One NBA writer is proposing that the Houston Rockets acquire Keldon Johnson from the San Antonio Spurs this summer.
Kelly Iko of The Athletic proposed that the Rockets send the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and a 2025 first-round pick (top-3 protected) to the Spurs for Johnson.
“At first glance, I’d have to think twice if the Rockets would be comfortable with Johnson taking up a third of their available cap space,” Iko wrote. “But, considering this summer’s available crop of wings, Johnson’s age and his potential, I could see this phone call being placed. Johnson had the ball in his hands quite a bit in San Antonio but showcased some legit off-ball potential at times and could be the answer at small forward for a Rockets team that frankly hasn’t had one in years.
“Johnson’s contract is front-loaded, meaning Houston’s cap hit reduces with every year — a valuable tool considering what the 2024 class and looming TV deal could bring. The only drawback is his wingspan not being great for his size and him not showing much defensively last season, but that might be more of San Antonio’s general nastiness more so than his own ability and potential.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs & Houston Rockets Updates
Johnson averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists for the Spurs this season while shooting 45.2% from the floor, 32.9% from beyond the arc, and 74.9% from the free-throw line. The 23-year-old appeared in 63 games and led San Antonio in points per game.
Johnson signed a four-year, $74 million rookie scale extension with San Antonio in July 2022. He will make $20 million next season. The Spurs drafted Johnson with the 29th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Kentucky. The Virginia native has career averages of 16.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs & Houston Rockets Updates
The Spurs will select Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Do they want to play Johnson with Wembanyama or part ways with him?
Only time will tell.
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