（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（北京时间）圣安东尼奥马刺队与密尔沃基雄鹿队的比赛中发生的一个精彩瞬间。当时，马刺以144-118大胜雄鹿，而维克托·文班亚马再次展现了他的惊人天赋。这个片段之所以值得一提，是因为即使对于那些已经习惯他种种不可思议表现的马刺工作人员来说，他们在赛后仍忍不住发出难以置信的笑声。
请想象一下：当达米安·利拉德试图高打板上篮时，文班亚马会如何跃起，在远离篮筐很高的位置——甚至超过方框高度——将球盖掉。这一幕让裁判们条件反射地吹罚干扰球，因为没有任何人能做到这一点……对吧？然而，当马刺提出挑战后，裁判意识到他们犯错了。确实是文班亚玛成功封盖了这次进攻。
这场比赛不仅仅是一场胜利，更可以用来说明为何本周球队做出了过去五十年来从未尝试过的一件事。他们决定放弃选秀权和部分年轻球员，以追求明星级别的新援。在通常厌恶中期交易、尤其是这种重磅交易的情况下，这支球队却转变风格，将三个首轮选秀权送至萨克拉门托国王，从而得到全明星控卫德阿隆·福克斯。
这是2026年自由市场运作中的首次行动，但绝不是最后一次：尽管距离2026年的夏季还有16个月，本周交易截止日前后的活动显然成为主导因素。我稍后会对此进行深入分析，不过首先我们还是聚焦于馬刺队。参与此次疯狂交易背后的逻辑可追溯至拥有特殊才能的文班亚玛，目前，他所在团队在西部联盟战绩为22胜26负，仅位列第12名。虽然这依旧是他的第二个赛季，一切都充满乐趣，但局势改变只是时间问题。不久之后，随着压力逐渐增大，那一天就要来了。而且，很快可能就是下个赛季；你不能浪费这样的机会，因为你永远不知道还能享有多少类似时光。
身处非顶尖城市，并缺乏明显能够搭档或辅助文班雅马上升成全明星候补的人选，这是非常棘手的问题。在此之前除了他之外，全阵容只有39岁的老将克里斯·保罗具备15.0以上PER或者正值BPM的数据。因此，即便像斯蒂芬·卡斯尔和杰里米·索汉这样潜力新星尚佳，也没法把整个未来寄希望于他们两个人身上。
因此, 马刺选择加速前行。他们利用之前获得的一些珍贵未来选秀权拆解先前相对完整配置，只是在福克斯交换过程中损失了一枚不错的新秀签（2031年明尼苏达森林狼无保护签）。此外，如今已打造自身成为下一波重大交易目标之一，不论是否引入福克斯及 文班雅玛，他们预计到2026年仍会拥有接近最大薪资空间，可以继续增强实力.
This provides the Spurs with two pathways to address their remaining issue: acquiring a top-tier wing player. Wouldn't an elite small forward be interested in joining forces with Fox and Wembanyama in a tax-friendly state? While this isn't New York or Los Angeles, it's arguably one of the most attractive destinations currently 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 (in 2027). This presents San Antonio's last chance to make impactful moves utilizing salary cap space — either now or through expiring contracts — before they transform into a more conventional, expensive championship contender.
The moment Fox indicated he was unlikely to sign an early extension ahead of becoming a free agent come summer 2026, San Antonio effectively made its initial move towards preparing for that offseason by trading for him. As such, this trade became informally recognized as part of future preparations regarding free agency movements set around 2026.
If you are reading and thinking about "What about Summer 2025?" allow me to clarify; there is not much excitement anticipated then. The Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons are expected to be among few teams boasting ample salary cap room while marquee stars like Kyrie Irving may likely re-sign with Dallas given recent events surrounding him.
Moreover many players who could hit unrestricted status include aging all-stars such as James Harden alongside potential extensions tied up elsewhere—Brandon Ingram , Julius Randle amongst others—all facing options attached on existing deals.
< P > But what’s coming down pipeline during class ’26 ? Even excluding Luka Doncic & De'Aaron fox from consideration; numerous other prominent names remain available at market . Contracts held by Kevin Durant , Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges etcetera stand expiration along side those having player option decisions including Trae Young,Damian Lillard,Zach Lavine,Austin Reaves making waves whilst another crop emerging outta draft years past where sixteen prospects might find themselves eyeing double-digit millions annually soon enough!< / p >
< P > That explains why Miami Heat appears keen avoiding any commitments post-'26 unless absolutely necessary after exhausting every alternate route leading them eventually taking Andrew Wiggins contract which also holds similar implications if exercised can lead further opportunities opening later too… Houston Rockets& Utah Jazz seem likewise opting against larger trades meanwhile LA Clippers recently converted Terance Manns earlier offer into Bogdan Bogdanovic instead allowing flexibility should things develop favorably next round via team-option scenarios potentially surfacing thereafter !
< P > We’ve witnessed defensive maneuvers aimed preserving “weaknesses” particularly Memphis Grizzlies sending Marcus Smart away creating breathing-room needed amid possible super-max negotiations lined-up concerning rising star Jaren Jackson Junior poised toward All-Star seasons ahead yet maintaining ability both resign Santy Aldama comfortably without compromising overall outlook moving forth regardless voting outcomes transpired upon selections being finalized …
< P > Either way everything seems linked directly back onto horizon because once we reach '26 chances become increasingly reliant upon performance levels established under leadership provided primarily driven forwards led notably behind Victor Wenbanyana himself!
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