The Sacramento Kings may not realize it yet, but their current struggles are quietly laying the groundwork for a major win in San Antonio - a win that could reshape the Spurs' future around Victor Wembanyama.
Let’s start with the basics: Sacramento is in a tailspin. At 7-23, they own one of the worst records in the league, sitting dead last in the Western Conference.
That’s not just bad - that’s franchise-altering-bad. And while most teams in this position would be eyeing a reset, the Kings are holding firm, trying to make something out of a roster that just isn’t clicking.
And that’s exactly what makes this situation so intriguing for the Spurs.
Back in the deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio - a move the Kings were essentially forced into after Fox requested a trade - the Spurs secured a 2031 pick swap with Sacramento. That detail didn’t make headlines at the time, but it’s aging like fine wine.
Because if Sacramento keeps trending in this direction - resisting a rebuild, clinging to a core that’s not delivering wins - that 2031 pick swap could become one of the most valuable assets in the league.
Let’s talk about why.
The Kings are now built around Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, with Doug Christie at the helm as head coach. On paper, that’s a mix of talent and experience.
But on the court? It hasn’t translated.
The chemistry isn’t there, the defense is lacking, and the offensive identity feels muddled. This isn’t a group that’s going to climb the standings anytime soon - and the longer they delay a full teardown, the deeper the hole gets.
That’s music to the Spurs’ ears.
The 2030-31 season may feel like a lifetime away, but in the NBA, long-term planning is everything - especially when you’ve got a generational player like Wembanyama. The Spurs are already building a promising young core around him, with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper showing early signs of being long-term contributors.
Add another top-tier lottery talent to that mix in 2031? That’s the kind of move that can elevate a team from playoff hopeful to legitimate title contender.
And here’s the thing: San Antonio doesn’t even have to use the pick. If the Spurs are in win-now mode by then - and they very well could be - that pick becomes a powerful trade chip. Whether it’s used to land a co-star for Wembanyama or flipped for multiple assets, the flexibility it offers is massive.
Of course, there’s always the chance Sacramento turns things around. Maybe a player like Nique Clifford or Maxime Rayaud takes a huge leap.
Maybe they strike gold in the draft. But based on what we’re seeing right now, that feels like a long shot.
So while the Kings continue to fight against the tide, the Spurs are quietly watching - and waiting. Every loss in Sacramento inches that 2031 pick closer to top-tier status. It’s a slow burn, but one that could pay off in a big way.
For San Antonio, patience is proving to be more than just a virtue - it might be the key to building something special around Wembanyama.