NBA free agency is often a one to two-day event. That means that after just 48 hours, the majority of valuable free agents have found their newest home. Several teams came out swinging and landed pieces that will help them achieve their goals. However, for the Spurs, it was not the most remarkable turnout.
The Spurs are on the rise and have begun crafting a roster that will take them out of the lottery and into the NBA playoffs. Heading into the summer, they were on the hunt for the right pieces to complement their nucleus, led by Victor Wembanyama. In the NBA draft, the Spurs lucked into the next star in San Antonio, Dylan Harper, as well as a home run pick in Carter Bryant.
However, the puzzle was not complete. With a logjam of guards and a lack of perimeter shooting, the Spurs had the chance to bring in a player who could transform the Spurs’ outlook in the 2025-26 season through free agency. Instead, they came out with little to offer.
The San Antonio Spurs Dropped the Ball in Free Agency
Did they spend their money the right way?
In the Spurs’ one and only move, they acquired Luke Kornet on 4-year deal worth $41 million. The Spurs most certainly needed a backup big man, as the options behind Wembanyama were few and far between. However, expelling this type of money at a guy that won’t play any more than 15 minutes a night and become an afterthought in the playoffs is a questionable decision. Depth at center is essential, but perimeter shooting trumps that.
Kornet broke out in the NBA playoffs with a monumental seven-block game against the New York Knicks, but he hasn’t proved to be a worthwhile asset. Players like this come and go all the time, making a four-year commitment to the big man strange. This is especially disappointing given that he was the only free agent signing for the Spurs. They entered free agency with the assets to make movement happen, yet only managed to bring in one player.
What players would have fit better?
While this year’s free agent class wasn’t bubbling with All-Star talent, it was ripe with valiant role players. The Spurs didn’t need a star anyway, but what they did need was outside shooting, and there was plenty of that to go around.
Namely, players such as Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Tim Hardaway Jr, or Duncan Robinson would have filled the Spurs’ need perfectly. I’m not asking for much—just a player who can come in and knock down three-point shots. The options were available, and the Spurs did not capitalize on them.
With free agency hitting a lull, the Spurs are left in the dust without a shooter that they desperately needed. While the team is full of impressive talent, this major lack of shooting will come back to bite them. Without landing a sharpshooter this summer, the Spurs will be relying on significant improvements from their star guard trio.
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