The San Antonio Spurs aren’t expected to be in major trade talks this offseason, especially after signing their power forward, Tobias Harris. De’Aaron Fox and Luke Kornet are expected to be included in rumors up until the February deadline, but for now, those are totally unsubstantiated.
One player, however, can’t escape the trade machine, and for good reason.
In 2022, Dejounte Murray was coming off his lone All-Star season. His value had never been higher, and that’s when the Spurs decided to strike, sending him to the Atlanta Hawks for two first-round picks and a swap. Keldon Johnson is not an All-Star, but with only one year left on his contract and the John Havlicek Trophy on his mantle, expect teams to swoop in with offers.
Win-now teams could use him as a floor-spacer off the bench, and rebuilding teams could use his expiring contract to open up some financial flexibility next summer.
So how does Carter Bryant fit into all this?
Spurs to Prioritize Carter Bryant Over Keldon Johnson
Most win-now teams would pick the reigning Sixth Man of the Year on a reasonable contract over the 20-year-old project. Bryant is not a complete player. Sure, he’s already a great defender, but he’s incredibly raw.
There’s a lot of room for improvement, and with a title window open, developing talent instead of leaning on established players goes against traditional wisdom.
But the Spurs aren’t interested in short-term success. They want to build a dynasty. Bryant, should the shot or playmaking ever develop, projects to be an elite two-way player.
Johnson is a solid bench player, but it’s clear that he played above his weight last season, and there isn’t much room for him to improve. It’s why the Spurs are expected to shop him, not Bryant.
“The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is heading into the final season of his contract, and San Antonio is likely to phase out his minutes in favor of younger players,” predicted Heavy’s Sean Deveney. “He is still a valued leader on the team, but he could be a chip worth cashing in if the Spurs can land a first-round pick.”
The same could be said for Harrison Barnes, although Barnes is making roughly half of Johnson’s salary next season. Between Harris, Julian Champagnie, and Devin Vassell, the Spurs have three solid wings already on the roster. Instead of giving 25 minutes to Johnson, and the highs and lows that come with him, seeing what Bryant can do in a bigger role seems like the long-term play.
And if Johnson is no longer a core piece, why not test the waters and see what the market will offer?
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