Victor Wembanyama's 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award bolstered the San Antonio Spurs' campaign during the early regular season. A once bright-looking run toward the playoffs turned into a disaster when the first-timer All-Star suffered from season-ending deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Although this adversity is substantial, the Spurs can't help but look ahead in optimism, especially with possible trades of the franchise-altering blockbusters kind lying in wait.

Austin Reaves to Spurs? San Antonio's Interest Rekindled

NBA Trade Rumors: Could Spurs Circle Back to Austin Reaves NBA Trade Rumors: Could Spurs Circle Back to Austin Reaves
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A potential name showing up in trading rumors is Los Angeles Lakers point guard Austin Reaves. According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, the 26-year-old wingman will be eligible for a four-year, $90 million contract extension this summer.

Insider sources indicate San Antonio might return interest in drafting the budding talent while making progress toward future triumphs.

While Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is expected to offer the max extension, the 2026 free agency season might be a different story. Reaves can explore the other teams when he becomes an unrestricted free agent by then.

"The San Antonio Spurs were considering making him a poison pill offer last time he was a free agent, and now that he'll be unrestricted, they're considered likely to circle back to Reaves even with Stefon Castle and De'Aaron Fox because of the aforementioned flexibility," Siegel said.

How Can Reaves Help Spurs Become a Playoff Team?

If Reaves enters free agency in 2026, San Antonio might pursue him aggressively to pair with Wembanyama. Sporting News reports that his scoring versatility and playmaking abilities would complement Wembanyama's otherworldly defense and interior presence.

For the Spurs, having a consistent perimeter scorer to pair with their generational big man would be a game-changer. Fox, Castle, and Chris Paul would take care of floor management while Victor Wembanyama and Reaves would focus on adding markers to the scoreboard.

On top of that, Reaves has the experience to harmoniously blend with other stars, as proven by his extraordinary track record as a supporting cast to Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and now newcomer Luka Doncic.