Spurs could be scary with KD.

[Wingy]

All that said, we can't just be wearing rose coloured glasses. We know what we are getting with KD and I think Pop's familiarity (and Keldon's) with KD gives us some insight to it. That there's mutual interest hints that both sides are willing, knowing more what each is getting into.

I just see KD as a complete front runner. His career team success has been hopping on to the loaded 73 win Warriors squad, and as you highlighted - the Olympics where the US obviously has a massive pure talent advantage. When it gets hard, he has always run to ‘greener’ pastures, and even then I think he did that in large part because he got the social ‘ok’ of seeing Lebron do it first.

Just seems like a thin-skinned, get out when it’s tough kind of guy that I wouldn’t want as a leader in my young locker room.

I think the traditionally strong Spurs FO can put its assets and cap to much better use than going for a 37 year old name, whose name now significantly outweighs his game and impact on winning.

[G R E Y]

All that said, we can't just be wearing rose coloured glasses. We know what we are getting with KD and I think Pop's familiarity (and Keldon's) with KD gives us some insight to it. That there's mutual interest hints that both sides are willing, knowing more what each is getting into.

I just see KD as a complete front runner. His career team success has been hopping on to the loaded 73 win Warriors squad, and as you highlighted - the Olympics where the US obviously has a massive pure talent advantage. When it gets hard, he has always run to ‘greener’ pastures, and even then I think he did that in large part because he got the social ‘ok’ of seeing Lebron do it first.

Just seems like a thin-skinned, get out when it’s tough kind of guy that I wouldn’t want as a leader in my young locker room.

I think the traditionally strong Spurs FO can put its assets and cap to much better use than going for a 37 year old name, whose name now significantly outweighs his game and impact on winning.

Not all great players are great leaders, or want that mantle. I get that KD is ornery, and active on SM with randoms when he doesn't like something said. It's reactive.

That and the coming to GSW (as UFA) made the cupcake moniker. No argument on these.

Nets were a collection of players with a new coach and Irving going full Kyrie. They were still a KD too big a shoe toe on the line from better success.

The impact on winning is not accurate. We're not just going after a name whose impact has long since passed him by. Even at 37 KD is a high quality hooper whose gravity, distributed among several players, makes it harder to game plan against and easier to score on opponents.

I think PATFO understand the totality of pros and cons and that they still want KD - at the right price, mind - means the cost is counted and willing to pay it.

Now it may be the case that we end up being yet another team that regrets it. But as Irving on Mavs and CP on Spurs have showed, it can work.

I just think that despite KD's disposition, you're not presenting the fullness of his game/minimizing it. KD may not have won the championship before GSW but it doesn't mean he's just a name whose game has passed him by.

[DwayneSchintzus]

All that said, we can't just be wearing rose coloured glasses. We know what we are getting with KD and I think Pop's familiarity (and Keldon's) with KD gives us some insight to it. That there's mutual interest hints that both sides are willing, knowing more what each is getting into.

I just see KD as a complete front runner. His career team success has been hopping on to the loaded 73 win Warriors squad, and as you highlighted - the Olympics where the US obviously has a massive pure talent advantage. When it gets hard, he has always run to ‘greener’ pastures, and even then I think he did that in large part because he got the social ‘ok’ of seeing Lebron do it first.

Just seems like a thin-skinned, get out when it’s tough kind of guy that I wouldn’t want as a leader in my young locker room.

I think the traditionally strong Spurs FO can put its assets and cap to much better use than going for a 37 year old name, whose name now significantly outweighs his game and impact on winning.

Not all great players are great leaders, or want that mantle. I get that KD is ornery, and active on SM with randoms when he doesn't like something said. It's reactive.

That and the coming to GSW (as UFA) made the cupcake moniker. No argument on these.

Nets were a collection of players with a new coach and Irving going full Kyrie. They were still a KD too big a shoe toe on the line from better success.

The impact on winning is not accurate. We're not just going after a name whose impact has long since passed him by. Even at 37 KD is a high quality hooper whose gravity, distributed among several players, makes it harder to game plan against and easier to score on opponents.

I think PATFO understand the totality of pros and cons and that they still want KD - at the right price, mind - means the cost is counted and willing to pay it.

Now it may be the case that we end up being yet another team that regrets it. But as Irving on Mavs and CP on Spurs have showed, it can work.

I just think that despite KD's disposition, you're not presenting the fullness of his game/minimizing it. KD may not have won the championship before GSW but it doesn't mean he's just a name whose game has passed him by.

Any reticence I have is countered by what he did in the Olympics for Pop - he nearly singlehandedly got him a Gold medal - and the the fact that I always trust PATFO.

Also, he's Wemby's favorite player, that's not nothing.

GSG

[ConSarnit]

All that said, we can't just be wearing rose coloured glasses. We know what we are getting with KD and I think Pop's familiarity (and Keldon's) with KD gives us some insight to it. That there's mutual interest hints that both sides are willing, knowing more what each is getting into.

I just see KD as a complete front runner. His career team success has been hopping on to the loaded 73 win Warriors squad, and as you highlighted - the Olympics where the US obviously has a massive pure talent advantage. When it gets hard, he has always run to ‘greener’ pastures, and even then I think he did that in large part because he got the social ‘ok’ of seeing Lebron do it first.

Just seems like a thin-skinned, get out when it’s tough kind of guy that I wouldn’t want as a leader in my young locker room.

I think the traditionally strong Spurs FO can put its assets and cap to much better use than going for a 37 year old name, whose name now significantly outweighs his game and impact on winning.

Again, I’ll ask how his name outweighs his impact? He’s effectively a top 5 scorer in the league who can still hold up defensively. He fits into any system as an on or off ball player. Health is a concern but he’s played 74 and 62 games the last 2 seasons.

I would also add that the risk of mopey KD is likely lower this time around. He would almost assuredly be going to a team better managed than PHX and by nature of his age you aren’t looking to get 4 years out of him. If you’re the Spurs you could extend him for 2 years and trade him (along with the other assets you’ve retained) for another star when KD is expiring.

Sure, if the Spurs can do better than KD they should do it but bringing in KD gives them a highly competitive team now and the ability to try for another star in 2 years when KD has aged out. You wouldn’t be giving up the farm for KD nor locking yourself into KD for 4-5 years. It’s a win now move that maintains a bunch of optionality should you need to pivot.

Giannis > KD > Barnes + Vassell

It’s worth the risk if the cost isn’t high.

[ConSarnit]

This is crazy talk.

Players in 2025 who averaged 25+ PPG on 64+ TS%:

Nikola Jokic
KD

But sure, he’s just a “bench guy”

He's like a late prime Carmelo Anthony, a prime Beal, Demar or Trae. He'll give you numbers, but they're empty. At least Trae gives you a ton of assists too. There's a bunch of guys scoring points in the league, but you're not going to win anything with most of them. He doesn't do anything else anymore. He's not a good defender anymore, he's not a great playmaker, he's not a leader or locker room guy. He doesn't give you anything but points and points are a dime a dozen today. He'll score a ton while you're losing like all the other guys.

It's difficult to find value in a league with a lot of scoring, and a lack of defense. I sort of think the same about Durant at 37.

Where is this idea that KD is a bad defender coming from? The Suns were significantly better defensively when he was on the floor. His dfg% is -5.7% (players he is guarding shoot 5.7% worse than their normal average when guarded by KD). He can still provide supplemental rim protection.

None of the numbers (or even the eye test) say that KD is a bad defender. If anything he is still an above average defender.

[phanman]

I just don't see how a trade gets done to be honest. If I'm negotiating on the Suns side, every conversation starts and ends with the 2nd overall pick and if I'm the Spurs I'm not trading that away for a 37yo KD no matter how good he is. Considering how attractive it would be in a potential package for Giannis instead, I would much rather push my chips in for the him instead to pair the most frightening front line that we've seen since Duncan and DRob.

Also every trade package will need to include Devin Vassell and paying 133.7 for 3 SGs next year seems counterproductive to flipping KD. Especially with 4 years remaining on his contract and potentially Keldon's 17.5m the next 2.

[Bornstellar]

Bill Simmons thinks the trade is already basically done and they're just waiting til draft week to announce it

“I wouldn't be surprised if KD to the Spurs is done already and they just haven't announced it,” Simmons said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” “Basically, they've agreed on specifics, just announce it on the week of the draft. This goes back to the Giannis thing. I think they trade for KD because it just costs less. They'll be able to be real competitive and maybe go a couple of rounds in the playoffs, but they're also going to keep the No. 2 pick and do it that way, which is my prediction.”

[The Servant]

Not sure if anyone notices, but they can get KD while keeping their young core together. I imagine the conversation begins with Fox as the main piece going to PHX. You can argue that alone is fair value for a aging KD. Throw in the #14 pick and maybe Vassell tho that might be an overpay.


The Spurs can realistically go into next season with Harper/Castle/Wemby + KD.


That's crazy to think about. The Spurs could very well be the favorites heading into next season.

Favorites on the back of a post achillies 37 year old, and an all no playoff experience rookie squad.

LOL.

Favorites for what?

[ConSarnit]

I just don't see how a trade gets done to be honest. If I'm negotiating on the Suns side, every conversation starts and ends with the 2nd overall pick and if I'm the Spurs I'm not trading that away for a 37yo KD no matter how good he is. Considering how attractive it would be in a potential package for Giannis instead, I would much rather push my chips in for the him instead to pair the most frightening front line that we've seen since Duncan and DRob.

Also every trade package will need to include Devin Vassell and paying 133.7 for 3 SGs next year seems counterproductive to flipping KD. Especially with 4 years remaining on his contract and potentially Keldon's 17.5m the next 2.

I think the Vassell part is one of the bigger issues for any KD trade. If we’re considering SAS and HOU to be the top suitors it seems like the names that always come up are Vassell and Green. The last thing the Suns need is another $30m invested in the SG position. It seems like a 3rd team would need to be involved.

[ConSarnit]

Not sure if anyone notices, but they can get KD while keeping their young core together. I imagine the conversation begins with Fox as the main piece going to PHX. You can argue that alone is fair value for a aging KD. Throw in the #14 pick and maybe Vassell tho that might be an overpay.


The Spurs can realistically go into next season with Harper/Castle/Wemby + KD.


That's crazy to think about. The Spurs could very well be the favorites heading into next season.

Favorites on the back of a post achillies 37 year old, and an all no playoff experience rookie squad.

LOL.

Favorites for what?

Trading for KD would not preclude the Spurs for making follow up moves

Fox
Harper
Johnson
KD
Wemby

Castle
Sochan
Champagnie
MLE big

That should be enough to cobble together 7 solid playoff rotation guys. Can use the season to try and make another trade for a solid 8th guy using the flotsam of Branham/Wesley + 2nds.

You really only need 8 solid guys for the playoffs.

[JustBuzzin]

Not sure if anyone notices, but they can get KD while keeping their young core together. I imagine the conversation begins with Fox as the main piece going to PHX. You can argue that alone is fair value for a aging KD. Throw in the #14 pick and maybe Vassell tho that might be an overpay.


The Spurs can realistically go into next season with Harper/Castle/Wemby + KD.


That's crazy to think about. The Spurs could very well be the favorites heading into next season.

Favorites on the back of a post achillies 37 year old, and an all no playoff experience rookie squad.

LOL.

Favorites for what?

Wemby ever heard of em?

[ball_takes23]

He's like a late prime Carmelo Anthony, a prime Beal, Demar or Trae. He'll give you numbers, but they're empty. At least Trae gives you a ton of assists too. There's a bunch of guys scoring points in the league, but you're not going to win anything with most of them. He doesn't do anything else anymore. He's not a good defender anymore, he's not a great playmaker, he's not a leader or locker room guy. He doesn't give you anything but points and points are a dime a dozen today. He'll score a ton while you're losing like all the other guys.

It's difficult to find value in a league with a lot of scoring, and a lack of defense. I sort of think the same about Durant at 37.

Where is this idea that KD is a bad defender coming from? The Suns were significantly better defensively when he was on the floor. His dfg% is -5.7% (players he is guarding shoot 5.7% worse than their normal average when guarded by KD). He can still provide supplemental rim protection.

None of the numbers (or even the eye test) say that KD is a bad defender. If anything he is still an above average defender.

and all of the numbers and the eye test say that Vassell and Barnes are horrific defenders. the people who say the Spurs are "going all-in" and "mortgaging their future" have no idea what they're talking about.

[King4Day]

Expectation is it'll be

Vassel
Barnes
14th pick
Future first

for KD

Suns fans holding out hope we squeeze Sochan in the deal. Given how much meddling Ishbia has done, we expect the Suns to get hosed in any deal they make.

0 chance the Spurs are trading Fox, Castle, or the #2 in the deal.

[G R E Y]

Read on Twitter

[King4Day]

Read on Twitter

This makes the most sense.
Knicks and Wolves can only offer win-now players and not much in the way of cap flexibility.

Rockets and Spurs can both offer picks and youth, along with cap relief. Both without giving up too much.

[Wingy]

Sure, if the Spurs can do better than KD they should do it but bringing in KD gives them a highly competitive team now and the ability to try for another star in 2 years when KD has aged out. You wouldn’t be giving up the farm for KD nor locking yourself into KD for 4-5 years. It’s a win now move that maintains a bunch of optionality should you need to pivot.

Giannis > KD > Barnes + Vassell

It’s worth the risk if the cost isn’t high.

Maybe I’m underestimating as several Spurs fans clearly think yet I’d still aim to keep my powder dry for a longer term piece though.

While he has been relatively healthy the past couple seasons, KD is still a big injury risk given age and history. Skipping his first year back from the achilles, he only logged 55 and 47 games the two years before the most recent two.

If the cost is minimal, then sure, I guess why not?

I’m not saying he’s a locker room disturbance which some seem to imply. He just doesn’t seem like someone adept at handling adversity and that’s not what I’d want Wemby around. You also get the likely unwanted aspect of Wemby deferring to KD, which isn’t desirable for his growth imo.

I have what I think is a balanced mindset. I get you can’t wait forever and there are advantages to building with Wemby on his rookie deal. OTOH, I don’t think SA needs to go from one of the worst teams in the league to perceived as a contender (fair or not, that’s what getting KD will do) within 2 transaction periods.

[Rafael122]

Was playing around with the numbers, if its the rumored Vassell, Barnes and 14th pick for KD, can we talk about how Phoenix can low key get out of the 2nd apron altogether? They have a team option on Micic that will be declined. That gets them out of the 2nd apron. Martin and Richards have guaranteed dates on their deal, they decline Martin and I believe they're barely under the 1st apron after that. It probably explains why they're so desperate to make the trade asap.

[manlisten]

Trading for KD would not preclude the Spurs for making follow up moves

Fox
Harper
Johnson
KD
Wemby

Castle
Sochan
Champagnie
MLE big

That should be enough to cobble together 7 solid playoff rotation guys. Can use the season to try and make another trade for a solid 8th guy using the flotsam of Branham/Wesley + 2nds.

You really only need 8 solid guys for the playoffs.

That lineup is really intriguing if they can get the pieces to mesh. Harper would almost be like Kawhi developing behind the big 3. One more veteran on that roster and they'd be really solid.

[ArksNetsSince99]

Not sure if anyone notices, but they can get KD while keeping their young core together. I imagine the conversation begins with Fox as the main piece going to PHX. You can argue that alone is fair value for a aging KD. Throw in the #14 pick and maybe Vassell tho that might be an overpay.


The Spurs can realistically go into next season with Harper/Castle/Wemby + KD.


That's crazy to think about. The Spurs could very well be the favorites heading into next season.

Maybe Suns can throw Beal at them for Wemby as they at it

[UglyBugBall]

It's difficult to find value in a league with a lot of scoring, and a lack of defense. I sort of think the same about Durant at 37.

Where is this idea that KD is a bad defender coming from? The Suns were significantly better defensively when he was on the floor. His dfg% is -5.7% (players he is guarding shoot 5.7% worse than their normal average when guarded by KD). He can still provide supplemental rim protection.

None of the numbers (or even the eye test) say that KD is a bad defender. If anything he is still an above average defender.

and all of the numbers and the eye test say that Vassell and Barnes are horrific defenders. the people who say the Spurs are "going all-in" and "mortgaging their future" have no idea what they're talking about.

Obviously KD is a better player than those guys, but that's not really the point when you're talking about trading for him. Vassell and Barnes might not be lockdown defenders, but they're young and on good contracts. That makes them decent trade assets.

KD's 37. As soon as you trade for him, his trade value is basically gonna disappear. The Suns aren't even expecting much for him now compared to what they paid and the next time he's traded you're not getting anything back for him of value. You might have to attach value at that point.

Bringing KD to the Spurs right now just doesn't make sense. He hasn't made even better teams contenders. You'd be giving up actual trade pieces for a short-term scorer who probably won't get you where you want to go. He's proven to be an empty stats guys for half a decade now. You're way better off flipping those young guys for picks or other young talent that fits Wemby's timeline, instead of burning assets on an aging star who's on his last big contract and will get you nothing back.

The only rational counter argument is if you actually believe adding KD gets you a ring. But there's zero reason to believe it will.