The process of building the squad that will allow the Spurs to win their next championship is in its formative stages. Brian Wright and Reception are first-time parents doing everything they can to get a head start, hoping their choices will help the baby thrive. Gregg Popovich is the seasoned grandparent who thinks this kid is a rockstar and knows things will get better in time. Meanwhile, Spurs fans are nervous friends who have never had a baby but panic at every decision.
You can tell when San Antonio is rebuilding by turning on a random game and tuning in to the chaos that ensues. Winning is not the top priority and the coaching staff has been testing new lineups every night. These early stages of development are also proof that the Silver and Black could be a club to watch on the trade market this season, even if they are primarily a salary dumping destination.
San Antonio is probably content to make moves on the sidelines for now. However, the door could be open for San Antonio to make a blockbuster after a recent report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, According to the respected league insider, the Bulls have started shopping Zach LaVine, and both sides “share a mutual interest in working out a trade.” The Spurs may not appear to be the favorites to land the two-time All-Star, but he “intends to join (San Antonio).”
Fischer mentions that other teams like the Lakers, Heat and 76ers are among LaVine’s favorite landing spots. One of the reasons the 28-year-old swingman wants to leave Chicago is because he doesn’t view the Bulls as a legitimate contender. Although San Antonio doesn’t meet the criteria for a title prospect since they’re in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, teaming up with a generational talent like Victor Wembanyama could give LaVine reason to push for a agreement with 2-1-0.
Everyone knows what basketball fans and the media think of Wemby. The teen phenomenon has often been the main topic of talk shows like First Take and the center of attention on national broadcasts, but this rumor is something else. Without Wembanyama on the roster, San Antonio would be completely forgotten in conversations regarding potential trade destinations for disgruntled stars. But the prospect of his impending dominance is enough to make any household name consider joining Spurs.
Instead of wallowing in futility, the Spurs are at the table for LaVine despite their early struggles. That’s the kind of attraction Wemby played in just 13 games in his rookie season. He’s endured ups and downs, including 38-point outbursts and 40-point blowouts, but his potential as a game destroyer is undeniable. The fact that LaVine openly expresses that he would rather be in San Antonio with the youngest team in the league than with the Bulls shows the kind of superstar magnetism Wemby already possesses.