This off-season, the San Antonio Spurs are looking at a significant roster upgrade. The team plans to structure their roster around their star rookie, Victor Wembanyama, in order to maximize his potential. They’ve been in talks for eyeing many potential point guard candidates, one of them being Cleveland Cavaliers’ guard, Darius Garland.

According to an anonymous source at HoopsWire, the Spurs are “very interested” in acquiring Garland and forming an unbeatable duo with their rising star, Wembanyama. The Spurs had an offense rating of 109.3 this season, ranking #26, fifth-last, in the whole league. Acquiring a guard could help the Spurs and their French rookie unlock their potential.

The Spurs are in the search of a dynamic point guard. Their backcourt has struggled a lot this season. San Antonio’s guards, were unable to take advantage of Victor’s towering presence. The Spurs think that Garland’s playmaking skills will provide the ideal balance to Wembanyama’s physical prowess and skill set.

The Spurs’ point guard and starter, Tre Jones, averaged 10 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, shooting 50.5% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc and 85.6% from the free-throw line. In comparison, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists for the Cavaliers this season while shooting 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line.

Is Garland the only player the Spurs have their eyes on? Some sources have claimed that barring Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, no other Spurs player has untouchable status right now.

San Antonio Spurs off-season plans

For some time now, the Cavs locker room has been turbulent. Sources claim that if star player Donovan Mitchell decides to sign an extension, Garland will be looking to leave. According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Garland’s agent, Rich Paul, plans to talk to the Cavs front office about a trade request if Mitchell signs the extension this offseason.  “Furthermore, rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other,” the report said.

According to ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony, the Spurs are in what he calls, a “win-now” mode. The team is willing to let go of any player except Victor and Devin. “They want to be competitive next year, they want to be in the playoffs. They’re not looking to make this a 2-3 year process, where they’re in the lottery again next year. For right now, they want to be competitive next year and that’s why I think they’re going to be aggressive with those picks,” said Givony. San Antonio currently holds the #4 and #8 picks.

Givony, among others, also hinted at the Wembanyama factor. Every player in the league wants to play alongside the sensational rookie. The 7’4 ft tall player averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game as a rookie. He won the Rookie of the Year. Wembanyama may end up attracting many players towards San Antonio.

The Spurs are dedicated to assembling a strong roster this off-season. If the Spurs acquire Garland, the dynamic duo has the potential to turn around the team’s performance. This can make San Antonio a strong competitor in the Western Conference, once again.