As the trade deadline looms, the Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in an unfamiliar position: vulnerable. Injuries have taken a toll, and while they’re still seen as the favorites to come out of the West, the margin for error is shrinking. The next week could go a long way in determining whether that top-tier status holds-or if a challenger rises to meet them.
Right now, most of the Western Conference contenders are playing it close to the vest. The Denver Nuggets might make a small move-something like adding a backup point guard or shedding salary to dodge the luxury tax-but nothing seismic. The Houston Rockets are in a similar spot, boxed in by cap constraints and more likely to dip into the buyout market than shake up the roster with a big trade.
But then there’s San Antonio.
The Spurs, sitting on a war chest of draft picks, expiring contracts, and young talent, are the one team with the flexibility and firepower to really shake up the Western Conference if they choose to. And yet, all signs point to them staying patient at this deadline-and that’s probably the best-case scenario for the Thunder.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Spurs are wisely playing the long game. Despite having five players on rookie deals, $32 million in expiring contracts (notably Harrison Barnes and Kelly Olynyk), and more draft capital than just about anyone, San Antonio is expected to hold steady.
The idea? Let this group, led by a rapidly ascending Victor Wembanyama, experience the postseason before deciding what kind of reinforcements are truly needed.
And that approach makes a lot of sense.
Wembanyama’s third season has been a leap, and with it, the Spurs have become one of the league’s most intriguing young teams. They rank ninth in offensive rating and third in defensive rating-a rare and potent combination for a team this young. But while the metrics are strong, the roster still lacks the kind of playoff-tested star power that typically fuels deep postseason runs.
That’s why standing pat this deadline could be the smart play. Much like the Thunder did during their own build, the Spurs seem to understand that one playoff run can teach you more about your team than a dozen regular-season games. It’s a chance to see who’s ready for the moment, who needs time, and which holes actually need filling.
There’s still a possibility that San Antonio makes a smaller move-Jeremy Sochan’s name has come up in trade conversations, especially with restricted free agency on the horizon-but anything beyond that would be a surprise. And for Oklahoma City, that’s a relief. Because if the Spurs ever decide to push their chips in, they’ve got the assets to become a serious threat in a hurry.
For now, though, it looks like the Thunder will get a bit of a reprieve. The West is still theirs to lose-but the clock is ticking, and the challengers are getting closer.