San Antonio Spurs trade news: 26.2 ppg scorer on radar as Victor Wembanyama's first All-Star-caliber teammate
Victor Wembanyama has been the focal point of the San Antonio Spurs' rebuilding since the team selected him as the top rookie in the 2023 NBA draft. Over a year later, the Spurs could make a move that would pair him with an elite scorer and a bona fide All-Star-level player from a Western Conference rival.
According to a report by Sam Amick and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Spurs are positioning themselves as the frontrunner whenever Sacramento Kings’ superstar De’Aaron Fox asks for a trade out of his team for the sole purpose of pairing him up with franchise cornerstone Wembanyama.
“League sources say Fox has not asked for a trade, the former All-Star and his prominent agent [Rich Paul] are reading the room in Sacramento before deciding what comes next,” the report says.
“Meanwhile, rival executives are monitoring the Fox situation closely and league sources say one team in particular — the San Antonio Spurs — is positioning itself to pursue the Houston native as a possible partner for Victor Wembanyama, should Fox become available,” it added.
If a trade happens, Fox would be Wembanyama’s first All-Star-caliber teammate in the prime of his career. Fox is averaging 26.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game for the Kings, who have been inconsistent to start the season with a 13-15 record, good for the 12th spot in the West standings.
Meanwhile, the Spurs are not far back with a 14-13 record, with Wembanyama topping the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocks per game. The seven-foot-three agile center is averaging 24.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.5 blocks per game, doing it all for the Spurs.
As of now, Wembanyama has been playing alongside veteran point guard Chris Paul and a slew of young players such as Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Stephon Castle, among others. These players can also be packaged together for a potential trade for a star like Fox.
Former Defensive Player of the Year believes Victor Wembanyama could be the next face of the NBA
In just his second season, Victor Wembanyama has become one of the biggest stars in the NBA. Former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, who expressed his belief in the French star’s potential in the “Run it Back” podcast, is one of those who believe he is on a great trajectory.
"He's definitely the next face of the league…The world can see that. High IQ, somebody who is really smart, and somebody also who has played in some big games," Noah said.
"You see the progress. He's so young. Give him two, three years this guy is gonna be running the league," Noah added.
Noah has seen numerous stars come and go in his NBA career. He has played against the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Kobe Bryant, who were all once regarded as the faces of the league.