Recently, some players around the NBA have been getting rookie extensions. We love to see young players earning their keep. The class of 2020 has yielded some tremendous players, and now, they’re getting paid accordingly.
One of them was Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs. This was a no brainer. Vassell is a knockdown shooter who can create his own looks. He’s a quality defender as well. The Spurs had to lock Vassell down, and they did. What does it mean for Keldon Johnson?
Time will tell. Johnson and Vassell are remarkably similar players. They’re roughly the same size, and they’ve got similar skill sets. They could co-exist, but on the other hand, the Spurs may opt to diversify their roster.
Could they send Johnson to the Cleveland Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal — Cleveland Cavaliers Land Keldon Johnson
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C Jarrett Allen, 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – CLE)
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
One thing is clear: the Spurs need to consider their long-term core. After all, they already have the most important piece to move forward with.
When the Spurs drafted Victor Wembanyama, they selected their likely franchise player of the future. This wasn’t an ordinary number-one pick.
Wembanyama has been on the NBA’s radar for years. He’s the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James. When the Spurs won the right to draft him, they won a prize that is coveted around the league.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
The most important task may be behind them. The work isn’t done. The Spurs now need to put the right group around Wembanyama. Extending Vassell was an excellent next step.
Should they now trade Johnson?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Let’s table that for a second. Instead of focusing on what the Spurs are giving up, let’s focus on what they’re getting back. Is Wembanyama the big man of the future in San Antonio?
It doesn’t feel like it. By all accounts, the Spurs and Wembanyama prefer for him to suit up at the 4. That’s sensible: the Spurs would prefer for him to avoid the rigors of playing the 5. That doesn’t mean they have to make a move for a big.
Zach Collins is solid in his own right. At the same time, when healthy, Allen is much more impactful. He’s one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. Meanwhile, Johnson is a good player. He’s a 3-and-D wing who can create his own shot.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Yet, if the Spurs are committing to Vassell, there may only be so much creation to go around for Johnson. They may do better with a bigger wing who’s more suited for an off-ball role.
Is Johnson a good fit in Cleveland?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
In fact, the line between a five and a four is getting increasingly blurry in the NBA. The Spurs may want to shift Wembanyama to the four. On the other hand, the Cavaliers may want to move Evan Mobley to the five.
The physical differences between them are slight, but they may be meaningful. Mobley is a little less lanky and a little stronger. He may be more suited to give the Cavaliers a huge mobility advantage at the five.
Moreover, he didn’t look like a good fit with Allen in last year’s playoffs. The combined floor spacing between Mobley and Allen was too limited to carry the Cavs past the New York Knicks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
So, they’re moving Allen and a pick swap for Johnson. He could be an integral member of this team moving forward. Soon enough, the Cavaliers will have to extend Mobley. They’ll want to make sure they’ve got the right core around him.
