The San Antonio Spurs’ surprising season has potentially positioned the franchise as a buyer looking to acquire star-level talent to assist 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
While an 18-18 record doesn’t necessarily give most teams the green light to pull off massive transactions, San Antonio’s rise over the past two years has been special to watch.
The Spurs’ mix of young prospects and veteran contributors has made for an interesting product and a team that could surely compete for a spot in the Play-In Tournament, but their general manager Brian Wright could be aiming for the franchise’s first guaranteed playoff berth since the 2018-19 season.
In order to propel Wembanyama’s Spurs to the postseason, Wright may consider parting ways with the team’s No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and standout rookie guard Stephon Castle in exchange for Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers.
At 34 years old, George is a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA selection who is looking to be part of a winning organization.
In 24 appearances for Philadelphia this season, George has received inconsistent playing time and shot opportunities.
The 6-foot-8 versatile forward’s 32.0 minutes is his lowest figure since the 2019-20 season, and his 14.1 field goal attempts are the lowest since his third NBA season in 2012-13.
Still, the established star is averaging 16.2 points and 5.6 rebounds for a 76ers team sporting a 14-20 record.
While trading away Castle for an aging star like George could be mind-boggling, Wembanyama could benefit from a player of George’s archetype.
The former MVP candidate has maintained a reputation as one of the league’s most effective two-way forces in recent memory while simultaneously placing at No. 9 in career three-pointers made in league history with 2,305.
Castle has been impressive in his debut campaign, contributing 10.9 points and 3.7 assists. Unfortunately, his 43.9% effective field goal percentage certainly won’t be conducive to winning meaningful games in the postseason if the Spurs were to make it there.
The 20-year-old’s abysmal 26.4% efficiency from the three-point line on 3.7 attempts surely doesn’t help his case, either.
George has been a consistent performer when the lights are brightest, averaging 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists for his career in the postseason, which could make him a prime target for San Antonio.
A package for George would likely include a mix of prospects like Castle, Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson or Malaki Branham along with a salary filler in Harrison Barnes and draft compensation.
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