News - San Antonio Spurs - Nels

The Spurs rebuild lasted all of 2 weeks after blockbuster trades to move off of all three of the franchise stars resulted in a complete roster re-shape. Initially, it looked as though the Spurs front office was targeting a 2 year minimum rebuild as they accumulated 2 high end draft picks and a treasure chest of futures. The rebuild had Spurs executives scouring the league for San Antonio picks that had been traded in a haste to go 'All-in' around Lebron and co, meaning a fair cost had to be paid to bring them back. 

From the outside, there was no doubt this was the beginning of a new beginning. a few years of pain for long term gain. From the inside the perspective was very much the same... Until it wasn't. A trade issue occurred around another high end pick which opened the door for wild negotiations to begin within rival organisations. Big names entered and exited discussions and key targets were identified. James Harden was secured in a blockbuster trade with outgoing super star and MVP snub Lebron James, meaning there was a star to build around. Who could the Spur engage in a conversation for a complimentary star was the next big question.

After trawling through potential targets, the Clippers appeared to be (on paper) a perfect trade partner with an asset the Spurs keenly desired. A roster with a genuine superstar forbidding a shallow roster from a full rebuild. How many assets would it take? The answer, all of them. Every pick, 4 picks in 2 years, 1 future pick, 5 players and a deal was locked in. Many steps were required, acquiring money, scouting the draft, preparing to potentially draft, draft day mayhem, potential 3-way partners, until a deal was finally cemented.

SPURS RECEIVE: Giannis Antetokounmpo and 10 gms
CLIPPERS RECEIVE: Pick 2 (Paolo Banchero), Pick 7 (Benedict Mathurin), 2023 first (Spurs), 2023 first (middle of Philly, GSW, Portland), 2027 first (Spurs), P.J Washington, Kelly Oubre, Daniel Theis and Duncan Robinson.

BLOCKBUSTER!