Spurs Reportedly Unlikely to Trade No. 2 Pick for Kevin Durant, Want Dylan Harper
The San Antonio Spurs are expected to target former Rutgers star Dylan Harper in the 2025 NBA draft even if it means missing out on the chance to acquire 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant.
According to ESPN's Michael C. Wright, the Spurs "aren't likely to relinquish the No. 2 pick for Durant because, according to sources, it's expected they'll draft Dylan Harper to add to a talented young core featuring Wembanyama and Castle."
ESPN's Jonathan Givony meanwhile reported that teams attempting to facilitate a trade with the Spurs for the pick "have come away with the impression it's unlikely they move down or off" the No. 2 pick.
According to Givony, "most talent evaluators consider Harper to be in a tier of his own as the draft's clear-cut second-best prospect, overriding potential concerns the Spurs might have about his imperfect backcourt fit with De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle."
Harper averaged 19.4 points on 48.4 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 percent shooting from behind the arc through 29 games as a freshman.
Givony wrote that Harper's "combination of size, shot-creating prowess, passing creativity, finishing skill and scoring instincts makes him the type of lead guard, offensive engine that is coveted in today's NBA, as his strong frame appears well-suited for playing through the physically demanding vigor required in the playoffs."
"The challenge of acquiring these types of players makes it difficult to envision the Spurs passing on the opportunity to add Harper ultimately," Givony concluded.
Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, who also projected Harper going to the Spurs in his latest mock draft, previously wrote that "scouts can't see anyone but Dylan Harper going second behind Cooper Flagg."
"The only question is whether the San Antonio Spurs will shop No. 2 or listen to offers due to questions about Harper's fit... A trade ultimately seems difficult, mostly because of the perceived gap between Harper and the next-best prospect," Wasserman wrote.
Wasserman concluded, "The most likely scenario has the Spurs drafting the best player available and building around a backcourt that can put heavy pressure on the rim."
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto previously reported that the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the No. 3 pick, are one of the teams who have spoken with the Spurs about a potential trade up in the draft.
Given the perceived gap between the top two prospects and the rest, however, even the third overall pick might not be enough to encourage the Spurs to move out of the spot.
After acquiring De'Aaron Fox at last season's trade deadline and watching 2024 No. 4 pick Stephon Castle earn a rotation spot in his rookie season, the Spurs already have two starting guards heading into next season.
But Fox is set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2025-26 season, calling into question whether the Spurs will extend the veteran or try to fit in Harper on a more affordable rookie contract.
The Athletic's Sam Amick and Jon Krawczynski reported that the Spurs, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat are the three teams on Durant's list of preferred trade destinations as he prepares for a potential split with the Phoenix Suns.
Holding back the No. 2 pick could mean the Rockets or Heat have a better chance of winning a potential bidding war for Durant this offseason.
