Leap Year? Spurs Projected for Major Turnaround—and Trade Rumors Are Heating up Again
The San Antonio Spurs are suddenly one of the NBA’s most intriguing stories heading into next season. According to ESPN’s latest summer forecast, the Spurs are projected to make the biggest leap in the league. With Victor Wembanyama already proving himself as one of the most impactful young stars in basketball, and rookie guard Stephon Castle flashing signs of maturity beyond his years, the foundation in San Antonio is starting to look playoff-ready. Adding in rookie standout Dylan Harper, along with veteran frontcourt help from Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk, this is not the same rebuilding squad fans saw a year ago. The growth is real, but the question remains: is it enough?
As optimistic as these projections may be, the Spurs are aware that the Western Conference is unforgiving. A good roster can still fall short without the right finishing piece, and that is why trade rumors around San Antonio have quickly picked up steam. Multiple reports have linked the Spurs to Trey Murphy III, a versatile wing for the New Orleans Pelicans who is widely viewed as a seamless fit alongside Wembanyama. Murphy’s length, three-point stroke, and defensive instincts could be the exact perimeter balance the Spurs need. Considering San Antonio’s commitment to its youth movement and recent roster strategy, acquiring a high-ceiling wing through trade may align perfectly with the next stage of their development.
Another name heating the rumor mill is Lauri Markkanen, the Utah Jazz forward who has quietly become one of the league’s best shooting big men. Although Markkanen had a slower NBA season, his recent EuroBasket surge turned heads when he hit fourteen three-pointers at a scorching 53.8 percent clip. That type of shooting versatility next to Wembanyama would give San Antonio one of the most dangerous offensive frontcourts in the NBA. The challenge, of course, lies in whether the Spurs should sacrifice assets for a midseason blockbuster or if patience remains the smarter play. San Antonio’s management has been deliberate about not rushing into quick-fix deals, but even patience has limits when playoff potential is suddenly within reach.
Beyond roster building, the Spurs also find themselves in a broader transformation that extends beyond basketball. The franchise has been at the center of citywide debates about its future home, with the downtown arena negotiations symbolizing a shift in leadership and long-term vision. Pairing that with the momentum of their on-court growth, it feels like San Antonio is approaching a turning point. ESPN’s forecast may have set the stage, but the true leap will depend on whether the Spurs’ front office seizes this moment and delivers the right player to elevate them into contention.
For now, optimism in San Antonio is higher than it has been in years. Wembanyama’s stardom, Castle’s poise, Harper’s spark, and a steady veteran presence create a foundation ready to rise. If the Spurs can add one more piece—whether it be Murphy, Markkanen, or another surprise name—the leap that ESPN predicts may turn into something even bigger. It could make the team return to postseason relevance, and it could cause the rebirth of a franchise that once defined NBA excellence.
