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The San Antonio Spurs are expected to have a busy offseason this summer, with players like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo being linked to the Spurs as possible trade candidates.
However, the Spurs have to add more than just a superstar. Granted, either Durant or Antetokounmpo would immediately give the Spurs the best starting five in the NBA, although dating back to his rookie season, it's clear that Victor Wembanyama could use some help.
Wembanyama has only been backed up by the inconsistent Zach Collins, the often-injured Charles Bassey, or Jeremy Sochan, who is not a center. Bismack Biyombo only stepped into a larger role last season after Wembanayma had been ruled out for the season, and Sandro Mamukelashvili played more of a power forward role until Wembanyama's season ended.
With a clear need at the backup center position, there are three players the Spurs should focus on this offseason, ideally without breaking the bank.
Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Coming off a first-round exit with the Milwaukee Bucks, it's clear that Brook Lopez has lost a step from when the Bucks won their title in 2021. He is 37 years old and likely wants to end his career playing for a championship-caliber team.
If the Los Angeles Lakers can sign him, it's hard to imagine him saying no to that. He and LeBron James are on the same timeline, so the Lakers will be all-in on winning, and he would likely be the starting center.
The Spurs will have the money to offer him a fair, but not insane, salary. His floor-spacing abilities would allow him to share the court with Wembanyama in occasional two-big lineups, and his shot-blocking prowess would give the Spurs confidence that he could anchor the defense when Wembanyama sits.
At 37 years old, there have to be questions about his durability and consistency moving forward, but if the Bucks commit to a rebuild, he won't be long for Milwaukee.
2024-25 NBA stats: 13.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 BPG, 50.9 FG%, 37.3 3PT%
Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
It's out belief that Derik Queen is the best center in the 2025 NBA Draft, and if he's on the board when the Spurs pick (most likely eighth overall) then adding him wouldn't be a bad option at all.
He would have a clear, defined role and expectations right away, and there wouldn't be any doubt that he would play on the NBA squad. In years past, the Spurs have played lottery picks extensively in the G League. Queen would not be in that camp.
In his lone season with the Maryland Terrapins, Queen showcased elite rbeounding and interior scoring skills. Ideally, he will be able to develop a jump-shot over time, but even if he doesn't, he will likely be a high-level backup big for several years, and could be used as a spot-starter as needed.
Unlike most other options, he would be signed to an affordable four-year contract, and the Spurs would have team control for the first several seasons of his contract. He would come cheaper than anyone else as talented as him.
2024-25 NCAA stats: 16.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 52.6 FG%
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) passes the ball while defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11)© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Naz Reid is the best player on this list, which makes him the hardest to get, althiygh it could be one of the biggest offseason moves this summer if the Spurs are able to add him.
Reid has a $15 million player option next season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he will likely seek much more on the open market. The Wolves, undoubtedly, will do everything they can to bring him back, but they already have $190 million committed next season to other players.
The Spurs, via either sign-and-trade or just an outright signing, can offer him more.
Reid is a solid defender and one of the best scoring centers in the league, although he doesn't get the playing time he might deserve since he backs up Rudy Gobert. In San Antonio, it would be a similar situation, although for more money, Reid might be willing to continue to play a smaller role.
Between Lopez, Queen, and Reid, adding the hero of Minnesota would be the most difficult addition, but it would cement the Spurs as one of the best second units in the NBA, especially if they bring Chris Paul back.
A rotation of Fox, Castle, Vassell, Barnes, and Wembanyama with Reid, Paul, Champagnie, Johnson, and Sochan off the bench would be electric, and that's without factoring in other trades and the draft picks the Spurs can add.
2024-25 NBA stats: 14.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 BPG, 46.2 FG%, 37.9 3PT%
Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
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However, the Spurs have to add more than just a superstar. Granted, either Durant or Antetokounmpo would immediately give the Spurs the best starting five in the NBA, although dating back to his rookie season, it's clear that Victor Wembanyama could use some help.
Wembanyama has only been backed up by the inconsistent Zach Collins, the often-injured Charles Bassey, or Jeremy Sochan, who is not a center. Bismack Biyombo only stepped into a larger role last season after Wembanayma had been ruled out for the season, and Sandro Mamukelashvili played more of a power forward role until Wembanyama's season ended.
With a clear need at the backup center position, there are three players the Spurs should focus on this offseason, ideally without breaking the bank.
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Jan 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
3. Brook Lopez (unrestricted free agent)
Coming off a first-round exit with the Milwaukee Bucks, it's clear that Brook Lopez has lost a step from when the Bucks won their title in 2021. He is 37 years old and likely wants to end his career playing for a championship-caliber team.
If the Los Angeles Lakers can sign him, it's hard to imagine him saying no to that. He and LeBron James are on the same timeline, so the Lakers will be all-in on winning, and he would likely be the starting center.
The Spurs will have the money to offer him a fair, but not insane, salary. His floor-spacing abilities would allow him to share the court with Wembanyama in occasional two-big lineups, and his shot-blocking prowess would give the Spurs confidence that he could anchor the defense when Wembanyama sits.
At 37 years old, there have to be questions about his durability and consistency moving forward, but if the Bucks commit to a rebuild, he won't be long for Milwaukee.
2024-25 NBA stats: 13.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 BPG, 50.9 FG%, 37.3 3PT%
You must be registered for see images attach
Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) celebrates after a play during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
2. Derik Queen (draft pick)
It's out belief that Derik Queen is the best center in the 2025 NBA Draft, and if he's on the board when the Spurs pick (most likely eighth overall) then adding him wouldn't be a bad option at all.
He would have a clear, defined role and expectations right away, and there wouldn't be any doubt that he would play on the NBA squad. In years past, the Spurs have played lottery picks extensively in the G League. Queen would not be in that camp.
In his lone season with the Maryland Terrapins, Queen showcased elite rbeounding and interior scoring skills. Ideally, he will be able to develop a jump-shot over time, but even if he doesn't, he will likely be a high-level backup big for several years, and could be used as a spot-starter as needed.
Unlike most other options, he would be signed to an affordable four-year contract, and the Spurs would have team control for the first several seasons of his contract. He would come cheaper than anyone else as talented as him.
2024-25 NCAA stats: 16.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 52.6 FG%
You must be registered for see images attach
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) passes the ball while defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11)© Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
1. Naz Reid (player option)
Naz Reid is the best player on this list, which makes him the hardest to get, althiygh it could be one of the biggest offseason moves this summer if the Spurs are able to add him.
Reid has a $15 million player option next season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and he will likely seek much more on the open market. The Wolves, undoubtedly, will do everything they can to bring him back, but they already have $190 million committed next season to other players.
The Spurs, via either sign-and-trade or just an outright signing, can offer him more.
Reid is a solid defender and one of the best scoring centers in the league, although he doesn't get the playing time he might deserve since he backs up Rudy Gobert. In San Antonio, it would be a similar situation, although for more money, Reid might be willing to continue to play a smaller role.
Between Lopez, Queen, and Reid, adding the hero of Minnesota would be the most difficult addition, but it would cement the Spurs as one of the best second units in the NBA, especially if they bring Chris Paul back.
A rotation of Fox, Castle, Vassell, Barnes, and Wembanyama with Reid, Paul, Champagnie, Johnson, and Sochan off the bench would be electric, and that's without factoring in other trades and the draft picks the Spurs can add.
2024-25 NBA stats: 14.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 0.9 BPG, 46.2 FG%, 37.9 3PT%
Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Spurs Must Follow Rumored Blockbuster Trade With This Key Free Agent Signing
Related: San Antonio Spurs Could Target Overlooked Trade Candidate, Open Title Window
Related: San Antonio Spurs Could Target Overlooked Trade Candidate, Open Title Window
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