Kevin Durant, a future Hall of Famer, aimed to join the San Antonio Spurs this offseason, and the Phoenix Suns worked to facilitate that move. Despite Durant’s desire to play for San Antonio, the Spurs were reportedly never seriously interested in acquiring the veteran forward. Sources shared with DallasHoopsJournal.com revealed that the Spurs did not submit a trade offer for Durant, who eventually was sent to the Houston Rockets.
The Spurs’ reluctance stems largely from Durant’s age—he will turn 37 in the upcoming season—and his limited postseason success since leaving the Golden State Warriors in 2019. Durant has only won one playoff series each with the Brooklyn Nets and the Suns, and he has faced two first-round sweep losses since departing from Golden State, the team that captured the 2022 championship against the Boston Celtics.
The Spurs Focus Their Future on Youth and Potential
Rather than pursuing an aging star, the Spurs appear committed to their current roster. The core includes highly touted young players such as Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet, and rookie Dylan Harper, the second overall pick in this year’s <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA Draft. San Antonio is preserving its assets, preparing for a possible move involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Remains an Open Trade Candidate
According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still evaluating his future and is undecided about remaining with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks have managed only one postseason series win since their 2021 championship victory over the Suns.
“As we sit here on August 4, sources tell me there is nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay in Milwaukee or whether he wants to leave elsewhere,” Charania said. “He’s been evaluating his future this entire offseason. I reported way back in mid-May that he’s open-minded about whether his best fit is in Milwaukee or is it a trade elsewhere.” —Shams Charania, NBA Insider, ESPN
Spurs’ Trade Assets Positioned for a Giannis Deal
If Antetokounmpo requests a trade—whether this offseason or later—the Spurs have a substantial package ready. Their offer could include multiple draft picks along with valuable salary components like Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, and Jeremy Sochan to match Milwaukee’s requirements. This strategy clearly shows the Spurs are prioritizing acquiring Giannis over pursuing older stars like Durant.
Implications for Spurs and NBA Futures
The Spurs’ approach signals confidence in their young core while waiting for an opportunity to bring in a transformative star such as Antetokounmpo. Should Giannis decide to leave Milwaukee, San Antonio’s readiness with draft capital and flexible salaries positions them as a prime destination. The situation remains uncertain, but the Spurs’ patience and asset management could reshape their trajectory in the near future.