Former Spurs VP throws cold water on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Scenario for San Antonio Spurs acquisition of Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo it would be tempting for fans. However, the former vice president of the front office played down the idea.

Antetokounmpo has seen trade rumors surround him as the Bucks go through tough games this season. With his desire to compete for a championship still a top priority, rumors have flourished of teams that could swing by and offer a contract to Milwaukee. San Antonio would be one of those teams with young talent and draft capital they could send in exchange for one of the best players in the NBA.

Kirk Goldsberry provided his thoughts to the scenario. He appeared on Zack Lowe’s show as he was once the vice president of the strategy research team. He said everything he’s learned and knows about the Spurs is that trading Antetokounmpo, where they would have to give up young players like Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper, is not what they do.

“Sam Presti and RC come out of school, we’re a small-market Western Conference team. We use the draft, we use player development; we use free agency to decorate the core we build from our draft and we rarely use trades. We don’t do this. Now Kawhi forced our hand in 2018, but we don’t want to use this tool, to feel at home, because we feel at home. family We build trust in the organization and when you start trading people, look what happened in Dallas,” Goldsbury said at the 33:56 mark.

“You destroy the morale of the group, you blow up the fan base. So I think it’s the opposite of what I’ve learned about Spurs to see them get out of Castle or Harper at this stage.”

What’s next for the Spurs amid Giannis rumors

It is clear that Spurs would make the move if it fits into their plans to compete for the Championship. However, they emphasized the importance of team continuity and chemistry, which benefits them in the long run.

Antetokounmpo shines as one of the best players in the NBA, having won the title in 2021. His addition would significantly raise the ceiling of their championship. However, they would have better long-term success if they developed their young core and were stronger over a longer period of time.

San Antonio boasts a 15-6 record on the season, holding onto fourth place in the Western Conference standings. They are two games ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves while tied with the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets. Spurs will continue preparations for their next match, as they are away. They face the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 5th at 7:30pm ET.