The San Antonio Spurs are set to battle the Los Angeles Lakers for the services of Toronto Raptors free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili. According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Mamukelashvili has emerged as a target for multiple teams after declining his player option.
What happened?
The Spurs are reportedly searching for additional frontcourt depth after reaching the NBA Finals. They have their eyes on Mamukelashvili, who averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds over 80 games with the Raptors.
Why it matters for San Antonio Spurs
Mamukelashvili's decision to decline a player option worth less than $3 million has positioned him for a substantial raise. Sources say he is likely to generate multiple offers north of $10 million in average annual value.
What comes next?
The Lakers have become one of the more serious contenders for Mamukelashvili's services. And we're told that the Lakers, who have obviously been connected to various big men, have emerged as a notable suitor.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-01 | San Antonio Spurs 144-118 Milwaukee Bucks |
Recent form: 1W-0D-1L (WL, most recent first). The Spurs' interest in Mamukelashvili was echoed by The Athletic's Dan Woike, who reported that league executives expect him to command at least $10 million annually.
Mamukelashvili's floor spacing and positional versatility make him an appealing fit for several playoff contenders. While Mamukelashvili appears to be one of the Lakers' primary free-agent targets, Dean Wade remains another name to watch.
Several teams are expected to pursue the Cleveland Cavaliers forward, who could realistically create a bidding war and receive the full MLE. The Pistons, Spurs, Lakers, Nets, and 76ers are among the teams expressing interest in Wade, who averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 36.2 percent from 3-point range in 59 games last season.
With free agency about to open, the Spurs and Lakers appear positioned to compete for multiple frontcourt options. Whether that battle ultimately centers on Mamukelashvili, Wade, or both could become one of the more intriguing storylines during the opening days of the market.