The San Antonio Spurs potentially cornering the market on Europe isn’t anything new. That’s why the team selecting Derrick White in the first round of this year’s draft was a surprise. Most expected the team to go overseas with that selection.
Now, it looks like the Spurs are targeting a European star in a potential trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to veteran NBA reporter Sam Amico, San Antonio is interested in 2015 second-round pick Cedi Osman.
#Spurs have interest in #Cavs' draft-and-stash prospect Cedi Osman, league sources tell AmicoHoops. Teams have not yet discussed.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) June 30, 2017
Osman, 22, was the 31st overall pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves back in 2015. He was immediately traded to Cleveland in exchange for Tyus Jones.
The 6-foot-8 wing has played for Anadolu Efes of the Turkish Basketball Super League since the 2011 season. This past year saw him average 7.1 points while shooting at a 48 percent clip from the field.
Remember, Cleveland and San Antonio were reportedly in previous trade discussions that would have included Danny Green and LaMarcus Aldridge. While nothing has come to fruition on that front, it’s not surprising that the Spurs would show interest in Osman.
Related. If the Spurs are seemingly high on a Euro star, maybe Cleveland should decide to keep him around. From Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to Hedo Turkoglu, San Antonio’s ability to tap the European market is unmatched in the history of the NBA.