Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs missed the playoffs for the first time in 21 years. So it’s highly unlikely that they decide to just stay the course.
And according to Matt Babcock of Babcock Hoops, there is a “growing sense” around the league that the Spurs are “up to something big behind the scenes.”
Babcock is a former agent whose father, Dave Babcock, has been the Milwaukee Bucks’ vice-president of player personnel since 2005. His uncle Pete Babcock is the former general manager of the Atlanta Hawks and worked in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ scouting department. Another uncle, the late Rob Babcock, was GM of the Toronto Raptors and worked in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ front office.
So Matt Babcock is dialed in and well-connected.
He did not offer specifics on the Spurs’ plans, but the information shouldn’t really be considered much of a surprise. For instance, the Spurs were recently cited as a team that is looking to move up in next Thursday’s draft. (They currently own the No. 11 overall pick in the first round.)
Also, Zach Lowe of ESPN indicated the Golden State Warriors may be interested in trading for Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge — a deal that could involve the Warriors’ No. 2 overall pick.
“Someone within the league texted me and said, ‘Hey, there is a little bit of buzz about No. 2 to San Antonio for LaMarcus Aldridge and No. 11, and obviously there has to be salary going out,’” Lowe said on his podcast.
It should also be noted that the league is expected to lift the moratorium on trades by early next week, freeing teams to wheel and deal as they see fit.
So something big? Being plotted by the Spurs?
That makes sense, and we very well could find out what it is within the next few days.
