This offseason, the San Antonio Spurs desperately need to add a center behind Victor Wembanyama. When he was off the court, the Spurs simply could not compete with anyone, and second-unit rim protection needs to be a top priority.
Free agents like Brook Lopez, Clint Capela, and even Myles Turner have been suggested, and Capela and Lopez both seem to be low-cost options for the Silver and Black. However, the Spurs are armed with trade assets and could add a splashier name.
With the emergence of Kel’el Ware as an All-Rookie center, the Miami Heat could, in theory, trade Bam Adebayo. The Spurs certainly have the assets to add him and could outbid any other suitor (like the Los Angeles Lakers), although do they really need to break the bank to land a player of his caliber?
“I can’t help but wonder if they could benefit from calling the Miami Heat and making an offer that they couldn’t deny for Bam Adebayo,” suggested FanSided’s Michael Saenz. “In many ways, Bam could be viewed as an ideal fit next to Victor Wembanyama. They’d help create one of the best defensive frontcourt duos in the NBA, and, to be quite honest, Bam may benefit from a change of scenery at this point in his career.”
The Spurs could offer the Heat enough capital to rebuild around Tyler Herro, but not everyone is convinced that Miami would consider trading away Adebayo.
“Adebayo with Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox certainly could be something for the Spurs (with Bam certainly a culture fit there),” reported the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Ira Winderman. “Of course, the Heat have not offered any such hints.”
This offseason, the Spurs can keep their second overall pick and land Adebayo or Kevin Durant, or they could cash in for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Spurs have made it clear since drafting Wemby that they want to play him next to a more traditional center, although clogging the paint with Zach Collins didn’t help.
The French National Team made the same mistake, ultimately demoting Rudy Gobert to the second unit during their silver medal run at the Paris Olympics. While the idea of having two rim-protectors and rebounders on the court makes sense, surrounding Wembanyama with as many shooters as possible seems to be the best course.
If a trade for Adebayo cost only a single pick and matching salary, it might be worth the risk, but the Spurs would have to part with a lot of assets for a gamble. We’re selling on these rumors and not looking back.
