Luka Doncic could be one player the Spurs would make young star available for, Brian Windhorst says

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the most valuable trade chips in Luka Doncic.

Jan 22, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on during a stoppage in play during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The NBA trade deadline is nearing and rumors are spreading rapidly. With De'Aaron Fox likely on his way out of Sacramento as the Kings are looking for trade partners -- the San Antonio Spurs are his requested destination.

The Spurs are an enticing trade location as Victor Wembanyama has the potential to be the most dominant player in the entire NBA, and opposing players might want to compliment him and share the floor with him.

For Fox, that's the case as he wants to compete for NBA championships while making superstar-level money -- which the Spurs might be able to provide.

One coveted young star the Kings might ask for in a trade is Stephon Castle, a 20-year-old rookie out of UConn.

Castle was the No. 4 overall selection in the recent NBA draft and holds a wealth of potential in the NBA. The Spurs value that as Wembanyama is incredibly young himself, and the duo could develop into a great tandem for years to come.

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Frost Bank Center. / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Spurs value Castle greatly and consider him untouchable, unless two teams make a call. The ESPN analyst suggested that San Antonio could make the UConn product available for players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

“If there was a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Luka Doncic on the table, they might consider it. But I don’t know if De’Aaron Fox rises to that level… They may believe Castle will be comparable to Fox in a couple of years," Windhorst said.

Why Windhorst used Doncic as an example

There is no reason to believe the Dallas Mavericks have a sliver of consideration in trading Donic. The Slovenian superstar is the club's franchise talent, and he will continue to be treated as such throughout his prime years in the league.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts from the team bench during the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Still, Windhorst used Doncic as an example as to how high the Spurs value the young guard, and that a player like Fox might not be worth moving on from such a young talent.

---

READ MORE: How did Dante Exum perform in his season debut for the Mavericks?

Stick with MavericksGameday for more coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the NBA offseason. 

Follow Kade Kimble on Twitter.

More Dallas Mavericks News

• Mavericks start road trip with close win over Pelicans, 137-136

• Mavericks stars Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic not selected to 2025 NBA All-Star Game

• Ex-Maverick, UNC National Champion, Retires From Professional Basketball

• Klay Thompson ties team three-point record in first quarter of Mavericks-Wizards