Following a crazy week that saw big names like Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis getting traded, critics are asking if there is any NBA player who remains untouchable. With teams bent on assembling the best roster possible for better chances at a championship, it seems like anybody can get traded.
However, in the opinion of former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins, there is one name he believes is untouchable. If this guy is traded, Boogie feels it could alter basketball altogether.
“There’s one guy that’s untouchable; the freak down in San Antonio,” the 5th overall pick of the 2010 Draft said on “Run It Back.”: “If you trade Wemby, you’ll never be around the game of basketball again…at any level,” Cousins added.
Spurs won’t give up Wemby easily
Given Victor Wembanyama’s size and talent, Cousins’ claim makes a lot of sense. However, the discussion was only about trade scenarios. What if the French center opts not to re-sign with the Spurs once his current rookie deal runs out?
Wembanyama is only in the second year of his four-year $55 million contract with San Antonio. He will only become a restricted free agent by the 2027-28 season. This means the Spurs can still match any offers given to the top pick of the 2023 Draft once his current deal lapses.
There is no telling how ridiculous the salaries of players would be by that time. But if the trend continues, the forecast is that Wembanyama could become a basketball billionaire. If that happens, he would be the first NBA player earn $1 billion just from contracts.
Spurs already building around Wemby
Earning millions or billions is one thing, something Wemby will surely welcome. However, the Spurs also need to do their part by surrounding him with help.
San Antonio has started to do that with the acquisition of De’Aaron Fox in a three-way deal. Given the talent of the Kentucky standout, his arrival should open things up for him.
“This will be the first teammate for Wemby that draws the attention of the defense somewhat away from him. Obviously, he’s going to be the focal point, but he’s another guy that will draw double teams and draw attention, and that should open things up for Wemby,” Chris Broussard of Fox Sports pointed out.
As of this writing, the Spurs are 22-26, 12th in the Western Conference. That number of wins has already equaled San Antonio’s total win count in the past two seasons.
With 34 games to go, it will be interesting if Wemby’s fine play paired with Fox’s coming will boost the chances of the Spurs. San Antonio hasn’t advanced to the playoffs since the 2018-19 season.
Making it to the playoffs this season would be an achievement for the Spurs. Better yet, it is a sign that the team is going in the right direction, but to truly contend for a championship again, San Antonio still needs some time to do that.