The San Antonio Spurs have found themselves at the center of NBA trade debates, rumors, and discussions, but fans seem to agree on one thing.
The San Antonio Spurs seem to be the most realistic landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo, should he demand a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The reasons why couldn't be clearer: Antetokounmpo would be a perfect fit next to De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have the means to match his salary, and they have more than enough draft capital and young talent to entice the Bucks to move on from one of the best players in league history.
It will be a hard bargain, but the Spurs can get the job done.
Between Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, the Spurs have a bit of a logjam in the backcourt. Fox is a win-now player whom the Spurs have no interest in parting ways with, so either Castle or Harper would be on the trade block.
Spurs fans took to social media, and for once, seem to be in agreement.
"That's gonna be Castle as the key piece if you're gonna put a realistic package for Giannis to SA," posted a fan.
Most people tend to agree. The Spurs should give up Castle over Harper if they must part with one to get a deal done.
"Trading Harper, for me, is an absolute nonstarter," added CBS Sports' Sam Quinn. "If there's a Spurs trade, it can involve Castle, it can involve Fox, it can involve picks, it will not include Harper under any circumstances."
"Dylan Harper is going to be my untouchable," agreed a fan.
"I wouldn't trade Dylan Harper for Giannis straight up," posted another.
That might be taking things too far, but the sentiment is strong.
Harper is one of the best guard prospects in recent memory and is already adept at drawing and scoring through contact. He certainly has a long NBA future ahead of him and has catapulted himself as the second-most important player on the Spurs, behind only Wembanyama.
The Spurs, like the Oklahoma City Thunder, are in an odd spot. Sure, adding Antetokounmpo would bolster their title hopes now, but it could come back to bite them in the not-so-distant future. The Spurs are looking to find long-term success.
Adding Antetokounmpo would give San Antonio an instant boost and the best trio in the entire league, but the Spurs are looking into the 2030s and beyond, not just to the end of this season.
Harper is a massive part of that vision, and he's been made untouchable.