After months of rumors, the San Antonio Spurs were one of only three teams that did not make a move at the NBA trade deadline, and some of their players offered their thoughts.
The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and only the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat didn't get involved in deal-making this season.
The Spur had been linked to several stars and even more complementary role-players in their ever-present effort to build around Victor Wembanyama. They boast ample matching salary, young talent, and draft picks, and could have easily gotten a deal done.
However, San Antonio already has the second-best record in the Western Conference and is clearly the Oklahoma City Thunder's biggest challenger. Plus, they aren't on a restrictive timeline. Rather than cashing in all their chips for one "win now" player, the front office wants to see just how far their current roster can take them.
Spurs Speak on NBA Trade Deadline
While the Spurs were rumored to be interested in some players, their track record plainly pointed to them not making a move. Sure, they added De'Aaron Fox last season, but the Spurs historically prefer to build through internal development.
"It's a different feeling, especially [compared to] last year," said Harrison Barnes, who was included in some trade rumors this season. "At this time, you know, there was a lot of movement. And I think it's just a testament to the consistency that guys have had this season. I think when you're in a situation where you're winning a lot of games, you don't necessarily have to make a lot of moves. It's just a matter of can you get better? So I think we've been happy with the group that we've had. Continue to build with that and go for the run."
With Wembanyama being front and center in all of the Spurs' plans, it stands to reason that he may have been consulted on any possible moves. If he was, he played things close to the chest.
"We trust who we are, we trust the process," added Wembanyama, who was never in danger of being traded. "And what I love is that the front office trusts these guys just like I do. So we're on the same page."
Between Wemby, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, the Spurs have a long runway of young talent, and if they continue to put the pieces together, a blockbuster move will remain unnecessary.