2026自由市场:福克斯与文班搭档,东契奇与AD互换背后推手揭秘
(原文发布于2月7日,作者是The Athletic撰稿人John Hollinger,文章内容不代表译者观点。)
让我回顾一下在2月1日圣安东尼奥马刺队与密尔沃基雄鹿队的比赛中发生的一幕。当时,马刺以144-118大胜雄鹿,而这一切都离不开维克托·文班亚马的精彩表现。这一片段之所以令人印象深刻,是因为即便是习惯了他各种神奇操作的球队工作人员,在赛后仍然忍不住笑着表示难以置信。
想象一下,当达米安·利拉德试图高打板上篮时,文班亚马上天而降,以极其夸张的高度盖掉了这个球。裁判们起初误判为干扰球,但随着挑战被提出,他们意识到了自己的错误:确实没有其他人能做到如此惊人的封盖。
这次亮眼表现可以作为一个引子来解释为什么马刺本周做出了一个前所未有的决策——他们决定将选秀权和现役球员投入到交易中去追逐明星球员。在过去五十年里,这支通常对赛季中期交易持谨慎态度、尤其是不愿进行重磅交易的球队,如今却改变了策略,将三个首轮选秀权送给萨克拉门托国王队,从而换来了全明星后卫德阿隆·福克斯。
这是2026年自由市场第一次动作,却绝非最后一次。尽管距离2026年的夏天还有16个月,但这一点已成为本周交易截止日前的重要因素。我稍后会深入探讨这些变化,但首先,让我们再看回到马刺身上。他们参与此次疯狂交易背后的逻辑可追溯至文班亚玛,一个特殊的人才,目前他的球队在西部联盟战绩仅为22胜26负排在第12位。不过,由于这是他职业生涯中的第二个赛季,一切依旧充满变数。然而这种情况很快就会面临压力,因为未来某一天,他可能成为联盟顶尖球星;因此,不容浪费任何机会,你永远无法预测这样的宝贵时间还能持续多久。
面对缺乏知名市场以及阵容中并无明显全明星搭档候选人的困境,对于圣安东尼奥来说,这是相当棘手的问题。在进行这笔重要交易之前,其余轮换成员除了文班亚玛外,仅39岁的老将克里斯·保罗拥有15.0以上PER或正值BPM。而虽然像斯蒂芬·卡斯特尔和杰里米·索汉等年轻新秀潜力巨大,但显然不能把整个“文班时代”的希望寄托在他们身上。因此,马刺果断加速推进计划,通过此前获得的一些有价值未来选秀权拆解过往阵容,并且只用了一枚良好的选秀权(2031年明尼苏达森林狼队的不受保护选择)完成与福克斯之间的大宗交换。此外,他们还成功地吸引自己成为下一波大型交易目标,引入大量可流通资产,包括多个优质年轻人才,以及预计将在2026年前夕接近薪金空间顶限的发展趋势,即使是在拥抱福克斯和文班雅码之后也一样。
This gives the Spurs two paths to address their remaining issues, namely acquiring a top-tier wing player. Wouldn't an excellent small forward be interested in teaming up with Fox and Wembanyama in a tax-free state? While it's not New York or Los Angeles, San Antonio might just be one of the hottest destinations inland.
The significance of 2026 for the Spurs lies in that it marks the first year when Wembanyama will begin his designated rookie max extension eligibility. This presents them with what could potentially be their last opportunity to utilize salary cap space—or expiring contracts—before evolving into a more traditional, expensive championship contender.
The moment Fox indicated he was unlikely to sign an early extension this summer before hitting free agency himself in 2026, San Antonio had already made its initial move towards preparing for that pivotal offseason; thus making Fox's trade informally regarded as part of operations concerning future free agents.
If we shift focus slightly back toward Luka Doncic: The Dallas Mavericks expressed certain logic (and I use “expressed” loosely here) during his acquisition related specifically to potential complications stemming from him being eligible for free agency by 2026. One concern raised was whether they would offer him five-year supermax contract terms which they may hesitate on; another worry is if offered below market value he'd simply walk away come time freedom beckons.
Luka remains set for unrestricted status mid-‘26 while no longer qualifying under supermax considerations means other teams are likely keeping tabs should any signs arise hinting at dissatisfaction within L.A.’s ranks regarding LeBron James’ team dynamics there - don’t hold your breath though!
A different approach taken instead features how Lakers have also prepped ahead vis-à-vis possible moves surrounding upcoming Free Agency cycle occurring come ‘24 where notable names expected include Kyrie Irving alongside declining stars such as James Harden & co., leaving many wondering what exactly transpired behind closed doors leading us all through these twists.” P > br > < P >Now let’s return again briefly touching upon prospects awaiting arrival once calendar flips past end-of-season timeframe next April/May… What about Summer ’25? p > < p > Unfortunately nothing particularly thrilling looms large beyond horizon either! Brooklyn Nets plus Detroit Pistons seem poised solely possessing sufficient financial flexibility entering off-season whilst biggest superstar available seems highly contentious figure given recent events revolving around none other than oft-misunderstood enigmatic character known widely among fans alike – Mr.Kyrie Irving who appears likeliest candidate returning home shortly via fresh deal struck mutually beneficially between both parties involved . Meanwhile most others aspiring contenders appear locked down long-term commitments preventing emergence serious threats lurking nearby ready seize opportunities presented themselves unexpectedly overnight!” p > < p >But circle back now focusing primarily attention directed squarely onto class emerging slated become ripe candidates heading straight into opening rounds draft night taking place summertime following … Yes indeed even excluding aforementioned duo mentioned earlier , several recognizable talents stand out amongst crowd vying earn chance showcase skills spotlight shining brightly above heads waiting patiently rise occasion arrives call name announced loudly across arena floors filled cheering crowds eagerly anticipating action unfold right before eyes each play unfolds gradually building excitement palpable atmosphere permeating venue throughout festivities until final buzzer sounds signaling conclusion event marking beginning new era ushered forth bright futures await everyone fortunate enough partake journey together collectively embarking adventure shared amongst teammates friends family members alike ! ” P >