The San Antonio Spurs have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo in NBA trade rumors, although they might not have as much interest in him as the rest of the league would like to think.
Two NBA teams can put together the best trade pitch for Giannis Antetokounmpo: the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder, of course, should have no interest in adding the Greek Freak. They are on pace to finish with the best record in NBA history, even after winning the Finals last year.
You don't mess with something as good as that.
The Spurs are not on the Thunder's level. No one in the NBA is on OKC's playing field, but the Spurs are on the rise. Would adding a 31-year-old Antetokounmpo give them a bump? Undoubtedly. Is there a guarantee that they will pass the Thunder? Even if they do, will they be able to maintain that lead for very long?
I don't think so.
Fans have cried about how "the Thunder are so good they don't even need Giannis." I don't think the Spurs are too good, but I think their trajectory could be. Why is that uncomfortable for the rest of the league? Imagine two teams--with the means to add him--rejecting Antetokounmpo.
For the Thunder, that means they're already dominating. For the Spurs, it means they already have plans to dominate in the future, and have so much faith in those plans that they would whiff at a surefire superstar in order to see their future unfold as they want it.
Do I think the Spurs should trade for Antetokounmpo? Yes! Provided they can keep Dylan Harper on the roster. That's not an unpopular pick, but with almost every other team lined up to make an offer, the Spurs will make some sacrifices.
Until a point, it's worth it.
People often forget that Sam Presti honed his skills with the Spurs. San Antonio is the most patient team in the entire NBA. Going all-in for a superstar doesn't seem true to form.
Besides, Victor Wembanyama is already here. The Spurs don't need to add a superstar, they just need complementary, high-level role players.