While Victor Wembanyama has rightfully asserted himself as the San Antonio Spurs’ go-to frontcourt option for the next decade-plus, newly released trade proposals suggest that the 2024 Rookie of the Year could benefit from another offensive-minded center joining the team prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Due to his ever-evolving skillset, it could be worth the risk for Spurs’ general manager Brian Wright to begin negotiations with the Chicago Bulls in an effort to pair the 7-foot-four Wembanyama with Bulls’ surging center Nikola Vucevic through a massive swap.
“Giving up value to acquire someone who plays Victor Wembanyama’s best position is a no-go for the San Antonio Spurs,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale on Thursday.
“And that’s the point of Nikola Vučević.”
“San Antonio may be able to nab him and offload Zach Collins’ contract (one year, $18.1 million) without including first-round equity. If you’re going to pay a bunch for a non-Wemby big, it might as well be someone who can help you.”
“Playing Wemby and Vooch in tandem is not out of the question. Both are providing enough stretch. But this is more about elevating the Spurs’ minutes without Wemby.”
Wembanyama and Vucevic have plenty of similarities as offensive players at the center spot, which could make them a formidable duo as two capable floor-spacing facilitators.
In 43 appearances for Chicago this season, Vucevic has contributed 20.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists while knocking down a remarkable 41.1% of his attempts from distance.
A 14-year veteran with trusted skills as a passing hub, Vucevic could be a perfect addition for San Antonio’s dynamic offense consisting of both fellow vets and promising young prospects.
In a potential deal, the Spurs would likely send Zach Collins to Chicago along with a prospect like Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones or Malaki Branham and first-round draft compensation.
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