The OKC Thunder is why the Spurs must trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

In determining whether San Antonio Spurs should join forces Giannis Antetokounmpo with Victor Vembanyamaperhaps the debate should not focus on whether The Spurs should trade Stephon Castle for Dylan Harper. Similarly, whether De’Aaron Fox, who just signed an extension, should be included may not be the sticking point. Maybe soon The age or contract of the 31-year-old Antetokounmpo nor should they serve as a deciding factor.

What if…

The Oklahoma City Thunder represent the main reason why San Antonio should add the “Greek Freak.”

The NBA champions seem to be well on their way to defending their title. So, barring a major upset, the Spurs are not winning a championship this season.

It’s okay, say the Silver and Black fans. Their core is about the future and an expanded one at that.

But here’s the thing.

The Thunder’s top three players are 27, 24, and 23 years old and are all under contract through 2031. If that’s not scary enough, they have multiple first-round draft picks each year through 2029. It should be noted that the Spurs also have numerous draft picks until the start of the next decade. But as of now, OKC has more and will likely convey better.

So maybe, then this becomes the biggest question. Over the next few years, can a team led by Vembanyama, Fox, Castle and Harper surpass a championship core that could actually add even more pieces?

Thunder affect the reality of Spurs Giannis Antetokounmpo

If there’s a franchise positioned to challenge the Thunder, it’s the Spurs.

Wembi represents a cornerstone for generations. At 27, Fox is in his prime. Reigning Rookie of the Year Castle, although injured since mid-Novemberhe has already shown improvement from his award-winning season. And the talent and the feeling they made Harper was the second pick in last summer’s draft has been consistent even in limited action due to his own injuries.

Add another key first-rounder here and a consequential free agent there, and the Silver and Black are poised to return to the days when they routinely went on long playoff runs.

But what’s sometimes forgotten about the streak that brought them five Larry O’Brien Trophies over a decade and a half is that the Spurs changed rosters because of opponents.

After the Los Angeles Lakers’ Shaquille O’Neal/Kobe Bryant swept Tim Duncan and company en route to the second of what would prove to be three straight NBA championships, San Antonio added Bruce Bowen. It was essentially a direct reaction after Bryant ran over an entire Spurs team that finished with the best record in the league in 2001.

Bowen would help Gregg Popovich’s teams win three titles between 2003 and 2007.

After the Spurs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year in 2011, a group that included veteran stars Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker added a rookie draft pick named Kawhi Leonard. A 6-foot-6 forward with an imposing frame and athleticism to match, the trade for Leonard was a response to a Western Conference that was getting younger and more dynamic with a Thunder-like core led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

Leonard became the NBA Finals MVP, leading the Silver and Black to their fifth championship in 2014.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams make up Oklahoma City’s new big three. And a new challenge for Spurs.

Previously, they responded to the reality of the league with roster moves.

Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Spurs can answer whether anyone can stop the Thunder dynasty.