The San Antonio Spurs are expected to select Dylan Harper in the 2025 NBA draft, even if it means passing up an opportunity to acquire 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. The Spurs’ strategy centers on using their No. 2 pick to strengthen their young core, including top prospects Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle.

Spurs Firm on No. 2 Pick, Prioritize Drafting Dylan Harper

According to reports from ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, the Spurs are unlikely to trade the No. 2 overall pick for Kevin Durant, as they plan to add Dylan Harper to their roster. Wright noted that sources indicate the Spurs intend to keep the pick and use it to build around their promising young players.

Jonathan Givony of ESPN also highlighted that teams trying to negotiate trades involving the Spurs’ second pick have encountered strong resistance.

“Teams attempting to facilitate a trade with the Spurs for the pick have come away with the impression it’s unlikely they move down or off the No. 2 pick,”

Givony reported.

Dylan Harper Seen as a Standout Prospect by Talent Evaluators

Evaluators widely regard Dylan Harper as a top-tier talent expected to be the draft’s second-best prospect. Despite uncertainties about how he might fit alongside guards De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, many believe his skill set justifies the Spurs holding firm at No. 2.

Harper, a former Rutgers standout, posted averages of 19.4 points per game, with 48.4 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range as a freshman. Givony emphasized Harper’s unique combination of attributes, writing,

“Combination of size, shot-creating prowess, passing creativity, finishing skill and scoring instincts makes him the type of lead guard, offensive engine that is coveted in today’s NBA, as his strong frame appears well-suited for playing through the physically demanding vigor required in the playoffs.”

Givony concluded by underscoring the challenge of acquiring such a player:

“The challenge of acquiring these types of players makes it difficult to envision the Spurs passing on the opportunity to add Harper ultimately,”

signaling strong confidence in the Spurs’ commitment to their draft plan.

Analysts and Mock Drafts Reflect Strong Consensus on Harper’s Position

Jonathan Wasserman from Bleacher Report has projected Harper as the clear choice for the Spurs at No. 2 in his recent mock draft. He reinforced the notion that Harper stands apart from other prospects, writing,

“Scouts can’t see anyone but Dylan Harper going second behind Cooper Flagg.”

Although Wasserman acknowledged the questions surrounding Harper’s fit in the Spurs’ backcourt, he pointed out the difficulty in trading the pick given the gap between Harper and the other top prospects.

“The only question is whether the San Antonio Spurs will shop No. 2 or listen to offers due to questions about Harper’s fit… A trade ultimately seems difficult, mostly because of the perceived gap between Harper and the next-best prospect,”

Wasserman explained.

He added,

“The most likely scenario has the Spurs drafting the best player available and building around a backcourt that can put heavy pressure on the rim.”

Trade Talks Highlight Durant’s Preferred Destinations but Spurs Remain Steadfast

While speculation about Kevin Durant’s future has intensified, with reports naming the San Antonio Spurs among preferred destinations along with the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, the Spurs appear reluctant to part with their high draft pick. The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski reported these three teams are on Durant’s list amid potential trade discussions as he contemplates parting ways with the Phoenix Suns.

Given the Spurs’ decision to hold onto the No. 2 pick, it could provide an advantage to the Rockets or the Heat in a possible bidding war for Durant during the offseason.

Building a Young Core Around Harper, Wembanyama, and Castle

San Antonio’s roster already features promising young guards with the recent acquisition of De’Aaron Fox and the continued development of rookie Stephon Castle, the 2024 No. 4 pick, who has secured a rotation spot. However, Fox’s contract situation raises questions for the future; he will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season, creating uncertainty over whether the Spurs will re-sign him or lean further on Harper’s rookie deal to manage salary.

The commitment to drafting Harper suggests that the Spurs are focusing on developing a backcourt capable of intensive offensive pressure in coming seasons, aligning with a broader plan to build around their emerging stars instead of relying on a veteran like Durant.