The San Antonio Spurs have kicked off their new era with Victor Wembanyama and are looking to build around him with the right supporting cast. Despite speculation, they don’t see Trae Young as fitting that plan.
According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, sources within the league suggest that the Spurs aren’t keen on Young as a complement to Wembanyama moving forward. Instead, they may have their eyes on Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks.
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Helin didn’t delve deeper into why the Spurs prefer Murray over Young. Although the Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals once with Young, they have since struggled, missing the playoffs entirely in 2024.
Young, who recently completed the third year of a five-year, $215 million contract, boasts multiple All-Star appearances and an All-NBA team selection despite the Hawks’ lack of success.
Reports indicate that there’s a growing belief around the league that the Hawks would prefer to trade Young. Marc Stein, an NBA Insider, reaffirmed this notion and suggested that the Hawks might lean toward parting ways with Young.
As for potential destinations, the Spurs could emerge as a contender for Chris Paul if he and the Warriors go separate ways, as per Stein’s newsletter. Bringing in Paul, despite his age and declining athleticism, could provide valuable playmaking and veteran leadership to bolster Wembanyama and the young Spurs squad. Moreover, Paul’s contract demands would likely be more manageable compared to Young’s, making him an attractive option for San Antonio.