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Spurs Enter Free Agency with Flexibility and Need for Versatile Forward After a narrow Finals loss, the San Antonio Spurs aim to upgrade at the wing position with financial flexibility and a variety of trade and free agent options, from Rui Hachimura to Kawhi Leonard.
The San Antonio Spurs are entering the 2026 free agency period with a clear objective to bolster their roster after a surprising run to the NBA Finals that ended in disappointment.
The team identified a need for a versatile big forward who can contribute in shooting, rebounding, playmaking, and defense.
With the center position already strengthened through the draft, the Spurs can now focus on acquiring a wing player using their significant financial flexibility.
They have options ranging from sensible upgrades like Rui Hachimura or Dean Wade to blockbuster trades involving superstars such as Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James.
The Spurs' core remains intact from the Finals run.De'Aaron Fox's max extension kicks in, Victor Wembanyama's extension is being negotiated, and young players like Steph Castle, Dylan Harper, and Carter Bryant are still on rookie deals.
Luke Kornet has three years left on his contract, and Devin Vassell is eligible for an extension.
Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson is entering the final year of his deal at $18 million, making him a potential trade asset despite being a fan favorite.The team also has several free agents: Bismack Biyombo, Kelly Olynyk, Mason Plumlee, Jordan McLaughlin, and Lindy Waters III, none of whom played significant roles.
The Spurs front-loaded Julian Champagnie's three-year, $45 million deal to preserve long-term flexibility.
Champagnie earned a starting spot with his shooting, rebounding, and defense, but the team may still seek a bigger forward to provide a different skill set.
Financially, the Spurs are in a strong position.After accounting for new deals for Champagnie and Harrison Barnes, they have approximately $20 million in cap space before the luxury tax.
They also have access to the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($15.049 million) and the biannual exception ($5.511 million).
The allure of playing alongside Victor Wembanyama and a young core may convince free agents to take less money for a chance at a championship.
The Spurs aim to find the missing piece that can elevate them over the hump.Options range from reasonable to ambitious: Sandro Mamukelashvili, who previously played for San Antonio and showed guard skills as a 4/5, could be a familiar addition.
Other potential targets include Rui Hachimura, Dean Wade, or even bigger names like Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James, though the latter would require a blockbuster trade.
The Spurs have the flexibility and the appeal of a young contender to attract the right talent this summer.