The San Antonio Spurs were rumored to be pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown last month, but the talks did not pan out. However, another gigantic NBA trade talk could potentially help the Spurs land Miami Heat superstar Bam Adebayo.

The young core of Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox is already a force on the court, but they still need the guidance of a veteran for their playoff run. This could be the start of the team to get back as one of the Western Conference giants.

How Would Adebayo Help the Spurs

Though Adebayo is not a tier-one superstar, he is still one of the NBA's most skilled defenders and consistent two-way producers, according to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report. With his reputation for being able to guard more than one position, make plays, and score close to 20 points per game, Adebayo is a combination of toughness and ability.

Pairing Victor Wembanyama with him would result in one of the league's most dominant frontcourts in the NBA. Adebayo's interior defense and strength would enable Wembanyama to space the floor and force opposing defenses to defend the perimeter. They could complement each other, pairing physicality inside with impressive length and shooting outside, a nightmare for opposing players.
What the Spurs Would Give Up

Any big blockbuster trade is accompanied by difficult choices. Rumors said that Stephon Castle may be the odd man out if this trade pushes through.

With San Antonio having just signed Fox to an extension and taken Dylan Harper second overall, Castle's exit may be the price of admission for acquiring Adebayo. While surrendering a young guard would hurt, the eventual payoff of having a Big Three of Fox, Adebayo, and Wembanyama might be worth the short-term agony.

Fresh Perspective Fuels Opening Five

If the trade materializes, the Spurs' hypothetical starting lineup might look like this:

  1. De'Aaron Fox
  2. Dylan Harper
  3. Keldon Johnson
  4. Bam Adebayo
  5. Victor Wembanyama

This is a potent five-man lineup on paper. The mix of quickness, size, shooting, and defense would instantaneously place the Spurs as contenders, potentially putting an end to their playoff absence since 2019.

Adebayo's Present Value and Impact

Adebayo's resume is self-explanatory. During his last season with the Heat, he played 78 games and averaged 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks while shooting effectively on all fronts, Dallas Hoops Journal wrote. A three-time All-Star, Adebayo will enter next season with a $37.1 million salary but without a no-trade clause, thus making the move more plausible.

Throughout his career, he has posted 15.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, demonstrating his reliability as one of the NBA's top two-way talents.

The Kevin Durant-Wembanyama duo did not happen, but Spurs fans could cling to a little hope that the team could land Adebayo soon.