The San Antonio Spurs sent a warning to the rest of the NBA with their cup semifinal victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder were on a 16-game win streak before Saturday, and many had questioned whether anyone could beat them.
However, Victor Wembanyama’s 22-point performance in his return from injury inspired the Spurs to defeat the title favorites.
But San Antonio’s front office should not rest on their laurels after their statement victory because the Thunder would still be expected to win a playoff series between the two teams.
NBA Analysis has drafted a mock trade with the Indiana Pacers that would give the Spurs a much better chance of lifting the title this season.
- READ MORE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives the real reason why Thunder were beaten by Spurs in NBA Cup
San Antonio Spurs advance to 2025 NBA Cup finals! 👏
Pascal Siakam to San Antonio Spurs mock trade
The San Antonio Spurs have three exciting guards (De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harpe) and a superstar big man (Victor Wembanyama).
The only thing they are lacking is a top forward, even though Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson are both solid.
The dream trade target would be Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Pascal Siakam may be a more realistic option.
And the 31-year-old is having another All-Star-caliber season despite the Pacers’ struggles without Tyrese Haliburton.
San Antonio Spurs go ALL-IN with Pascal Siakam trade
Who says no? 🤔
- San Antonio Spurs receive: Pascal Siakam
- Indiana Pacers receive: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, two first-round picks
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In this mock trade, the Spurs would be landing Siakam without giving up any of their most valuable players.
This would make them one of the two leading contenders to win the championship, alongside the Thunder.
As for the Pacers, this season is already a write-off, and it’s unlikely that Haliburton will immediately return to his absolute best next year.
Therefore, Indiana should consider a mini-rebuild, with the aim of returning to the top of the Eastern Conference in 2027-28.
Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and two first-round picks would certainly allow them to build another great team around Haliburton down the line.
San Antonio Spurs potential lineup with Pascal Siakam
De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle have formed an excellent backcourt duo this season, and rookie Dylan Harper has impressed off the bench.
The Spurs would be wise to keep them together for the foreseeable future, even if it means passing up on a blockbuster trade.
| Position | Starter | Bench |
| PG | De’Aaron Fox | Dylan Harper |
| SG | Stephon Castle | Jordan McLaughlin |
| SF | Devin Vassell | Julian Champagnie |
| PF | Pascal Siakam | Kelly Olynyk |
| C | Victor Wembanyama | Luke Kornet |
The proposed deal for Siakam would see him play alongside Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama in arguably the best frontcourt in the league.
The Spurs would then only have a mediocre second unit, but you would expect them to address that in the buyout market.
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