Spurs Staying the Course, Unlikely to Chase Giannis Trade Despite Star Power on the Table
Don’t expect the San Antonio Spurs to make a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo anytime soon-even if the Bucks decide to test the waters on trading their two-time MVP. Despite having the assets to put together a competitive offer, there’s a strong sense around the league that San Antonio is committed to its youth movement and not eager to break up a promising core for a win-now swing.
Victor Wembanyama is, unsurprisingly, off-limits. The 7’4” phenom is the centerpiece of everything the Spurs are building, and there’s no indication that changes even in the face of a generational talent like Giannis potentially becoming available. But the Spurs’ reluctance to deal from their young core goes deeper than just Wemby.
Rookie guard Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick, has reportedly been untouchable since lottery night. The Spurs locked in on him early, and nothing has shifted since. And then there’s Stephon Castle, the reigning Rookie of the Year and a player San Antonio appears to be absolutely smitten with.
“They love everything about his make-up,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said this week on The Ryen Russillo Show. “They love everything about the way he competes.
They love everything about his willingness to improve.” According to Windhorst, Castle has already cemented himself as a foundational piece in the Spurs’ long-term vision-especially as a backcourt partner to Wembanyama.
While Windhorst acknowledged that very few players in the NBA are truly untouchable, he emphasized that Castle is about as close as it gets in San Antonio’s eyes. “I would be stunned if they gave Castle away for almost anything,” he added.
So, while the idea of pairing Giannis with Wembanyama is tantalizing on paper, the Spurs appear to be playing the long game. They’re not in a rush to cash in their chips, especially when they believe they’ve already hit on multiple young building blocks.
Around the League: Trade Talks Heating Up, But No Fire Yet in Phoenix
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Suns and Raptors have reportedly kicked the tires on a potential deal involving Nick Richards heading to Toronto in exchange for Ochai Agbaji and a second-round pick. But don’t expect anything imminent.
Phoenix, according to Gerald Bourguet of Suns After Dark, isn’t eager to make a move right now. They’re not high on Agbaji, and the second-round pick Toronto offered didn’t move the needle. Neither of the 2026 second-rounders the Raptors control would carry much weight if the season ended today-Toronto’s own pick would fall at No. 52, while the Lakers’ second-rounder they own is projected to land somewhere between 56 and 58.
The Suns are clearly keeping their powder dry, waiting for a better opportunity-or a better offer.
Anthony Davis Tops Trade Deadline Watch List
With the trade deadline inching closer, Anthony Davis is emerging as the biggest name to watch. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic dropped his trade deadline “big board” today, and Davis is sitting at the top, ahead of even Giannis, largely because there’s a stronger belief that Davis could actually be moved.
If he is, Vecenie believes Davis could be the single most impactful player available-someone who could legitimately swing the title race depending on where he lands. It’s still unclear how motivated the Mavericks would be to move him, but his name is definitely one to watch as the deadline nears.
Kings Could Be Active as Deadline Approaches
Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron released the first part of his comprehensive 2026 trade deadline guide this week, outlining potential moves and priorities for all 30 teams. When it comes to the Kings, it sounds like there could be some serious movement.
Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder are viewed as likely trade candidates, while Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan are all in the “very possible” category. On the other hand, Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis are expected to stay put, largely due to the size and structure of their contracts.
It’s shaping up to be a fascinating trade season-and while the Spurs may not be jumping into the superstar market just yet, plenty of other teams are gearing up for some serious roster shuffling.