3 realistic, 2 pipe dream trade targets the 76ers should consider
PIPE DREAM: Keldon Johnson — San Antonio, SF
From one terrible team to another, the Spurs have been, as expected, too youthful to be competitive this season, a test drive for what should be years of dominance with Victor Wembanyama at the helm. Nevertheless, they are a smart franchise that will most likely start putting out the verdict on some of their players who may not be seamless fits next to the phenom.
One of the players who may not be in San Antonio’s long-term plans is Keldon Johnson. The de facto team captain of the Spurs, the versatile wing is on the older side in their youth movement and has shown to be a tricky fit next to Wembanyama, as shown in his realignment to bench duty as of late. Thus, he could — and should — be available for plucking.
Johnson’s contract is one of the best bargains in the entire association. He just turned 24, is a physical driver who can shoot threes, function as a release valve offensively, and play both wing positions and as a nominal power forward in spurts. Theoretically, he’ll be a more insured version of Tobias Harris who offers more upside without the unflattering price tag.
That being said, the odds of the Spurs flipping him away this season is low. Gregg Popovich has always preferred to keep corporate knowledge in his roster — much so for the youngest one in the NBA. Johnson piloting their second unit has also been a good adjustment, and given that he’s the voice of the team, he’s likely not going anywhere, at least this year.