Spurs not expected to chase Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo were to hit the trade market, don’t expect the Spurs to be first in line.

There’s a growing sense around the league that San Antonio would not seriously pursue a Giannis deal, even if the Bucks make the two-time MVP available, writes Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.

And it’s not because the Spurs lack the assets. It’s because they don’t want to break what they believe is already working.

The Spurs are extremely high on their young core and have little interest in going all-in on an older superstar at this stage. Victor Wembanyama, of course, is completely untouchable. And that mindset extends well beyond him.

San Antonio has never shown interest in moving rookie Dylan Harper, dating back to lottery night when it landed the No. two overall pick. The same goes for reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, who continues to draw rave reviews internally.

“I cannot tell you how much the Spurs loved Castle when they got him,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Ryen Russillo Show. “Right out of the gate they were like, ‘Oh my, do we love this guy.’ They love everything about his makeup, how he competes, his willingness to improve. They are convinced he’s the perfect guy to have with Victor.”

Windhorst acknowledged that very few players are truly untouchable in today’s NBA, but he made it clear Castle comes close.

“I would be stunned if they gave Castle away for almost anything,” he said.

Bottom line: The Spurs aren’t rushing this. Even Antetokounmpo might not be enough to change that.