The San Antonio Spurs initially seemed like a perfect trade partner in a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, but if their two up-and-coming guards are off the table, no thanks. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), there is "little indication" that the Spurs are willing to trade Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper in any deal.
Bucks shouldn't even negotiate with Spurs if rumor holds true
If the Spurs make it clear that Harper AND Castle are both off the table, the Bucks should no longer even pick up the phone. In any trade, one of Milwaukee's biggest asks for their generational star will be a young, rising player who can be their next building block. Castle and Harper fit that description to perfection, which was why the Spurs were initially a no-brainer fit.
Both players have so much potential.
Castle, the fourth overall pick in 2024, is a 6-foot-6 combo guard with future All-Defensive potential. The reigning Rookie of the Year is also averaging 17.3 points and 7.5 assists per contest this season. Meanwhile, Harper, the second overall pick this past year, has spent some time banged up, but he's still flexed potential with his 13.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Why should the Bucks accept a deal without either of those players? Sure, the Spurs could attempt to sweet-talk Milwaukee with a boatload of picks and players like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, but none of that can hold a candle to the crystal clear potential Dylan Harper or Stephon Castle bring to the table on day one.
Instead, the Spurs, if they do indeed have an interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, may try to form a trade around star guard De'Aaron Fox. About to turn 28, Fox isn't as young as Castle or Harper, and he is undeniably a good player, but he's not the type of asset the Bucks should seek in return for a player of Giannis' magnitude. Young, team-controlled players on friendly contracts are the goal.
Despite what opposing teams and fanbases seemingly think, the Milwaukee Bucks will not be giving away one of the best players in the world. If he does ultimately ask for a trade, the Bucks could look to honor it, but it won't come cheap. The Bucks will look to take as much as they can get from whatever teams want their star player, as they should.
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