Basketball

Sources: Spurs Unlikely to Land Kevin Durant, Expected to Pick Harper at No. 2

Published: Jun 12, 2025, 7:09 PM
4 min read
Updated: Jul 8, 2025, 11:50 AM
Fact checked by:
Sergey Demidov
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets

Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Dillon Brooks #9 of the Houston Rockets (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs remain active in offseason discussions, but league sources tell RG there is increasing doubt the team will ultimately land Kevin Durant via trade — and the present expectation is that the Spurs will use the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft to select Dylan Harper, barring a surprise development.

Sources stress that the situation remains fluid less than two weeks before the NBA Draft, but as of June 12, doubt is increasing that Durant will land in San Antonio and there appears to be no clear traction.

While the Spurs have continued to be one of the teams linked to Durant, league observers question whether there is enough potential alignment between the Spurs and Suns on a possible trade.

Many around the league also believe the Spurs have valued Giannis Antetokounmpo higher than Durant on their trade board, but there has been a lack of momentum surrounding Antetokounmpo’s potential availability. Given Durant’s age not aligning with Wembanyama’s timeline, league observers expect the Spurs to remain cautious about potential trade compensation.

Focus on Dylan Harper

With the No. 2 pick, the Spurs are expected to select Harper, widely viewed as the top guard prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft class behind projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.

Early in the draft process, some rival teams wondered whether San Antonio might consider trading back, given the presence of De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, and Stephon Castle in its backcourt. However, sources tell RG that the Spurs are comfortable staying at No. 2 and selecting Harper as the best player available.

“The current read right now is that they’re just going to take the best player available and deal with any positional questions after that,” one source said.

Trade Discussions With the Philadelphia 76ers

While reports have emerged that the Philadelphia 76ers have had exploratory talks regarding a possible swap of the No. 2 and No. 3 picks, sources who have spoken with RG believe those discussions are more about intel gathering than serious momentum.

“For now, it’s more due diligence than anything,” one source told RG.

The Spurs’ approach could still shift depending on how the trade market evolves ahead of the draft and into July. But for now, the expectation remains that the franchise will continue building around Wembanyama through a mix of young talent and future flexibility — with Harper currently viewed as the likely addition at No. 2.

“It’s early. Things change fast this time of year,” one source said. “But right now, the expectation is Harper is going to San Antonio.”

NBA Reporter
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball journalist with more than a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, G League and FIBA. He’s reported from the NBA Finals, All-Star Weekend, Olympics and FIBA World Cup, focusing on analysis and front office insight. He runs DallasHoopsJournal.com, covering the Mavericks and Wings with game coverage, features and interviews. His work includes conversations with stars like Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, and is known for its accuracy, sourcing and adherence to AP style.
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Spencer Davies
Spencer Davies
NBA Reporter

Spencer Davies is a seasoned sports journalist based in Cleveland, Ohio, with over a decade of diverse experience. His career has spanned roles such as managing editor, senior writer, freelance video correspondent, social media manager, digital production assistant, sports radio anchor, and producer.

Currently, Spencer is an on-camera talent for Cleveland Cavaliers SI, hosting the weekly podcast Courtside with Cavs alongside Spencer German. He also contributed to the Emmy-nominated Wired to Win series for CloseUp360, which highlighted a HOLO Footwear partnership with Isaac Okoro.

In addition, Spencer creates longform NBA Draft content and grassroots features for Babcock Hoops, a site run by former NBA agent Matt Babcock. He also works as a digital production assistant for the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.

Passionate about video content, Spencer has produced multiple viral clips featuring Cavaliers locker room moments and interviews, sharing them across X/Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Known for his conversational and engaging style, he builds strong relationships in the basketball world at local, national, and global levels. His network stretches worldwide—from North America to Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Philippines, where his grandmother is from.

Some standout moments in his career include attending Dwyane Wade’s Stance Spades Tournament during All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, competing in the Metro by T-Mobile HotSpot and Knockout contest with Collin Sexton and Tacko Fall at All-Star Weekend in Chicago, and covering numerous Las Vegas Summer League events.

A true hoop enthusiast, Spencer is passionate about player development and occasionally hits the gym to shoot and rebound, supporting players at all levels. His brother Cade is a sophomore at Division III Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

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