The San Antonio Spurs are busy preparing for the 2025-26 season.
It is a time of change for the San Antonio Spurs, with Mitch Johnson replacing Gregg Popovich after the legendary coach’s retirement.
The Spurs have a ton of assets and chose to step back from the Kevin Durant chase, with the superstar traded to the Houston Rockets.
One move the team did make on the same day Durant was traded was to hire a key assistant coach with a connection to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The San Antonio Spurs have agreed to hire Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney, a key part of Jason Kidd’s staff.
Sweeney will work under Mitch Johnson and attempt to propel the team forward as Victor Wembanyama enters his third season in the NBA.
One intriguing connection is Sean Sweeney’s past relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo, where the coach worked as an assistant on the Milwaukee Bucks between 2014 and 2018.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel broke down the strong connection between the pair: “During his time in Milwaukee, Sweeney built a strong relationship with star Giannis Antetokounmpo, accompanying the Bucks’ young star at practices all over the globe and at all times of day.
“According to Antetokounmpo, the two forged a bond that made them like brothers.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the top prize available for teams in the trade market, and the Milwaukee Bucks do not want to let him leave.
However, the San Antonio Spurs are one team who have the assets that may be able to persuade the Bucks to strike a deal.
Various mock trades have been proposed, allowing the Spurs to build a super-team around Giannis and Victor Wembanyama.
Considering the strength of the West, the Spurs may need to make a super move like this to take the leap.
If they do decide to take the plunge, then adding Sweeney to their coaching staff certainly makes the Spurs more attractive to Giannis.
