Victor Wembanyama shares potential. Many basketball fans were unimpressed with the NBA’s new All-Star Game format, but Victor Wembanyama wasn’t one of them. The San Antonio Spurs star enjoyed his first All-Star experience, admitting, “It was better than I expected.”
The new format introduced a four-team mini-tournament instead of the traditional two-team matchup. TNT’s Inside the NBA personalities—Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Candace Parker—served as captains, with each game decided by the first team to reach 40 points. Wembanyama appreciated the change, saying, “It felt like there were high stakes in the games.”
The reigning Rookie of the Year contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and a block in just seven minutes. His team, led by Barkley and featuring top international players, won its first game but fell to O’Neal’s squad in the final. Despite the loss, Wembanyama took pride in his first All-Star appearance. “I’m really proud of being an All-Star and taking that opportunity,” he said.
Before the event, Wembanyama had voiced concerns about the All-Star Game’s decline, with declining effort from stars leading to fan disinterest. While he acknowledged inconsistency in effort, he remains committed to playing with full intensity. Victor Wembanyama shares his candid thoughts on a potential.
Wembanyama, who is currently in his second NBA season, feels more resilient and adjusted to the demands of the league. “The most important lesson I learned is that you can give it your all, play hard, and give it your all,” he stated. He still thinks this way: “It’s the only way to play basketball, in my opinion. It will only improve the game, in my opinion.
The San Antonio Spurs are shaping up to be a dominant force in the NBA for years to come. Victor Wembanyama, in his first All-Star season, is a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and an All-NBA selection. The team also secured De’Aaron Fox as their long-term point guard, positioning them for sustained success.
Currently sitting at 23-29 and 12th in the Western Conference, the Spurs still have a chance at a Playoff push but face challenges in building the chemistry needed to thrive in a highly competitive conference. The fit between Chris Paul and Fox remains uncertain, and if they fail to make the Playoffs, the team may look to make a major offseason move.
If the Phoenix Suns decide to trade Kevin Durant, San Antonio could be an ideal landing spot.
A Blockbuster Deal for the Future
In this trade scenario, the Suns would receive three rotation players along with three first-round picks, including a valuable lottery selection in the loaded 2025 Draft. While it wouldn’t fully replace the assets they spent acquiring Durant, the deal would provide two high-quality picks and a potentially valuable Spurs selection in 2029, after Durant’s likely retirement.
Spurs Build a Championship Contender
With an entire offseason to develop chemistry between Fox and Wembanyama, the Spurs are already well-positioned for next season. Adding Durant would solidify their title aspirations. Given his expected availability in the summer, the Suns could capitalize on his trade value before the 2025 Draft. Victor Wembanyama shares his candid thoughts on a potential.
Durant is still performing at an elite level, averaging 27.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He remains an All-NBA-caliber player despite the Suns’ struggles. His scoring and defensive presence would complement Fox and Wembanyama, forming a formidable trio.
San Antonio’s projected starting lineup would feature Fox, rookie Stephon Castle, Durant, Jeremy Sochan, and Wembanyama. While Fox and Durant are due for contract extensions in 2026, Castle and Sochan will remain on rookie deals, giving the Spurs a prime championship window before Durant begins to decline.
Phoenix Gains Key Assets for Rebuilding
Trading Durant would signal the end of an era for the Suns, but it may be their best option to retool while keeping Devin Booker as the franchise centerpiece. The return package includes three quality rotation players who would immediately contribute.
Devin Vassell, averaging 15.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, is an excellent 3-and-D wing who fits well alongside Booker. Keldon Johnson provides versatility with 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, adding hustle and defense. Malaki Branham, averaging 4.4 points, could carve out a role as a key bench piece in the Suns’ future rotation.
The true highlight of the deal is the 2025 Draft pick, which could land in the lottery depending on the Spurs’ or Hawks’ standings. A top-10 pick would allow Phoenix to add a cost-controlled young star to build around Booker and prepare for life after Bradley Beal’s contract.
A Trade Phoenix Can’t Ignore
The Suns may struggle to find a better offer for Durant, given the shifting market for star players. Recent high-profile trades, such as Luka Dončić’s move, have reshaped expectations for return value. With Durant’s public trade rumors lowering his market price, few teams will be willing to meet Phoenix’s demands.
Landing three draft picks, including a potential 2025 lottery selection, along with proven young talent like Vassell, makes this a compelling offer for the Suns. Meanwhile, the Spurs would gain a championship-level trio in Wembanyama, Fox, and Durant. While Durant’s age puts some urgency on their timeline, his elite scoring alongside a rising Wembanyama and Fox could make San Antonio an instant title contender.
