Spurs Eye Dylan Harper Amid Giannis Trade Speculation

CHICAGO – The San Antonio Spurs are focused on selecting Dylan Harper with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, despite rumors of trading for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Following the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, the Spurs expressed excitement about drafting the Rutgers standout.

ESPN‘s Jonathan Givony reported that the Spurs do not plan on trading the second overall pick. ‘The San Antonio Spurs are signaling to teams that they are very excited about the opportunity to draft Dylan Harper,’ Givony said on NBA Today.

While many speculated on the Spurs potentially trading for Antetokounmpo, who has not committed to staying in Milwaukee, team insiders suggest they prefer to build around a young core that includes Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox.

Harper, who averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in his only season at Rutgers, is regarded as one of the top prospects. ‘Dylan Harper is going to be a number two pick in the draft, I’m 99.9% sure about it,’ said Givony.

Despite interest in a trade for Antetokounmpo, discussions appear to have cooled, with reports indicating that the Spurs are likely to keep their pick. The Spurs envision a backcourt featuring Harper, last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and star point guard Fox.

Analysts speculate that the Spurs’ strategy may be to develop their young talent while keeping options open for future trades. As the draft approaches, eyes will remain on how San Antonio navigates these choices and whether a trade offer for Antetokounmpo will surface again.

Ultimately, the Spurs’ direction remains clear: they aim to create a competitive team centered around emerging stars while capitalizing on the depth of this draft class.