Could the San Antonio Spurs be targeting Duke’s Khaman Maluach at the 2025 NBA Draft?
SAN ANTONIO — According to a report from Hoops IQ, the San Antonio Spurs are possibly eyeing Duke’s center Khaman Maluach to pair with Victor Wembanyama.
“Another buzzy name tied to the Spurs is Maluach, a 7-foot-2 center out of Duke. The Spurs could essentially be building twin towers with Wembanyama and Maluach and there is an appeal to drafting another young big that can learn and grow alongside Wembanyama. It would be very unlikely that the Spurs would shock everyone and take Maluach with the No. 2 pick but they could be looking to trade down or package the No. 14 pick for a shot at the talented center.”
San Antonio owns picks Nos. 2, 14, and 38 in the upcoming draft. The Spurs would be unwise to use their No. 2 pick on Maluach, but perhaps they could use No. 14 to move up in the draft order, as he is expected to be picked before the Spurs can.
The Spurs need depth in the big man department, and Maluach could help.
He’s listed at 7-2 with quick mobility, athletic, a shot-blocker, and a rebounder. He posted 8.6 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and shot 71.2% but just 25% from the three-point line in 39 games with Duke last season.
MORE DURANT-SPURS RUMORS SURFACE
According to the Arizona Sports radio show “Burns & Gambo,” the Spurs are a possible landing spot for veteran Kevin Durant.
“KD could have some interest in the Spurs,” the radio hosts reported. “Keep an eye on the Spurs.”
Durant posted 26.6 points per game while shooting 52.7% and 43% from the three-point line in 2024-25. Adding him to Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox could push the Spurs to the top of the Western Conference. However, his age (36), history of injury, and a possible steep cost in a Suns trade are deterrents to any deal.
The Spurs-Durant rumors have been persistent this offseason. Is this a case of where there is smoke, there is fire? For an in-depth discussion on Durant, check out the latest Locked On Spurs.