnson, to compliment their exiting young core, although Harper is cetialy a much better player.
However, Edgecombe and Johnson are better shooters and can space the floor around De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Victor Wembanyama.
Another trade possibility makes sense for both teams, although it might be a bit too rich for the Spurs' blood. The Spurs could give up Harrison Barnes and the second pick for pick number four and Brandon Miller, who finished third in Rookie of the Year voting in 2023.
Miller is a solid shooter who has been compared to Paul George (high praise!) although his off-court involvement in a shooting (no charges were filed) might cause the Spurs to rethink a possible deal. That said, a young core of Wembanyama, Castle, Miller, whoever they select fourth, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell would be hard to rival.
Meanwhile, the Hornets might not want to give up their second-best player in an effort to draft Harper, who would be redundant in the backcourt next to Ball.
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