The 2024 NBA Draft is just a day away, and practically since the trade deadline, the Spurs and Hawks have been associated with each other in many rumors. Whether it’s acquiring Trae Young, re-acquiring Dejounte Murray or making draft-day swaps, the two teams seemingly can’t avoid each other in the rumor mill (even if some of it may or may not be accurate).
The latest example is an extended discussion between ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Jonathan Givony on Lowe’s podcast regarding the possibilities of the Spurs perusing the top overall pick from the Hawks — or the Hawks shopping it to them to try and get back some of the assets that they gave to the Spurs in the Murray trade.
As an example, Lowe brought up the fact that the Spurs recently brought in Zaccharie Risacher for a private workout despite it being highly unlikely that he will still be available at 4th: the first of the Spurs’ two lottery picks. Considering he already knows and has played with his fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, he would certainly be a good fit in many regards, but if the Spurs really want Risacher, what would it take to get him? Lowe said he feels the 4th and 8th picks are not enough to get the 1st pick from the Hawks, while Givony looked at from the other end, saying he heard both those picks would be too much for Spurs to give for the top pick in a pretty flat draft.
For that matter, if the Spurs really wanted Risacher (or someone else who may not be available at 4th, like Alex Sarr), the Hawks may demand even more: such as their unprotected 2025 first round pick that the Spurs currently own. Considering 2025 is supposed to be a much deeper and stronger draft and the unknown state of the Hawks, it could end up being more valuable than this year’s top pick, so the Spurs would likely prefer to keep that pick or at least put hard protections on it.
In the end, both Lowe and Givony agreed that the Spurs would be just as well off keeping their own picks and will most likely remain patient. There will be plenty of opportunities to make trades and get good players, especially from teams in salary cap trouble. There is no need to panic or rush since Wemby is patient and good enough to organically build around, plus he will make the Spurs a free agent destination, so ultimately there’s no need to throw the kitchen sink at this draft class.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Should the Spurs look to trade up in the draft if they think they know who their guy is, and if so, at what cost? Feel free to discuss in the comments below.
You can listen to the segment on the Spurs beginning at the 24:15 mark.
Gregory Daniels is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, he explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture. Gregory enjoys staying ahead of the curve and sharing emerging trends with his readers.
