The San Antonio Spurs have made a habit of building through the NBA Draft-and doing it well. From Tim Duncan to Victor Wembanyama, their ability to identify and develop talent has long been a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity. And come June, they could be in position to add another promising piece to their growing core.
Thanks to the 2022 trade that sent Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks, the Spurs hold a 2026 first-round pick swap with Atlanta. That deal might quietly become one of the more impactful moves of the rebuild, especially considering where both teams currently stand.
San Antonio is trending upward in the West, while the Hawks are hovering around the 10th spot in the East. If the standings hold-or tilt even further in the Spurs’ favor-they could be looking at a significantly better draft position than their own.
One name that’s starting to generate buzz in mock drafts tied to San Antonio is Arizona’s Koa Peat. The freshman forward has been a driving force behind the Wildcats’ perfect 20-0 start, and his game is drawing attention from scouts across the league.
Peat isn’t your typical highlight-reel prospect. He’s not going to dazzle with flashy handles or deep threes, but there’s a lot to like about what he brings to the floor.
At 6'8", he plays with a physical edge, thrives in the mid-range, and shows a real feel for the game-especially off the ball. He’s the kind of player who makes smart cuts, sets solid screens, and finishes plays with efficiency.
That’s not always the sexiest profile, but it’s the kind of skill set that tends to translate well at the next level.
Through 20 games, Peat is averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 57% from the field. That kind of efficiency, especially on a team loaded with talent, speaks volumes about his ability to find his spots and contribute without needing the ball in his hands all the time.
The big question mark? His outside shot.
Peat is attempting fewer than one three-pointer per game and connecting on less than 30% of those attempts. In today’s NBA, that’s something teams will want to see develop.
But context matters-and for the Spurs, it might not be a dealbreaker.
With Victor Wembanyama already anchoring the frontcourt and stretching the floor in ways few 7-footers ever have, the Spurs have the luxury of pairing him with a forward who thrives inside the arc. Peat’s game complements Wembanyama’s in a way that could open up all kinds of options for San Antonio’s offense. While Wemby draws defenders out to the perimeter, Peat could operate in the gaps, cutting, screening, and finishing with precision.
It’s still early in the draft cycle, and plenty can change between now and June. But if the Spurs end up with a high pick via that Atlanta swap, and Peat is on the board, he’s the kind of player who fits their mold-smart, efficient, and team-first. And in San Antonio, that’s often the blueprint for something special.