How the Spurs built their 2026 NBA Finals roster: Trades, draft picks and free agent signings

ASFN Admin · May 31, 2026

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The Spurs are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014, and this team has a chance to cap off a historic season in the next couple of weeks.

Before this season, they hadn't made the playoffs since 2019, which was also the last time they had a record over .500.

The turning point was a few years ago when they acquired Victor Wembanyama, and everything seemed to unfold perfectly for them after that.

How the Spurs built their 2026 NBA Finals roster: Trades, draft picks and free agent signings

Here's how each notable player on the 2025-26 Spurs roster was acquired.

Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs struck gold, winning the NBA Draft Lottery back in 2023.

They went on to draft Wembanyama first overall, and he's been one of the best players in the league when healthy the past few seasons.

He was the team's WCF MVP this postseason, just three seasons after being drafted.

MORE: Spurs run to the 2026 NBA Finals outdid Thunder's 2025 roster in this category

De'Aaron Fox

The Spurs traded for Fox at last season's trade deadline, which was a move that came with criticism.

He only played 17 games with the team before the end of last season, but overall had a great season this year, being named an all-star for the second time in his career.

Stephon Castle

The Spurs were slowly building a team for the future, and with road bumps and injuries, they had some bad seasons that resulted in them continuing to pick high in the draft.

Castle was the 4th overall pick in the 2024 draft, and has had two big seasons in San Antonio, including his first season when he was named Rookie of the Year.

MORE: 2026 NBA Finals court designs revealed, with return of trophy on Knicks and Spurs courts

Devin Vassell

Vassell was drafted by the Spurs 11th overall in 2020.

He experienced a lot of different rosters and was able to maintain being one of the team's consistent scorers, averaging over 16.0 points in three of the last four seasons.

Dylan Harper

Harper is another recent draft pick, selected 2nd overall in last year's draft.

Harper is already a key player in the rotation, as he is accomplishing feats this postseason that few rookies have done before on the big stage.

MORE: Where did every player go to college on the Spurs' 2025-26 NBA Finals roster?

Julian Champagnie

Champagnie was claimed off waivers around the trade deadline in 2023.

He's played in 82 games in each of the last two seasons, becoming one of the Spurs' most dependable and serviceable players.

Keldon Johnson

Johnson has been with the Spurs for seven seasons.

He was drafted late in the first round of the 2019 draft and has adapted to a variety of roles with the team over the past few years.

MORE: Every Spurs player's nickname from Victor Wembanyama to Luke Kornet

Luke Kornet

Kornet was an underrated free agency addition for the Spurs last summer, giving them a solid backup center behind Wembanyama.

He's come up big when they've needed him, including getting a key late-fourth quarter block in Game 7 against the Thunder in this year's WCF.

Other players

Carter Bryant: Drafted by the Spurs 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft
Kelly Olynyk: Traded to the Spurs in the 2025 offseason
Harrison Barnes: Traded to the Spurs in the 2024 offseason
Jordan McLaughlin: Traded to the Spurs at the 2025 trade deadline
Lindy Waters III: Signed with the Spurs in the 2025 offseason

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How the Spurs built their 2026 NBA Finals roster: Trades, draft picks and free agent signings

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