As the NBA Draft looms, there is a strong possibility that it’ll mark the beginning of a historic NBA offseason. The draft has several question marks as the top three teams are all playoff contenders at minimum, an unusual outcome from the lottery.

The San Antonio Spurs are in the most desirable position, as their star player is 21 years old in Victor Wembenyama(Wemby), and their 2024 1st round pick – Stephon Castle – is the reigning rookie of the year. 

Though the Spurs have a championship window of at least a decade, last season’s De’Aaron Fox trade makes it seem like the team is looking to compete in the near future. Now, teams with the 2nd overall pick are typically advised to take the best player available. In the case of the Spurs, I think they’re in a position where they should explore the options that come with trading the pick an finding the best fits around Wemby and Castle.

A lot of teams will desperately want Dylan Harper, and in the case of the Spurs who don’t need him, it may be smart from a team structure and assets standpoint to trade the pick. 

This list is composed of teams who could make an offer for the 2nd pick that both strengthens their own future and that of the Spurs. My thought process was that the Spurs would likely ask for a top 7 pick and a future first at minimum. In other cases, two to three future picks(swaps and protections included), a star, or a quality player with future draft capital would be enough to compensate for losing out on Harper.

Remember, the Spurs have no obligation to trade the 2nd overall pick, so teams are likely going to have to overpay or really intrigue the Spurs front office.

I am under the assumption that Wemby & Castle are untouchable, and Sochan is a highly protected player. Though Vassell’s security is volatile, as some sources say he is untouchable and others view him as the centerpiece in trades, I used him as the Spur’s most valuable asset in many trades. 

For the sake of this article, all trades will solely be two team trades. 

BOSTON CELTICS

Offer	Return (SAS)
Jaylen Brown Sam Hauser	Devin Vasell Jeremy Sochan Malaki Branham Julian Champagnie 2025 #2 2027 1st 2029 1st

The Celtics are in an interesting position with Jayson Tatum (JT) being out for next season with his achilles injury. The Celtics going into a brief rebuild could make sense, as they’re already a second apron team who will only get more expensive. Receiving promising young players and Dylan Harper would allow for developmental year without JT.

With the addition of Fox, the Spurs seemed to have accelerated their championship aspirations. Adding Jaylen Brown gives them an elite two-way player and perennial All-Star in his prime – who has proven to be reliable without hindering other stars.

Sam Hauser, one of the best shooters in the NBA, would provide spacing for last year’s 20th ranked 3pt shooting team. Though the Spurs give up a lot in this hypothetical, they are still able to retain a pick in this years’ draft and retain their three best players. Barring injuries from any rotation players, the Spurs would be immediate championship contenders, especially after adding two former champions.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Donovan Mitchell

Devin Vassell 2025 #2 2027 1st 2029 1st 2031 1st

The Cavaliers just came off being the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but struggled in the playoffs. The two reasons why the Cavs could see a possible trade are for depth and/or timeline. The Cavs are likely to lose Ty Jerome in free agency, and players like Okoro and Wade struggled to see consistent minutes in the playoffs.

That’s not to say those guys won’t play well in years to come, but rather it may be smart to look to the draft to add depth. In addition, Mitchell is on the older side relative to Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, so maybe the Cavs opt to let those guys take the keys and pick up a younger less ball dominant player in Devin Vassell, and a combo guard who can take the load off Garland at times in Harper.

Having another reliable scoring option is critical for this Spurs team to be competitive, and Mitchell would bring that. It could also be interesting to pair a 6″3 point guard with an “undersized” two guard, which we don’t see much of in the modern NBA. Not to mention, Donovan has elevated every team he has been on, and I see no difference in the case of the Spurs.

BROOKLYN NETS

Cam Johnson 2025 #8 2027 1st 2028 1st

Harrison Barnes 2025 #2 2027 1st

The Nets had a hot start to the regular season which didn’t help their draft positioning. They are, however, in a solid spot to trade up in the draft with the amount of draft capital they possess. Let’s face it…the Nets need a young promising player to build around, and who better than a do it all ball-handler in Harper. The Nets are also happy finally shipping Cam Johnson away and acquiring an expiring contract in Barnes and a future pick in return.

The Spurs would love a primary pure shooter, and though Cam’s value is high, I think it would be worth it to acquire him – even at the expense of the 2nd overall pick. An experienced player with finals and #1 option experience, his approach to the game would fit like a puzzle piece for this Spurs team. The Spurs also get the 8th pick and future draft capital while retaining their 14th pick. This allows for the organization to either take players they really like at 8 and 14, or even trade up again if necessary.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Giannis Antetokounmpo Pat Connaughton

Devin Vassell Keldon Johnson Malaki Branham 2025 # 2 & 14 2026 1st  2028 1st 2029 1st 2030 1st

Time to rebuild…it’s that simple. The Bucks have been struggling to be a true championship contender since their 2021 championship. With rumors circiling about Giannis being traded, it’s important to maximize draft capital for this year and years to come.

Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson are great building blocks for a rebuilding team, in addition to Tyler Smith and AJ Green. And, with the Bucks’ future draft capital being quite thin at the moment, all the picks for their Hall of Famer would be greatly appreciated. There is a world where the Bucks would prefer Sochan instead of Brannham or Johnson, but receiving six 1sts should compensate.

This is a trade for the Spurs where you don’t necessarily have to be certain about fit because you have a surplus of draft capital. You collect picks for reasons like this, to trade for a 1st ballot Hall of Famer to pair next to a potential Hall of Famer. What really is intriguing is the complementary potential of Giannis and Wemby, as one is a slasher and one is a spacer – giving defensive coaches a nightmare with how to schematically slow the duo down.

TORONTO RAPTORS

Gradey Dick 2025 #9 pick 2027 1st 2026 2nd

2025 #2 Julian Champagnie

With a clog at the wing position, getting rid of Gradey Dick is worth it in exchange for a potential future All-Star. The Raptors shouldn’t be sold on Imanuel Quickly as their point guard of the future, and so Dylan Harper is a safe and smart pickup.

Though this is a trade that could be kept to picks, it’s more interesting to include Gradey. Losing out on Dylan means the Spurs want an off ball scorer to compliment their current roster. They also still receive draft capital which ensures security.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Kawhi Leonard 2025 #30

Devin Vassell Harrison Barnes 2025 #2 2025#14 2027 1st 2028 1st Swap Or  Keldon Johnson Harrison Barnes Jeremyy Sochan 2025 #2 2025#14 2027 1st 2028 1st Swap

With the Paul George era ending last season, it may be time to hit a semi-rebuild to collect young players and draft capital. Picking up promising players should be the only focus of this Clippers’ front office. Who those pieces are depends on what this Clippers team values, but I don’t foresee the Spurs giving up Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and picks

If you want to win a championship now, you acquire Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi has proven that he is a playoff riser, even if he’s dealing with nagging injuries. Kawhi can play in any system, and if the Spurs have championship aspirations today, it may be worth the big swing.

Because of injuries, Kawhi should be easier to acquire than another superstar like Giannis. That said, when you averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds , and 5 assists in last year’s playoffs while also being a 2x Finals MVP, you’re still worth a lot.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

2025 #1

2025 #2  2030 1st 2026 1st (protected)

Yes, Cooper Flagg is the best player in the draft, but the Mavericks need better guard play. History shows that this organization is at its best with an elite guard, i.e Luka Dončić, Jalen Brunson, & Kyrie Irving. The Mavs should strongly consider gaining some draft capital and picking a player that not only also has the potential to be special, but fits into how the Jason Kidd’s Mavs like to play.

This is honestly what I want to happen for the Spurs even though it’s unlikely. The Spurs need someone who can do a little bit of everything at a high level. Three firsts may seem like a lot to jump one spot, but I’d even go as far as adding one more protected pick. Cooper fits perfectly next to Wemby, and a future with Cooper seems more sustainable long term than a future with Harper.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Herb Jones 2025 #7 2027 1st 2029 1st swap 2030 1st swap

Harrison Barnes Or  Keldon Johnson  & 2025 #2 2025 #14 2028 2nd

Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson are interchangeable here depending on what the Pelicans prefer. The Pels are a team in limbo right now because they should be competitive, but keep struggling with injuries. I think they have the perfect opportunity to have a clean slate and get their point guard of the future and another solid player with the 14th pick. Cj, Dejounte and Zion are probably not going to be the answer for this organization, so it may be worth preparing for the future ASAP.

Not sure if the Pels would consider trading Zion, but I don’t think the Spurs would want him anyways. Instead, they acquire 3 & D wing Herb Jones, who both increased his stock and is on a friendly deal. The Spurs’ primary focus should be building around Wemby, and the addition of Jones and the 7th pick should do just that.

UTAH JAZZ

John Collins  Kyle Filipowski 2025 #5  2025 1st 2029 1st swap 2030 1st swap

Harrison Barnes Malaki Branham Julian Champagnie 2025#2  2025#14 2026 2nd 2028 2nd

In this scenario, Utah gets desperate and overpays for the 2nd best prospect in the class. In return they also get another lottery selection which gives them flexibility. Utah needs their “guy,” and they’re running out of misses in the draft…point, blank, simple. I can’t say I’m convinced that the Jazz will think anyone after #2 will amount to guaranteed “guy” status, so it may be worth it to bet on the safe pick.

This is a deal that interests the Spurs because Collins is a low post lob threat, and Filipowski is a low risk high reward guy if Utah actually decides to get rid of him. Not to mention, they retain a top 5 pick which gives flexibility to either draft a prospect or trade back.

OTHER TRADES

Team	Offer	Return (SAS)
Chicago	Kevin Huerter Ayo Dosunmu 2025 #12 2029 1st 2031 1st	Harrison Barnes 2025 #2
Charlotte	2025 #4 2027 1st 2030 1st	2025 #2
Houston	2025 #10 2027 1st 2029 1st 2030 swap	2025 #2
Portland	Jerami Grant 2025 #11 20301st  2029 swap 2027 2nd	Keldon Johnson Harrison Barnes Malaki Branham  Julian Champagnie 2025 #2