San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (3) works against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9). Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Spurs could trade former building block

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 12/14/23

In a recent episode of Brian Windhorst's "The Hoops Collective" podcast , NBA Insider Marc J. Spears reported there are concerns regarding Keldon Johnson's fit with the San Antonio Spurs roster.

"You know who I got my eye on with the Spurs? Keldon Johnson. I keep hearing this buzz about, 'Not sure if he fits in well with this group going forward and should he be coming off the bench,'" Spears said. "...If there is a player that I think does get moved from the Spurs, my guess is it'll probably be Keldon Johnson."

Johnson has been with the Spurs since being drafted with the 29th pick in 2019. He's played 246 regular-season games for Gregg Popovich's team, averaging 16.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting 47.8% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range.

For the majority of his tenure in San Antonio, Johnson has been viewed as a potential building block for the Spurs roster. However, as San Antonio continues to add young talent to the roster, Johnson's skill set is becoming increasingly marginalized. With Victor Wembanyama now the star of the show, the Spurs need spot-up shooters, creative ball-handlers and explosive slashers surrounding him. Johnson doesn't fall into any of those categories.

At 24, Johnson can still improve. He will undoubtedly have a robust trade market should the Spurs choose to make him available around the Feb. 8 trade deadline. If San Antonio doesn't believe that Johnson is the right fit for the team, it would be better served to find a package that better suits the franchise's needs. The Spurs owe it to themselves and to Johnson, who has been a consummate professional throughout his tenure with the franchise.

More must-reads: