San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the team announced on February 20.

Spurs interim head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters that "There is no concern for Victor's health personally (long term) or his basketball activities." Johnson added that there's no reason to believe he won't be ready for the 2025-26 season.

pic.twitter.com/rTlFYch2Rr

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 20, 2025

The Spurs said the condition was discovered after Wembanyama participated in NBA All-Star Weekend.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama recently felt symptomatic and hoped he would feel better when he took downtime after Sunday's All-Star game. Reporting with @malika_andrews for NBA Today on what led to tests in last 24-48 hours and the latest on the 21-year-old's status: pic.twitter.com/WCyeEjW7ZC

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025

Wembanyama "had been experiencing low energy in recent weeks," according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Spurs "are optimistic" that Wembanyama "will make a full recovery by the beginning of next season."

Re: Victor Wembanyama: A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot that develops in one of the major veins of the body, usually in the lower extremity. Brandon Ingram also developed a DVT in his shoulder, missing the final 19 games of the 2018-19 season.

— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) February 20, 2025

Following a stellar rookie campaign, Wembanyama led France to the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and entered his second season in the league with astronomical hype. Through 46 appearances before the All-Star break he's lived up to it, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game.

Keeping Wembanyama healthy long-term is the most important thing for a Spurs team that likely isn't going to realistically challenge for a championship in the daunting Western Conference in 2024-25.

That said, the Spurs are 23-29 and just 3.5 games back of the final Play-In Tournament berth. After adding De'Aaron Fox ahead of the trade deadline, they were a real threat to make a push for the postseason. Thursday's news is a huge blow to those aspirations and a major disappointment for NBA fans in general, shelving the league's most promising young player.

De'Aaron Fox, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs this week amidst a flurry of moves around the NBA, offered up a cryptic post Thursday on social media.

"Everybody has the same story about the dysfunction but yeah it's my fault," he wrote, calling into question whether he was taking a shot at his former team, the Sacramento Kings.

That followed an exchange with Damien Barling of the D-Lo & KC radio show in Sacramento:

https://twitter.com/swipathefox/status/1887620602351018189

https://twitter.com/swipathefox/status/1887621364388950071

It's clear that Fox had some issues with the Kings' organization—or at the very least, had some questions about its commitment to winning, or ability to construct a winner—over the course of the past year or so.

In December, for example, he appeared on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis and spoke about why he declined to sign a long-term extension with the Kings prior to the 2024-25 season.

“I would love to be here and retire here. … But at the end of the day, I want to win.”

De’Aaron Fox explains passing on his extension to @money23green and @barondavis on tomorrow’s @draymondshow https://t.co/fdDqQrLek4 pic.twitter.com/1LAfrPiUnf

— The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis (@DraymondShow) December 17, 2024

"For me, it has all to do with just the team, the organization, where are we going," he said. "I want to make sure that we're in a position to try to win in the future because that's ultimately what I want to do. I know I'll make enough money regardless of where I play or what I do. I'm going to be fine unless God forbid, knock on wood, I have a career-ending injury. But aside from that like I feel like I'm continuing to get better as a player every year."

"I'm coming up on those [prime] years so yeah, they know I'm going to give all I got. But at the end of the day, the organization also has to give all they've got," he added. "So that's where we are right now."

Clearly, Fox didn't feel as though the Kings were holding up their end of the bargain, which ultimately resulted in the organization dealing him to the Spurs, where he'll pair with Victor Wembanyama and a promising young squad.

The Spurs have proven in the past to be an organization capable of building out a dynasty. The Kings, on the other hand, don't have that pedigree, perhaps stemming in part from the "dysfunction" that Fox referenced.

A new era for the San Antonio Spurs is here.

De'Aaron Fox, who the Spurs acquired from the Sacramento Kings earlier this week, made his debut and helped lead San Antonio to a gritty 126-125 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Fox had a big night, putting up 24 points, 13 assists, five rebounds and three steals. He also played an integral role in the play that ultimately helped seal the win for the Spurs.

Tied with the Hawks in the final seconds, Fox and Victor Wembanyama executed a perfect pick-and-roll that sent Wembanyama to the free throw line to hit what would be the game-winning free throw.

Wembanyama finished with 24 points and 12 boards.

The stellar debut for Fox had fans excited for what the future holds in San Antonio.

De'Aaron Fox is the first player in franchise history with 20p/10a in his debut. pic.twitter.com/y9VKHo5VCu

— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 6, 2025

De'aaron Fox in the 1st half:

18 PTS
1 REB
6 AST
8/12 FG

I used to pray for times like this, literally pic.twitter.com/K2jZAmpWRj

— Spurs Culture (@SpursCulture) February 6, 2025

De’Aaron Fox has always been a star but playing on the Spurs with Wemby is about to bring a whole new level of exposure to his game

He’s been slept on for far too long

— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) February 6, 2025

We're only two quarters in and you can already see clear as day how adding De'Aaron Fox to this roster makes life easier for everybody.

Guarantee no one in the West wants to see the Spurs in the Play-In once they build chemistry, finalize the depth chart, and settle into roles.

— Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) February 6, 2025

30 seconds into De’Aaron Fox’s Spurs career, a signature sequence shows why the team was so eager to trade for him
pic.twitter.com/l6nI2K4Xvs

— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) February 6, 2025

@spurs offense looks fluid with the NEW addition of De’Aaron Fox 🙏🏽

— Thuggy (4-13) (@ericdolo_47) February 6, 2025

The Spurs find themselves in crunch time once again…but this time…a former clutch player of the year is on their side…

DE’AARON FOX, DO YOUR THING!

— Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) February 6, 2025

De’Aaron Fox shooting 61% from the floor?

Yeah this trade is good

— Kannon Torres (@TorresKannon) February 6, 2025

D Fox n Wemby pick n roll for next 5 years

— Dza (@Doubdour) February 6, 2025

Fox to Wembanyama PnR to get Wemby to the line for the lead with 2.4 seconds left. That play is going to be unstoppable.

— Aaron Bruski (@aaronbruski) February 6, 2025

It's only been one game for Fox, but it seems like he and Wembanayma already have an on-court connection. The pick-and-roll between the two that we saw late on Wednesday will likely be a play opposing teams have nightmares about for years to come.

With Fox now on the roster, the Spurs are looking to get into playoff contention. San Antonio is currently in 12th place in the West at 21-26, but took a step in the right direction with Wednesday's win.

Before the Sacramento Kings traded De'Aaron Fox, it was reported that his preferred destination was the San Antonio Spurs.

He ultimately got his wish, and he told reporters why he felt that way ahead of Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

"I think with the way that they're built with the athleticism, with the length they have," Fox said. "Also, the youth. I just felt like this could be a special team."

“I felt like this could be a special team.”

De’Aaron Fox on why he wanted to be a San Antonio Spur. pic.twitter.com/65RrHLjybr

— Jacob Tobey (@JacobRTobey) February 5, 2025

Fox will make his Spurs debut against Trae Young and the Hawks on Wednesday after he was previously listed as questionable.

"There's no concern of ramping up, conditioning or whatnot," acting Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters. "We know there will be a runway of learning our program and terminology. There will be some patience and some excitement on both sides from the group here waiting on them and then joining the group.

"It'll just be something we work through and trying to expedite as much as possible without having a ton of practice time."

That is excellent news for a San Antonio team that needs to make up ground in the Western Conference standings rather quickly.

It is in 12th place in the West and three games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the play-in tournament. With the season more than halfway over, Fox doesn't have a ton of time to adjust if the Spurs are going to make a run.

It also remains to be seen how the team will balance his minutes with Chris Paul's, but this move was as much about the long-term future as it was the rest of this season.

After all, Fox is just 27 years old and can be one of the league's top point guards when playing at his best. He and Victor Wembanyama can make a dominant one-two punch for years to come, and Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell are two young building blocks who could also develop chemistry with the new addition.

The future is bright in San Antonio and will continue to be as long as Fox and Wembanyama work out as expected.

San Antonio Spurs fans won't have to wait long to see De'Aaron Fox take the court.

ESPN noted the team announced he will play in Wednesday's game against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks. San Antonio acquired Fox as part of the three-team deal that also saw his former team, the Sacramento Kings, land Zach Lavine from the Chicago Bulls.

"There's no concern of ramping up, conditioning or whatnot," acting Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said of Fox. "We know there will be a runway of learning our program and terminology. There will be some patience and some excitement on both sides from the group here waiting on them and then joining the group.

"It'll just be something we work through and trying to expedite as much as possible without having a ton of practice time."

The biggest thing to come of the three-team trade was the Spurs pairing Fox with Victor Wembanyama.

The point guard is signed through the 2025-26 campaign, and the front office will surely want to sign him to an extension so he and Wembanyama can serve as foundational cornerstones for years to come.

Fox is an excellent playmaker who is averaging 25.0 points, 6.1 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from deep this season. The 2022-23 All-Star can be one of the best guards in the league and is just 27 years old.

He and Wembanyama can work in pick-and-rolls and lob situations, which will force opposing defenses into pick-their-poison situations.

If the pairing works right away, the Spurs will have a chance to make up ground in the Western Conference standings and be a force in the playoff picture. They are three games behind the Phoenix Suns for the final play-in spot and will look to hit the ground running Wednesday.

Having Fox available will help them do just that.

De'Aaron Fox will switch from his iconic No. 5 to No. 4 as he moves from Sacramento to San Antonio, while rookie Stephon Castle, the fourth overall pick last year, will keep No. 5.

first look at the new threads 👀 pic.twitter.com/xAVjzaefai

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 4, 2025

Breaking News from the Uniform Czar. De'Aaron Fox has changed his mind. He will wear #4 in honor of his wife Recee'. San Antonio's own was a McDonald's All American at Johnson High School and wore #4 at Texas Tech. pic.twitter.com/0rUxsXmgee

— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) February 3, 2025

Fox was initially planning to take No. 2 for the Spurs, as broadcaster Don Harris noted:

Area 51 will remain Castle and Wemby. De’Aaron Fox will wear #2. So says the Uniform Czar.😉 Area 21 has a nice ring to it too. timmy d forever. pic.twitter.com/ctslyGeATE

— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) February 3, 2025

Fox was traded Sunday to the San Antonio Spurs in a multi-team deal that sent the Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings.

Fox was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, which influenced his jersey number. In addition, after wearing No. 0 at Kentucky, he switched back to No. 5 as a tribute to his high school days at Cypress Lakes High School and his time with Team USA.

With the Kings, Fox averaged 21.5 points, 6.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game over nearly eight seasons. He shot 47.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three.

Castle was initially considered a key piece in trade discussions for Fox. However, after expecting to include the former first-round pick to land the All-Star guard, the Kings completed the deal without moving him, per the Sporting News' Daniel Mader.

Fox was set to be the first person to wear No. 2 for the Spurs since Kawhi Leonard, who won 2014 Finals MVP in the number. However, he will instead put the No. 4 on his back.

Following his trade, Fox took to social media to share heartfelt words for the organization he started with.

"Sacramento I can't quite find the words to express want I want to say, but thank you," Fox wrote. "Coming in as a 19-year-old kid and leaving as 27-year-old man, I'm grateful got to spend the beginning of my young adulthood here."

Sac Proud💜 pic.twitter.com/2YHqJ8rWLD

— De'Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) February 3, 2025

"The love for the city is unmatched. To the fans - y'all deserve the best. I wanted to end my career here and never expected it would end this way, but I'll always be grateful for your support. Thank you for the love you've showed me and my family. Sacramento will always hold a special place in my heart. - Fox"

There was some surprise around the rest of the NBA after the San Antonio Spurs didn't give up standout rookie Stephon Castle in a blockbuster three-team trade involving De'Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine on Sunday, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

"I haven't polled all 29, 28 other teams but the reaction from the league is, 'My god, these Spurs got De'Aaron Fox, didn't have to give up Stephon Castle,'" Windhorst said on Monday's episode of The Hoop Collective (6:40 mark).

The Sacramento Kings sent Fox to the Spurs, receiving a package headlined by LaVine and three-first round picks, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The Chicago Bulls came away from the trade with Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and their own 2025 draft pick from the Spurs.

🚨BREAKING: Kings are finalizing a deal to send De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs in a multi team trade that will also send Bulls' Zach LaVine to the Kings, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/eQhPWJZp1R

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 3, 2025

It's impressive that San Antonio was able to acquire a new star alongside Victor Wembanyama without giving up Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

The former UConn standout is in the midst of an impressive rookie year, as his scoring average of 12.0 points per game ranks No. 1 among all first-year players to suit up in at least 25 contests this season (via NBA.com).

Castle is also averaging 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 25.6 minutes per game. While he's shooting just 27.4 percent from three-point territory, he's also connecting on 47.6 percent of his two-point attempts.

The 20-year-old has continued to look more comfortable as the year has progressed, averaging 16.1 points each night over his last 10 games.

As the Spurs attempt to compete for their first playoff appearance since the 2018-19 season after acquiring Fox, they were able to hold onto Castle in trade negotiations with Chicago and Sacramento.

Victor Wembanyama now has a star running mate.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the San Antonio Spurs acquired point guard De'Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster three-team trade on Sunday.

The San Antonio Spurs' new All-Star point guard-center duo: De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. pic.twitter.com/sYKxsZcsyD

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2025

Per Charania, the Kings received three first-round picks and three-second round picks in the deal. Zach LaVine was also sent to Sacramento from the Chicago Bulls, while the Bulls came away from the trade with Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and their own 2025 draft pick from San Antonio.

Wembanyama has continued to blossom as a two-way star during his second year in the association, averaging 24.6 points and 10.9 rebounds to go along with 4.0 blocks per game. He was also selected as an All-Star.

The Spurs have still been looking for another player to consistently operate as a high-volume scorer next to Wembanyama, with Devin Vassell ranking No. 2 on the team with his scoring average of just 16.2 points per game.

San Antonio is now adding Fox, who has averaged 25.1 points on a nightly basis while shooting 48 percent from the field since the start of the 2021-22 season.

Fans expressed their excitement regarding the pairing.

De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama are a top __ duo in the NBA ✍️ pic.twitter.com/2mdRGKUjkH

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) February 3, 2025

The Spurs just built a dynasty.

Wembanyama age: 21
Fox age: 27
Castle age: 20

— NetsMuse (@NetsMuse) February 3, 2025

De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama are going to be absurd https://t.co/OH8s15eVjp

— Brian Rauf (@brauf33) February 3, 2025

Spurs fans, all I can say is enjoy.

Wemby & Fox are going to be one of the most exciting duos in the NBA for a long time.

De'Aaron and his family are wonderful. You're getting as great a dude as you are a player.

— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) February 3, 2025

De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama
LeBron James and Luka Doncic
Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving
Domantas Sabonis and Zach Lavine

The wild Wild west is in full swing what a NBA trade deadline 😮‍💨🤯 pic.twitter.com/viVplJeIvv

— Earl (@PlayoffEarl) February 3, 2025

Fox and Wemby my god it’s going to be cinema pic.twitter.com/KiCMAI4Aw7

— kenny miles (@Kmiles39) February 3, 2025

Fox and Wemby make the Spurs an elite team in the West overnight. They might not make a playoff run this year but next year they taking a top 6 seed. Fox is a scoring point but a floor general too.

— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) February 3, 2025

De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama is going to be a scary duo. Fox is only 27 too and just entering his prime. One more big piece and the Spurs can be serious contenders in the West.

— Dante Turo (@DanteOnDeck) February 3, 2025

The Spurs currently sit at 21-25 this season, although they're just two games back from the Kings for the final play-in tournament spot.

If Fox and Wembanyama get off to a hot start as a duo, it isn't difficult to imagine San Antonio climbing up the Western Conference standings.

A legendary veteran and one of the best young players in the league will team up at the Skills Challenge at All-Star Weekend later this month.

Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, San Antonio Spurs teammates Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama will partner up in the Skills Challenge in San Francisco on Feb. 15.

Paul is a Skills Challenge veteran at this point. He first participated in the event in 2006 and has been in it five times total, the most recent appearance coming in 2021. Still, Paul has never won the event.

Wembanyama participated in the Skills Challenge last year, teaming up with fellow No. 1 overall picks Anthony Edwards and Paolo Banchero. The group came up short against the Indiana Pacers team consisting of Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin.

Perhaps Paul joining Wembanyama will be what he needs to finally win the Skills Challenge.

On paper, it seems like a pairing more than capable of winning the event. Paul is one of the best ball handlers in NBA history and one of the most gifted passers as he's currently No. 2 on the NBA's all-time assists list.

Wembanyama has a bit of a different skill set but is extremely mobile for his 7'3" frame. He's also continued to develop his shot and is shooting 35.8 percent from deep this year.

One thing that both Paul and Wembanyama have is a competitive edge. Both players bring a certain intensity every time they play, even if it's not a real game. That should benefit them in the Skills Challenge.

The rest of the participants in this year's Skills Challenge have not yet been announced, but whoever decides to compete will have a tall task going against Wembanyama and Paul.

A duel between two superstars—the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama and the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo—ended in favor of the former player on Friday evening.

Wembanyama posted 30 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks in a 144-118 home win. He led six Spurs in double-digit scoring, including Keldon Johnson with 24 points off the bench. Rookie Stephen Castle also continued his torrid stretch with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Wembanyama, who just made his first NBA All-Star Game, was sensational here on both ends.

WEMBY WITH BACK-TO-BACK BLOCKS ON GIANNIS 👽 pic.twitter.com/iBN2S2ZoZP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2025

Wemby is UNREAL 😱 pic.twitter.com/CA7eUofh6v

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2025

ONE-LEGGED THREE 😱 pic.twitter.com/8F6yvNQ7GK

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 1, 2025

THROW IT DOWN‼️ pic.twitter.com/hxC6OTJQDW

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 1, 2025

Antetokounmpo did all he could with 35 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Giannis was great in his own right, getting the best of Wemby at times.

Giannis powers his way for the dunk. 💪 pic.twitter.com/vnrA4yzuSC

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 1, 2025

Giannis baseline fade over Wemby. pic.twitter.com/7ZilPVpHxq

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 1, 2025

Giannis with the forceful flush. pic.twitter.com/L0B9JiX5Hy

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 1, 2025

He did more than enough to win and was flanked by Damian Lillard (22 points) and Khris Middleton (21 off the bench). However, every other Buck combined for just 40 points. Milwaukee's defense also allowed San Antonio to (a) make 24-of-50 three-pointers and (b) outscore the Bucks by 27 points in the second half.

Ultimately, fans loved watching Wemby and Giannis battle.

I’ve never seen Giannis treated like this with all due respect.

Wemby is special pic.twitter.com/s3hCzsjNC2

— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) February 1, 2025

Wemby went band for band w Giannis , we good for the next generation ya boys pic.twitter.com/mYc5pMpnMA

— 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ (@Stunna999_) February 1, 2025

I love how seriously Giannis takes the matchup vs Wemby. This type of competitiveness is what the NBA needs

— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) February 1, 2025

https://twitter.com/34for2/status/1885515125953556719

Spurs Bucks

Wemby Giannis pic.twitter.com/7890sEYY91

— Mo Mooncey (@TheHoopGenius) February 1, 2025

Wemby got those back2back blocks on Giannis

Giannis retaliated & got a monster dunk a Wemby

Wemby then proceeded to put on a highlight reel for the ages & got the W pic.twitter.com/x0kTm1j9mF

— Shank (@21pt0TheShank) February 1, 2025

Giannis when he plays against wemby pic.twitter.com/qn9As5DLQH

— Jackson Green (@AJBurner_) February 1, 2025

Giannis vs. Wemby is always one of the most entertaining matchups to watch. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JEQxrBkt7M

— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) February 1, 2025

WEMBY AND THE SPURS GET THE BEST OF GIANNIS AND THE BUCKS 👽

WHAT A BATTLE ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/n1tXWZZPf6

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2025

Wemby really goes head to head with Giannis already lmao gg’s man

— 💎 (@BrodieHiiroller) February 1, 2025

What a game – Wemby outplayed Giannis with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks! Giannis still scored 35 points, but Wemby's Spurs took the win 144-118.¹ The battle between these two superstars was epic – I'm still reeling from the excitement! 💥

— Sonu Yadav (@SonuYadav02S) February 1, 2025

Wemby v Giannis is always an experience

— cult hero (@draegnchu) February 1, 2025

Barring an unlikely NBA Finals matchup, this marks the last time the Bucks and Spurs will meet this year, with Friday marking the second of their two-game regular season series. However, Wemby vs. Giannis should be appointment viewing for all future years as these two titans do battle.