TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

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I'm wondering if we can get a decent offer in for KD. Maybe something like Dev + KJ + pick 14 + another future first and some seconds. I don't think there are going to be a whole bunch of strong offers for him, being 37, on the last year of his deal, and likely to veto a lot of moves. Would really open up the cap flexibility in 26, turn up the dial on our ability to compete next year, directly open up Devs minutes for Harper, and keep the most important pieces (Fox, Castle, Harper) untouched. Then you run something like:

Vic-KD-Barnes-Castle-Fox

MLE Center- Sochan- Julian - Wesley or FA pickup - Harper

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I'm not opposed to trying for KD. He would make a lot of sense for a two year period while Castle and Harper develop further. We could be a legitimate top 4 team. I don't think I'd give up more than 1 1st for him though. Id like to hold on to 14 this year because I think we can get a decent wing to develop. But I do like the idea of unloading Vassell along with him, although I guess that's the only way it works salary wise.

Do not want. I hate his attitude and don't want it anywhere near Wemby.

Enzo The Baker said:

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TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

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I'm wondering if we can get a decent offer in for KD. Maybe something like Dev + KJ + pick 14 + another future first and some seconds. I don't think there are going to be a whole bunch of strong offers for him, being 37, on the last year of his deal, and likely to veto a lot of moves. Would really open up the cap flexibility in 26, turn up the dial on our ability to compete next year, directly open up Devs minutes for Harper, and keep the most important pieces (Fox, Castle, Harper) untouched. Then you run something like:

Vic-KD-Barnes-Castle-Fox

MLE Center- Sochan- Julian - Wesley or FA pickup - Harper

---

I'm not opposed to trying for KD. He would make a lot of sense for a two year period while Castle and Harper develop further. We could be a legitimate top 4 team. I don't think I'd give up more than 1 1st for him though. Id like to hold on to 14 this year because I think we can get a decent wing to develop. But I do like the idea of unloading Vassell along with him, although I guess that's the only way it works salary wise.

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Vassell may turn it around, but he struggled from 3 last year. Plus with Harper, he is our 6th or 7th scoring option and not a reliable one, he is streaky. And with Harper, I think we need a PF/SF player, with length that can help Wemby as rim protection.

Losing Paul, it would be great to have a veteran like KD especially with a 1st year coach.

We would have to include a first for KD. I think they would demand the 14 pick. Next year's pick is likely lower and a weaker draft.

I would like to have KD, but I'd also like to keep our 14th pick. If they would take any other pick other than 14 this year, I would be ok with it. I think Atlanta will stay a bubble team in the East.

Under no circumstance do you give up two first round picks, including a lottery pick, along with one of your better young pieces for anyone who is 37+. Don't care how good they are.

Dumb short sighted moves like that are how you ruin a franchise. KD is likely to break down at any moment.

TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

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I'm wondering if we can get a decent offer in for KD. Maybe something like Dev + KJ + pick 14 + another future first and some seconds. I don't think there are going to be a whole bunch of strong offers for him, being 37, on the last year of his deal, and likely to veto a lot of moves. Would really open up the cap flexibility in 26, turn up the dial on our ability to compete next year, directly open up Devs minutes for Harper, and keep the most important pieces (Fox, Castle, Harper) untouched. Then you run something like:

Vic-KD-Barnes-Castle-Fox

MLE Center- Sochan- Julian - Wesley or FA pickup - Harper

---

ABSOLUTELY ****ING NOT.

Durant played games for the dirty ass sips before Cooper Flagg was born.

HummingbirdSaltalamacchia said:

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Guitarsoup said:

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Just spitballing, would you do some sort of trade based around:

Spurs get PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy or Naji Marshall as filler
Mavs get Collin Sexton
Jazz get Vassell, Branham

Works financially, no picks.

Spurs move from SG Vassell to D&3 PJ, but Vassell was on a controlled contract and PJ is on an ending contract.

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Pj and Marshall for Devin and Malaki without giving up picks, 100% would do. Just wondering why Utah would do it. Feel like a pick or picks would need to go back their way

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Even if you threw in seconds, who cares.

But from Utah's perspective, they have 1st round picks the last two years playing PG: Keyonte George (17/6 last year) and Isaiah Collier (9/6 last year).

Sexton is taking reps away from the two 20yo PGs on the team and is small and gets abused defensively. Also, Sexton is on an ending contract.

They get Devin, who is an upgrade defensively and more of an off-ball SG that can create some. Their only players there are Jordan Clarkson (awful) Johnny Jzang (still backup) and Cody Williams (massive bust).

Now they have a team of

PG: Collier/George
SG: Vassell/Jzang
SF: John Collins/Kon Knueppel with 5th pick
PF: Lauri/Sensabaugh
C: Kessler/Flipkowski

Team makes a little more sense. They still suck, but it makes more sense

flashplayer said:

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Under no circumstance do you give up two first round picks, including a lottery pick, along with one of your better young pieces for anyone who is 37+. Don't care how good they are.

Dumb short sighted moves like that are how you ruin a franchise. KD is likely to break down at any moment.

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This.

Durant is one bad landing away from blowing a tire and retirement. Let him be the albatross for someone else.

Guitarsoup said:

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HummingbirdSaltalamacchia said:

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Guitarsoup said:

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Just spitballing, would you do some sort of trade based around:

Spurs get PJ Washington, Jaden Hardy or Naji Marshall as filler
Mavs get Collin Sexton
Jazz get Vassell, Branham

Works financially, no picks.

Spurs move from SG Vassell to D&3 PJ, but Vassell was on a controlled contract and PJ is on an ending contract.

---

Pj and Marshall for Devin and Malaki without giving up picks, 100% would do. Just wondering why Utah would do it. Feel like a pick or picks would need to go back their way

---

Even if you threw in seconds, who cares.

But from Utah's perspective, they have 1st round picks the last two years playing PG: Keyonte George (17/6 last year) and Isaiah Collier (9/6 last year).

Sexton is taking reps away from the two 20yo PGs on the team and is small and gets abused defensively. Also, Sexton is on an ending contract.

They get Devin, who is an upgrade defensively and more of an off-ball SG that can create some. Their only players there are Jordan Clarkson (awful) Johnny Jzang (still backup) and Cody Williams (massive bust).

Now they have a team of

PG: Collier/George
SG: Vassell/Jzang
SF: John Collins/Kon Knueppel with 5th pick
PF: Lauri/Sensabaugh
C: Kessler/Flipkowski

Team makes a little more sense. They still suck, but it makes more sense

---

Makes sense. If SA only needs to throw in some 2nds, sign me the **** up. Any firsts? Nah.

On a related, I was just thinking about what kind of other deals could potentially be on the table with 14 and Vassell. I want to keep 2, bc I really like the backcourt options with adding Harper, but Spurs could add some "win now" size on the wings, rather than taking a flyer on someone at 14 that needs time to develop. . I'm not adept at the trade machine to see what's out there . Spurs are in an enviable position with the draft capital and still young players where we can upgrade and not mortgage the farm

I'm good with using 14 on Rasheer Fleming or Carter Bryant and seeing what happens.

I get it, KD is certainly a polarizing player and guy. Especially at this age. But in my view a big part of the reason to consider the trade is that it opens up the ability to add some legit free agents. We are all a little bit disappointed in Devin's progression this past year and I think most of us agree that while Keldon is a cherished person in the org, the jury is out on whether or not he can be part of a championship level rotation. Those 2 alone get you to within 125% of KD's salary so we wouldn't have to include more I don't think (maybe throw Branham in).

But the thing about KD is he gives you a one year boost and then his $55 million is off the books. So you would basically increase your title chances next year and then enter 2026 free agency with:
Fox (~$50MM if he signs a max)
Wembanyama ($16.9MM)
Harper ($13MM)
Castle ($10MM)
2026 First Rounder (~7MM if in the back end of lottery)
Champagnie ($3MM)

That is about $100MM plus whatever you may bring Sochan back on, let's call that $16MM plus $14MM in minimum roster charges (7 spots at ~2mm each) so ~$130MM. The salary cap is projected to be around $170MM. You would be entering free agency with your 4 main core pieces plus 2-3 solid supporting pieces and an absolute boatload of cap room for what is currently a pretty stacked FA class. Obviously a lot of those names will drop off as they always do, but hard to imagine any other teams being in a better spot to add meaningful pieces to their roster. A KD trade would be more about being able to handpick the role players around your core guys rather than being stuck with Dev and Keldon who aren't necessarily ideal fits. Or maybe go big game hunting if the right name is available.

Don't think you can without sitting out a year bc it is intra-conference.

If Phoenix would do Keldon+Devin+14 you consider it.

But I don't think Phoenix can get back that bad a return on Durant, they still don't own their own picks.

But then what do you do about Durant's extension? And if he walks after a year, you still don't have meaningful cap space, but you need someone to fill Devin's role as a ~4th scorer and Barnes' contract is up, too.

Devin is still just 24 and will be about the 80th or 90th highest paid player in the NBA next year. His contract is just 13% of the cap/10% of luxury tax when Wemby's extension kicks in. I still think he is a good player to have long term.

TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

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I get it, KD is certainly a polarizing player and guy. Especially at this age. But in my view a big part of the reason to consider the trade is that it opens up the ability to add some legit free agents. We are all a little bit disappointed in Devin's progression this past year and I think most of us agree that while Keldon is a cherished person in the org, the jury is out on whether or not he can be part of a championship level rotation. Those 2 alone get you to within 125% of KD's salary so we wouldn't have to include more I don't think (maybe throw Branham in).

But the thing about KD is he gives you a one year boost and then his $55 million is off the books. So you would basically increase your title chances next year and then enter 2026 free agency with:
Fox (~$50MM if he signs a max)
Wembanyama ($16.9MM)
Harper ($13MM)
Castle ($10MM)
2026 First Rounder (~7MM if in the back end of lottery)
Champagnie ($3MM)

That is about $100MM plus whatever you may bring Sochan back on, let's call that $16MM plus $14MM in minimum roster charges (7 spots at ~2mm each) so ~$130MM. The salary cap is projected to be around $170MM. You would be entering free agency with your 4 main core pieces plus 2-3 solid supporting pieces and an absolute boatload of cap room for what is currently a pretty stacked FA class. Obviously a lot of those names will drop off as they always do, but hard to imagine any other teams being in a better spot to add meaningful pieces to their roster. A KD trade would be more about being able to handpick the role players around your core guys rather than being stuck with Dev and Keldon who aren't necessarily ideal fits. Or maybe go big game hunting if the right name is available.

---

One of the big issues with all of this is the actual basketball piece.

On paper, adding Durant sounds great, except he's 37 and we might only get him for one season. Wemby/Fox/Castle and now Harper need to learn how to play together, because as of now they might be playing together for the foreseeable future.

Durant would just further delay that dynamic because the only way he puts up 25 a game is if he has the ball. When will Fox and Castle get touches?

I think KD makes most teams better, but the Spurs weirdly aren't one of them. KD needs to go to a team that already understands spacing, positioning on the floor, and how to get out of the way and make lanes for someone like KD.

I still think its nuts to consider KD in exchange for any combo including the 14 AND Devin.

Yall KD has 1300 games played at about 36+ mpg and in the last five years, he's averaged about 50 games a season. Do not want. Play the long game.

I fully agree that PHX doesn't do this right now but I think they are going to be forced to trade Booker to Houston and start over; perhaps that is wrong of me to assume but I don't see another logical conclusion to the Phoenix saga. Houston just got shown they need a primary scorer and shooter and they have one sitting on a platter for them over there in Phoenix who just missed the play-in and has no avenues to improve their roster. From there I think a deal like you proposed can make a little more sense.

And I do like Dev and think he is on a good contract and is a solid player and I have been a big proponent of his. But I also don't agree that we wouldn't have meaningful cap room, we'd have $40MM (and this assumes a Sochan extension that is far from guaranteed, our cap space could be well into the mid-$50s) which would be enough to add 2 really meaningful guys to the roster. Or perhaps Memphis falls apart and you can lure JJJ over. You'd have Wemby, Fox, Harper, and Castle who will presumably all be just as big or bigger pieces of the offense as Dev. And you probably wouldn't have to part with much if any of your future draft capital to get it done.

flashplayer said:

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I still think its nuts to consider KD in exchange for any combo including the 14 AND Devin.

Yall KD has 1300 games played at about 36+ mpg and in the last five years, he's averaged about 50 games a season. Do not want. Play the long game.

---

Only reason these conversations are worth having is because Wemby is an alien and we are completely unsure of his durability. There aren't many comparisons to draw from.

It's worth exploring everything when you consider the chance that Wemby might not have a "long game". Blood clot is random and not necessarily sports related, but he's already missed a bunch of games.

Obi Wan Ginobili said:

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TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

---

I get it, KD is certainly a polarizing player and guy. Especially at this age. But in my view a big part of the reason to consider the trade is that it opens up the ability to add some legit free agents. We are all a little bit disappointed in Devin's progression this past year and I think most of us agree that while Keldon is a cherished person in the org, the jury is out on whether or not he can be part of a championship level rotation. Those 2 alone get you to within 125% of KD's salary so we wouldn't have to include more I don't think (maybe throw Branham in).

But the thing about KD is he gives you a one year boost and then his $55 million is off the books. So you would basically increase your title chances next year and then enter 2026 free agency with:
Fox (~$50MM if he signs a max)
Wembanyama ($16.9MM)
Harper ($13MM)
Castle ($10MM)
2026 First Rounder (~7MM if in the back end of lottery)
Champagnie ($3MM)

That is about $100MM plus whatever you may bring Sochan back on, let's call that $16MM plus $14MM in minimum roster charges (7 spots at ~2mm each) so ~$130MM. The salary cap is projected to be around $170MM. You would be entering free agency with your 4 main core pieces plus 2-3 solid supporting pieces and an absolute boatload of cap room for what is currently a pretty stacked FA class. Obviously a lot of those names will drop off as they always do, but hard to imagine any other teams being in a better spot to add meaningful pieces to their roster. A KD trade would be more about being able to handpick the role players around your core guys rather than being stuck with Dev and Keldon who aren't necessarily ideal fits. Or maybe go big game hunting if the right name is available.

---

One of the big issues with all of this is the actual basketball piece.

On paper, adding Durant sounds great, except he's 37 and we might only get him for one season. Wemby/Fox/Castle and now Harper need to learn how to play together, because as of now they might be playing together for the foreseeable future.

Durant would just further delay that dynamic because the only way he puts up 25 a game is if he has the ball. When will Fox and Castle get touches?

I think KD makes most teams better, but the Spurs weirdly aren't one of them. KD needs to go to a team that already understands spacing, positioning on the floor, and how to get out of the way and make lanes for someone like KD.

---

That is a take I do not agree with at all. KD is one of the best off ball threats in the history of basketball and would elevate our young guards just by virtue of being out there.

The unthinkable almost happened.

Per Reddit:

Before the last ball was drawn for the #1 pick, only the Hawks, who traded their pick to the Spurs, had multiple winning combinations. If the most likely outcome occurred there, the Spurs would've had BOTH the #1 and the #2 overall pick in this year's draft

TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

---

Obi Wan Ginobili said:

---

TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

---

I get it, KD is certainly a polarizing player and guy. Especially at this age. But in my view a big part of the reason to consider the trade is that it opens up the ability to add some legit free agents. We are all a little bit disappointed in Devin's progression this past year and I think most of us agree that while Keldon is a cherished person in the org, the jury is out on whether or not he can be part of a championship level rotation. Those 2 alone get you to within 125% of KD's salary so we wouldn't have to include more I don't think (maybe throw Branham in).

But the thing about KD is he gives you a one year boost and then his $55 million is off the books. So you would basically increase your title chances next year and then enter 2026 free agency with:
Fox (~$50MM if he signs a max)
Wembanyama ($16.9MM)
Harper ($13MM)
Castle ($10MM)
2026 First Rounder (~7MM if in the back end of lottery)
Champagnie ($3MM)

That is about $100MM plus whatever you may bring Sochan back on, let's call that $16MM plus $14MM in minimum roster charges (7 spots at ~2mm each) so ~$130MM. The salary cap is projected to be around $170MM. You would be entering free agency with your 4 main core pieces plus 2-3 solid supporting pieces and an absolute boatload of cap room for what is currently a pretty stacked FA class. Obviously a lot of those names will drop off as they always do, but hard to imagine any other teams being in a better spot to add meaningful pieces to their roster. A KD trade would be more about being able to handpick the role players around your core guys rather than being stuck with Dev and Keldon who aren't necessarily ideal fits. Or maybe go big game hunting if the right name is available.

---

One of the big issues with all of this is the actual basketball piece.

On paper, adding Durant sounds great, except he's 37 and we might only get him for one season. Wemby/Fox/Castle and now Harper need to learn how to play together, because as of now they might be playing together for the foreseeable future.

Durant would just further delay that dynamic because the only way he puts up 25 a game is if he has the ball. When will Fox and Castle get touches?

I think KD makes most teams better, but the Spurs weirdly aren't one of them. KD needs to go to a team that already understands spacing, positioning on the floor, and how to get out of the way and make lanes for someone like KD.

---

That is a take I do not agree with at all. KD is one of the best off ball threats in the history of basketball and would elevate our young guards just by virtue of being out there.

---

Is that why Phoenix is good?

I'm serious, I'm not hating on Durant, but this narrative that he makes players better just doesn't jive anymore brother.

A team with KD and Booker shouldn't finish 2 games above the Wemby-less Spurs and the same record as the 2025 Trailblazers.

Durant record without Golden State who was already the best team when he joined:

544-371 (.5945)

698-425 Career (.6215)
154-54 at Golden State (.740)

Great player and he has always had at least one and many times two star sidekicks. But he doesn't make teams that good from a W L standpoint.

I mean I'd toss PHX a couple second rounders for Durant, but that probably doesn't work salary wise and they likely can get a better a haul than that.

Otherwise, I'm good.

I mean, he missed 20 games and the Suns went 3-17 in those games. He put up 27 points on well above average efficiency. There are certainly many valid arguments against trading for KD (one of which is that he ALWAYS misses games) and I am really just spitballing the idea more than supporting it, but the idea that KD won't make your team better when he is out there is not really supported by anything. The Suns have a dumpster fire roster around those 2, of course they are going to suck when one of them is out (they were also 1-6 when Booker was out).

Stephon Castle downhill scoring pic.twitter.com/3oBkOlnV3H

— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) May 13, 2025

TheNotoriousP.I.P. said:

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I mean, he missed 20 games and the Suns went 3-17 in those games. He put up 27 points on well above average efficiency. There are certainly many valid arguments against trading for KD (one of which is that he ALWAYS misses games) and I am really just spitballing the idea more than supporting it, but the idea that KD won't make your team better when he is out there is not really supported by anything. The Suns have a dumpster fire roster around those 2, of course they are going to suck when one of them is out (they were also 1-6 when Booker was out).

---

I get it, he just feels like an empty stat guy to me.

He had to coat tail ride in GS to ring and then what's he done anywhere else?

A 37 year old chucker on decent efficiency isn't something we should burn assets for.

Does him being a sip have any bearing on your opinion of him?

AGpops1923 said:

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Does him being a sip have any bearing on your opinion of him?

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Durant being a little ***** using burners to argue with fans has more bearing on my opinion of him than spending a few months in Austin.

He only won anything when he wasn't the man. He's never been a leader. He's gotten multiple coaches fired.

I wonder as well what a Vassell + 14 could bring us.

Conceptually I like the idea of rookies because of the cost control, but in reality very few rookies contribute to winning in the NBA.

Quote:

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Durant being a little ***** using burners to argue with fans has more bearing on my opinion of him than spending a few months in Austin.

---

This aspect of KD actually makes me like him more. We need more high profile shhtposters if you ask me.

superunknown said:

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Quote:

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Durant being a little ***** using burners to argue with fans has more bearing on my opinion of him than spending a few months in Austin.

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This aspect of KD actually makes me like him more. We need more high profile shhtposters if you ask me.

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If it was quality ****posting, I would agree.

He posts here with the username Mookie Blaylock for those that don't know.

Guitarsoup said:

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AGpops1923 said:

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Does him being a sip have any bearing on your opinion of him?

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Durant being a little ***** using burners to argue with fans has more bearing on my opinion of him than spending a few months in Austin.

He only won anything when he wasn't the man. He's never been a leader. He's gotten multiple coaches fired.

---

This.

Burnergate showed me how insecure and how beta he is. He's not a winner.

Hell, calling him a beta is an insult to betas. He's more of a zeta.

https://streamable.com/r7a9lf

Givonay says Spurs are thrilled to take Harper and aren't looking at trades.

Enzo The Baker said:

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The unthinkable almost happened.

Per Reddit:

Before the last ball was drawn for the #1 pick, only the Hawks, who traded their pick to the Spurs, had multiple winning combinations. If the most likely outcome occurred there, the Spurs would've had BOTH the #1 and the #2 overall pick in this year's draft

---

I'm going to put my fingers in my ears and close my eyes here before I even go down the road to envisioning this team with both Flagg and Harper and how big a ripoff we would have had on Atlanta there.

flashplayer said:

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Enzo The Baker said:

---

The unthinkable almost happened.

Per Reddit:

Before the last ball was drawn for the #1 pick, only the Hawks, who traded their pick to the Spurs, had multiple winning combinations. If the most likely outcome occurred there, the Spurs would've had BOTH the #1 and the #2 overall pick in this year's draft

---

I'm going to put my fingers in my ears and close my eyes here before I even go down the road to envisioning this team with both Flagg and Harper and how big a ripoff we would have had on Atlanta there.

---

There were 11 teams that had a shot depending on what the last ball to pop up was, and 3 of them were the Hawks pick, out of five total chances of the Hawks pick coming up. If that Hawks ball dropped, Spurs would have had 1 and 2. It's insane to think about

There's always next year for the Hawks to suck also and get us another top flight prospect.

Guitarsoup said:

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https://streamable.com/r7a9lf

Givonay says Spurs are thrilled to take Harper and aren't looking at trades.

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Even if we really wanted to make a big trade with this pick, this is what you come out and say. If you tell every team in the league that you're shopping the pick, the offers for it won't be as good. Tell everyone you're keeping it and see if someone is willing to way overpay for it.