Around the NBA, fans are jealous of the San Antonio Spurs. How could they not be? Victor Wembanyama is incredible. This is the most anticipated prospect to enter the league since LeBron James. So far, Wembanyama has only made good on that promise.
The future is bright in San Antonio. Wembanyama isn’t the only talented young player on this roster. Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Keldon Johnson all look like cornerstone players. What are the Spurs missing?
Well, they could use a point guard. Trae Jones is a contributor, but he may not be a starting-caliber player. The Spurs don’t need a superstar at the position. They just need an organizer.
Could they send Johnson to the Washington Wizards for Jones’ brother?
NBA Trade Proposal: Washington Wizards Land San Antonio Spurs’ Keldon Johnson
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Tyus Jones, F Danilo Gallinari, 2028 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
Nobody is jealous of the Wizards. Why would they be? This team doesn’t have a clearcut cornerstone. They have an odd mix of decent veterans and intriguing young players, but nobody is leaping off of the page. Are the Wizards in trouble?
We wouldn’t say that. Things change quickly in the NBA. A few years ago, nobody was especially excited about the Spurs either. They had Dejounte Murray – and an annual ticket to 30-something wins. Suddenly, they’re the most talked about team in basketball.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards Updates
The Wizards’ fortunes could change as well. For all we know, Cooper Flagg is the next great Wizard. Bilal Coulibaly can be a star as well.
All the Wizards can do is plan for the future. Should this deal be part of their plan?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Frankly, we’re not sure if this deal makes the Wizards better or not. Johnson is likely the most talented player in this deal, but Jones may be more impactful. Either way, that’s not the point.
For the Wizards, the point here is to add a young player with some star power to their roster. Will Johnson ever make an All-Star appearance? We’re not sure.
Still, he’s got better odds of doing so than Tyus Jones. If the Wizards develop him properly, they should be getting the best player in this deal. Meanwhile, they shouldn’t worry about giving up a distant, lottery-protected first.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards Updates
If the Wizards are a lottery team by 2028, they’ve got deeper problems. This deal allows them to plan for success in that time frame while also preparing for failure.
Should the Spurs value a lottery-protected pick?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Here’s the thing about Johnson: he’s a lot like Vassell. They’re both slightly undersized wings who can shoot, defend, and create their own shot. It’s not that they can’t play together – more so, the Spurs may just benefit from diversifying their assets.
If they’re choosing between Vassell and Johnson, the choice is obvious. So, we’ve got them moving Johnson. They’re bringing in Tyus Jones for their troubles. He’s an ideal game manager for this team. Jones seldom turns the ball over, and he’s a reliable shooter.
The fact that he’s joining his brother in the rotation doesn’t hurt either: the Spurs should improve their team chemistry by making this move.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards Updates
Finally, Spurs fans must start rooting for a quality Wizards rebuild. If they’re back in the playoffs by 2028, they’re getting a first-round pick here. Either way, bringing in a point guard like Jones has its own benefit. If this deal occurs, Spurs fans can get (even more) excited.
