SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs could be incredibly positioned in the 2025 NBA Draft.
They own their pick, Atlanta's unprotected first-round pick, Charlotte's pick (protected 1-14) and Chicago's first-round pick, protected 1-10, owed from the 2020 DeMar DeRozan deal.
If all goes right, the Spurs could add a lot of talent to the roster or trade for other assets.
But could the Bulls pick almost be a lock to convey to the Spurs?
The Bulls' vice president of basketball operations, Artūras Karnišovas, says Chicago will try to win as many games as possible next season.
“We’re going to try to win every game,” Karnišovas said. “The only way you can teach those guys how to win games is going through that.”
Here's the situation: if the Bulls fall into the top 10 spots in the 2025 NBA Draft, the pick will not go to the Spurs. The more the Bulls win, the higher the chance the pick will flip to the Spurs.
However, there are signs the Bulls could be a lousy team record-wise next season.
DeRozan walked to the Kings without the Bulls doing anything to keep him; they traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddy. Also, how impactful would Lonzo Ball be as he is set to return, and how long will Zach LaVine remain a Bull?
Food for thought: if the Bulls fall out of the top 10 draft picks, can the Spurs afford to add another young player to what many call a loaded draft? Could that create roster headaches (a good problem, nonetheless)? Do the Bulls want to tank for Cooper Flagg?
Tanking might be in the Bulls' best interest because the draft is set to be rich with players. However, Karnišovas' statement suggests that tanking isn't in the cards.
That could bode well for the Spurs' rebuild.
There is a scenario where the Spurs could potentially have four first-round picks in 2025. That's four potential rookies in a loaded draft class, but is that too much of a good thing? Will the Spurs even want to bring on four rookies on the roster?
They can trade on draft night or draft a player (or players) and trade him. That Bulls pick could give the Spurs another pathway to get out of the rebuild sooner rather than later.
What do you think, Spurs fans? Will you be cheering for every Bulls win next season? Let us know on X at @KENS5 and @JeffGSpursKENS5.