When asked about potential trades earlier this season, Gregg Popovich made a joke out of it. “Get a vet or two and go win a championship this year?” Popovich said sarcastically. “I’m going to go think about that.” The San Antonio Spurs are just 5-29 on the season. A playoff run doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
That said, there could be some moves to be made to help them plan for the future. Victor Wembanyama looks like a clear franchise centerpiece, and Devin Vassell has the tools to be a solid second option. The question is, what players could they be willing to trade at the deadline this season?
During a recent appearance on “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective,” NBA insider Marc J. Spears of Andscape stated that a name he keeps hearing is Keldon Johnson. (H/t Will Miller of The Smoking Cuban)
“You know who I got my eye on with the Spurs? Keldon Johnson,” Spears said. “I keep hearing this buzz about [him]. Not sure if he fits in well with this group going forward, and should he be coming off the bench?”
Johnson has been having a solid season this year but was recently moved to the bench. He’s averaging 17.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 45.7% from the field and 33.9% from behind the three-point line.
The 24-year-old makes $20 million this season – a very tradable contract. Plus, he makes $19 million next year and $17.5 million in each of the two seasons after that.
For any team looking to add a quality player on a cost-controlled contract, Johnson could be an ideal target.
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