The San Antonio Spurs have clearly centered their long-term plans around Victor Wembanyama, following their selection of him as the top pick in the 2023 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Draft. At just 21 years old, Wembanyama is already considered one of the premier talents in the NBA, having completed his second season with averages of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and leading the league with 3.8 blocks per game before a season-ending deep vein thrombosis halted his campaign.
Wembanyama’s defensive prowess earned him significant recognition, including the 2024-25 NBA Fan Favorites Award for Defensive Play of the Year, a testament to his impact on both ends of the court. Although the Spurs possess a roster centered on youth and talent, they are committed to patience, allowing Wembanyama to develop and lead a championship-contending team over the next decade rather than hastily sacrificing future assets.
Spurs’ Determination to Compete While Developing Young Talent
This past offseason, the Spurs resisted making a blockbuster trade for superstar Kevin Durant but remained active at the February trade deadline. They acquired All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox to complement Wembanyama, building a promising core for the future. Their current key players include Fox, alongside contributors such as Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Dylan Harper, and Carter Bryant.
At 27, Fox is the most experienced on this young roster and recently secured a supermax contract extension, signaling the Spurs’ intent to keep their core intact and competitive. This pairing with Wembanyama offers a blend of youthful potential and proven talent, fostering hope for sustained success.
Consideration of Alternatives: Trae Young as a Potential Spurs Partner
While De’Aaron Fox was ultimately selected to join San Antonio, there was a serious possibility that Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks could have been the point guard to pair with Wembanyama. NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed that Young’s agent at the time, Rich Paul, was actively pursuing a move to the Spurs, viewing Young as an ideal playmaking complement for Wembanyama.
There was a time, sources say, when Young’s camp viewed him as an optimal potential playmaking partner for Victor Wembanyama. He has since moved to CAA but was repped at the time by Rich Paul, who appeared determined to place one of the All-Star guards then on the Klutch Sports roster — Young, Fox or Darius Garland— alongside Wembanyama,
Fischer wrote.
Trae Young, a four-time NBA All-Star, boasts a more established reputation than Fox, making him a compelling option for the Spurs. However, contract details influenced the outcome. Fox’s contract began earlier as a 2017 draft pick, creating urgency for his extension, whereas Young’s was set to begin later.
Turns out that Fox’s contract starting one year earlier than Young’s, as a 2017 draftee, helped bring a sense of urgency to his future getting resolved before Young’s,
Fischer added.
It became one of the factors — along with Fox’s well-known fondness for Texas — that helped get a deal done with the Spurs.
Outlook for the Spurs’ New-Look Backcourt
Despite Wembanyama’s unexpected health setback limiting the Spurs’ opportunity to evaluate his chemistry with Fox, there is optimism within the organization that this duo will form a strong foundation moving forward. The Spurs appear confident in their decision to pass on Young in favor of Fox, who fits the team’s culture and timeline.
Building around Wembanyama and Fox, supported by a young, talented supporting cast, the Spurs aim to reestablish themselves as consistent NBA contenders in the years ahead. Their deliberate approach balances present competitiveness with long-term ambitions, seeking to maximize the potential of their franchise star while adding complementary pieces.