Inside The Spurs

New Report on Mavericks, Spurs Interest in $41 Million Timberwolves Star

The San Antonio Spurs were reportedly eying a pair of centers to put next to Victor Wembanyama in the offseason
Matt Guzman|
Nov 2, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket while defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Frost Bank Center.
Nov 2, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket while defended by Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

In this story:

San Antonio SpursDallas MavericksMinnesota Timberwolves

The San Antonio Spurs have a long road ahead of them.

After losing Victor Wembanyama to a blood clot in his right shoulder, adjusting to life minus one of the league's top big men is no easy feat, yet it's the reality that now befalls the young team.

If the Spurs' optimism hits, a fresh start for the 2025-26 season awaits Wembanyama, though perhaps the biggest question surrounding the team — even with the 21-year-old back on the floor — is who will back him up.

Bismack Biyombo isn't expected to be a permanent fix for the Spurs' lack of center depth, and Charles Bassey has proven to be seldom available during his time in San Antonio. Both players' games fit the mold the Spurs need, but between injuries and longevity, other options are likely to be considered.

And according to a new report from The Stein Line's Jake Fischer, they were.

"San Antonio and Dallas are in different places than they were when they previously emerged as clubs with (Naz) Reid interest," Fischer wrote of the Spurs' exploratory interest in the Minnesota Timberwolves star. "Both of those teams, sources said, were hoping for Reid to reach the open market in July 2023.

"The Spurs, to be specific, were eyeing the likes of Reid and Brook Lopez at the time as potential floor-stretching centers to pair with Victor Wembanyama."

Whether it was Lopez or Reid, San Antonio wanted some help for Wembanyama, but when no deal materialized, that responsibility fell on since-traded veteran Zach Collins, who ultimately didn't gel with the French superstar after proving promising to close the 2022 season.

"The Spurs' subsequent experimentation with Wembanyama over the past two seasons had led to them largely playing the French phenom at the five himself," Fischer concluded, "before the scary and sad diagnosis last week that Wemby has to be shelved for the remainder of the season."

As Wembanyama looks to make his return next season, he might do so next to new teammates. If not, then San Antonio might have more issues to figure out than it originally intended.

Related Articles

Ever the Captain, Chris Paul Ushers In San Antonio Spurs' New Reality

Post-All-Star Break, Spurs Rookie Stephon Castle Has Fully Arrived

Kevin Durant Makes Feelings Clear About Victor Wembanyama

Published
Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI. In the world of professional sports, he’s a firm believer that athletes are people, too. He aims to spotlight the true, behind-the-scenes character of players and teams through strong narrative writing and sharp, hooking ledes.

Share on XFollow mattgzman
Home/News