It’s no secret that the San Antonio Spurs are hunting for a point guard/lead ball handler to pair with Victor Wembanyama next season, but don't expect that player to be Trae Young – even if the Atlanta Hawks look to trade their star – according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports:
“One other note. Spurs fans have been buzzing about the team getting in the mix for a Trae Young trade this summer, as he is the most acclaimed point guard likely to be available. League sources have told NBC Sports not to bet on that happening, as San Antonio doesn’t see Young as a fit with Wembanyama going forward. The Spurs might be more interested in the Hawks’ Dejounte Murray if he is available.”
Chatter has intensified around the possibility of Atlanta preferring to trade star Trae Young over Dejounte Murray. As one league source well-versed in the Hawks’ dynamics revealed, there's a “growing belief” that the Hawks might lean towards trading Young. This speculation is underpinned by the team’s on-court dynamics when Young and Murray share the floor, which, statistically, hasn’t been very effective.
But if the Spurs don't believe that Young is a good fit, who else could they go after? Keep an eye on Chris Paul, per Marc Stein.
“A potential team to watch, should Paul and the Warriors part ways, is San Antonio. Among the early personnel rumbles in circulation: The Spurs could emerge as a Paul suitor if they decide to pursue some veteran know-how on a short-term contract basis to furnish presumptive Rookie of the Year winner Victor Wembanyama with more seasoned help in Year 2.”
While Paul isn't a long-term solution, he'll likely be available as the Warriors look to cut salary. He could be a cost-effective fit until a more permanent solution presents itself to the Spurs.
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama is the future of the NBA
Following an outstanding first season in the NBA, here comes the recognition. The league announced Sunday that Spurs generational talent Victor Wembanyama is one of three finalists for both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Virtually a lock to win ROY, the Spurs superstar's odds of taking home the DPOY aren't as high, though several national figures have either said they voted for him and/or that he deserves serious consideration.
Wemby led the league with 3.6 blocks per game, but team record matters in awards like this. Interestingly, however, Wembanyama finished at the top of The Athletic's annual anonymous NBA players' survey for “Best defender.” 15.2 percent of players polled selected the Spurs big man.
“He just makes it so hard to finish at the rim,” one opponent said of Wembanyama.
Another player said: “He’s changing the game. Players — you can’t say ‘scared’ — but he’s changing their shots. He deserves it.”
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