As the NBA world prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs are expected to make waves. In dire need of a power forward, they should find no shortage in this class.

Names like Yaxel Lendeborg, Allen Graves, Morez Johnson, Karim Lopez, and Chris Cenac would all fit with the Spurs, although there is no guarantee that any of those players will be on the board when the 20th overall pick comes around.

Of course, the Spurs could trade up, as they did for Kawhi Leonard in 2011, although the free agent landscape suggests that they might do the opposite.

The Spurs have a rich history of doing that, as well.

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In 2011, the Spurs traded up to get their guy. In the weak 2024 and 2002 drafts, the Spurs traded away their picks.

Rob Dillingham, picked eighth overall by the Spurs in 2024, never cracked the Minnesota Timberwolves rotation, and the Spurs added future assets for him. In 2002, the Spurs added both Randy Holcomb and John Salmons, but traded them to the Philadelphia 76ers for Speedy Claxton.

Salmons went on to have a fine career, but never reached his potential in Philly. Holcomb, meanwhile, played in only four NBA games.

Claxton went on to play a small, albeit important, role on the Spurs' 2003 title team.

Simply put, if the Spurs aren't totally sold on a guy at 20th, expect them to make a trade. It could have some salary cap benefits as well!

By keeping a first-round pick off the books, the Spurs could have the financial flexibility to sign or trade for a power forward. 

While the draft is brimming with potential, the likes of John Collins, Aaron Gordon, and even Jaylen Brown would help propel San Antonio to a title in the near future, perhaps even multiple.

A 20th drfat pick who would come off the benhc, meanwhile, won't impact winning until 2029, and even then, it wouldn't be a gurantee.