How the San Antonio Spurs Could Pair Victor Wembanyama with Giannis Antetokounmpo

The San Antonio Spurs, anchored by the otherworldly talent of Victor Wembanyama, have emerged as an intriguing destination for disgruntled superstars. With Giannis Antetokounmpo voicing frustrations about the Milwaukee Bucks’ direction, speculation has swirled around a potential blockbuster that could unite the “Greek Freak” with Wembanyama.

That would create a frontcourt duo of unprecedented length, athleticism, and defensive prowess. While Antetokounmpo hasn’t formally requested a trade, his comments have fueled trade machine fantasies. Here are some realistic ways the Spurs could make this happen, drawing from recent analyses and rumors.

San Antonio Spurs’ Scenarios

One straightforward path involves leveraging the Spurs’ treasure trove of young assets and draft capital in a direct swap with Milwaukee. A proposed deal could see San Antonio sending Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, and multiple first round picks, including the No. 2 Overall pick Dylan Harper, to the Bucks.

This Package offers Milwaukee a mix of immediate contributors and future upside, allowing them to retool around. The Spurs would gain Antetokounmpo to complement Wembanyama’s perimeter skills, forming a twin tower setup reminiscent of the Tim Duncan and David Robinson era, but with modern spacing and switch ability.

For a more complex scenario, a three-team trade could rope in a facilitator like the New Orleans Pelicans. In this setup, the Spurs acquire Antetokounmpo, while Milwaukee receives Zion Williamson, additional picks, and role players like Devin Vassell or Pat Connaughton rerouted through New Orleans. The Pelicans might snag young talent such as Sochan and a Spurs-protected first-rounder.

This structure helps balance salaries. Antetokounmpo’s $48 million cap hit is hefty and could give Milwaukee a high upside star in Williamson. Adding De’Aaron Fox, whom the Spurs recently acquired, to the mix could create a dynamic Big Three with elite speed and defense.

Another angle hinges on Antetokounmpo forcing his way to San Antonio, similar to past star demands. Reports are that he would prefer a contender with a bright future, and the Spurs fit that bill with Wembanyama’s timeline. If he specifies Texas, Milwaukee might accept a lighter package, perhaps including the No. 14 Ppck and swaps, to avoid leverage loss. However, these risks gutting the Spurs’ depth, as trading Castle and Sochan could leave gaps at guard and wing.

Final Thoughts

Pros of this pairing are obvious: unmatched rim protection, transition dominance, and championship potential in the West. Cons include salary cap strain and the Bucks’ reluctance to rebuild. At around 30, Antetokounmpo aligns with Wembanyama’s prime window, but the Spurs must weigh short-term glory against long-term sustainability.

Ultimately, these scenarios remain hypothetical. Yet, with San Antonio’s assets and Wembanyama’s allure, a trade is not far-fetched. If executed, it could redefine the NBA landscape, turning San Antonio into instant contenders.