NBA source doesn't expect Spurs to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo

Sam Stroup

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NBA source doesn't expect Spurs to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo image

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No player has generated more trade buzz so far this season than Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

One team that has been prominently mentioned in the Giannis sweepstakes is the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs, who are already one of the league's top teams, would become even more formidable with the former Finals MVP. They're also one of the only teams with the assets required to sway the Bucks into trading him.

But it might be time to quiet those talks, according to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.

"San Antonio’s run to the NBA Cup final provided a glimpse of what the roster can become once fully healthy and developed, but league sources who have spoken with DallasHoopsJournal.com have become skeptical that the Spurs will pursue a splashy midseason move that compromises long-term flexibility," Afseth wrote.

Afseth still expects the Spurs to make a trade, but it might a smaller move than originally thought.

“'They’re not going to sit around being satisfied, but I don’t see them making a move like trading for Giannis,” one source said. “There are more reasonable options out there. They can be patient and opportunistic.'”

Afseth mentioned the Spurs could pursue a trade like the Orlando Magic's move for Desmond Bane last summer. He mentioned New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III as a similar fit to Bane.

“They have the assets to make a trade like Orlando did to add Desmond,” one source said. “It’d have to be someone that fits their timeline. Someone like a Trey Murphy III, for example, could be a strong fit.”

It remains to be seen if San Antonio will make a "win now" move that limits some of their future flexibility. For now, the Spurs remain one of the top contenders in the Western Conference.

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