For some time, it was believed that the NBA was phasing out big men. It was the small ball era. Large, lumbering big men were the league’s dinosaurs – right?
As it turns out, height will always be an advantage in the NBA. Look at the last two MVP races. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers have been the most serious candidates for the individual award. Last year, Embiid took him the prize.
The San Antonio Spurs are hoping that Victor Wembanyama will follow in his footsteps. This is the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James and – surprise – he’s a big man.
Wembanyama has flashed a limitless ceiling as a rookie, but the Spurs are far from contention. Could they send Keldon Johnson to join Embiid in Philadelphia?
NBA Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Furkan Korkmaz, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
The big man didn’t die. Small ball won’t either. The league will always be chasing the next trend. Teams want advantages. In the end, the goal is to be versatile.
Look at the league’s best teams. For the most part, they can play big. They can play small. A team that can beat you in several ways is typically the most dangerous. Versatile ball is the real edge that teams ought to be seeking.
Wembanyama should aid the Spurs in seeking that edge. He can play the 5, but he’s also agile enough to play the 4 and roam as a weak side shot blocker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In time, he should lead the Spurs back to title contention. Should they take a step backward in the meantime?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
Rebuilding teams tend to be conflicted on 24 and 25-year-olds like Johnson. It’s a sweet spot. At 24 (going on 25) Johnson isn’t a “young player”, but he isn’t an old one either.
Let’s try another angle. Johnson is very similar to his teammate Devin Vassell. The duo can co-exist, but at the same time, it feels like Johnson is superfluous for this team. Vassell is the more likely long-term building block.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
So, why not move him for a pick? This pick should be especially valuable. The Clippers are an aging contending. By 2028, they could be in the lottery. Should the Sixers give up their pick?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Without hesitation. After all, the Sixers are an aging contender as well. They only have this pick because they couldn’t find a star in return for James Harden earlier in the year.
Is Johnson a star? Not exactly. Still, he is a solid, complementary player. Johnson can space the floor and defend and create his own shots when needed.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
That should be enough for the Sixers. Embiid is among the best first options in the league. Tyrese Maxey has emerged as a star-caliber guard. The Sixers only need a third option with complementary skills – they’re built around their big man.
