SAN ANTONIO – APRIL 18: The San Antonio Spurs logo during Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2009 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO THE USER: User fully recognizes and accepts that by downloading and/or using this picture, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The San Antonio Spurs have had a clever summer in an effort to develop a more competitive squad around second-year superstar Victor Wembanyama without spending too much money on large long-term contracts that do not match Wemby’s schedule.
After signing Harrison Barnes and Chris Paul, the Spurs are allegedly interested in bringing in two more proven veterans.
According to Yahoo’s Jake Fischer, the Spurs have expressed interest in Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard and Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland. “Before San Antonio brought Chris Paul to organize the Spurs’ offense around Victor Wembanyama, sources said San Antonio called various teams around the league exploring veteran guards who have yet to enter their primes. Another great ball-handler the Spurs inquired about was Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland, according to sources, but Cleveland has so far turned down any inbound trade interest in Garland.
Nembhard also recently inked a three-year, $59 million agreement with the Pacers, which may exclude him from any potential trade possibilities.
Garland is the more intriguing component since Donovan Mitchell just decided to stay in Cleveland after weeks of trade rumors, and many fans feel he and Garland don’t work well together in the backcourt
Even though Fischer stated that Cleveland is not interested in trading Garland, the issue is worth monitoring considering Mitchell’s long-term commitment.
It’s encouraging to see the Spurs take this strategy, especially because Wembanyama is still young and the club still has a long way to go in the Western Conference, but sitting back and doing nothing to better risks stunting Wemby’s development.
