With the Eastern Conference Finals having quickly come to an end, all of the LA Clippers’ eyes are on the West in terms of who could be available over the summer. Granted, there aren’t many options, as most rotational pieces on both sides are highly regarded. But, after performing poorly and partially being the reason why the San Antonio Spurs are one game away from elimination, Keldon Johnson has suddenly emerged as a potential trade target.
In fact, though Johnson had 15 in the Spurs’ latest loss, between games two and four, he shot 8-29 from the field and 3-12 from beyond the arc, while turning the ball over four times and recording just one assist.
That’s unacceptable for someone the Spurs are seriously relying on off the bench. As a result, a trade in the summer is becoming a realistic possibility.
The San Antonio Spurs may look to sell high on Keldon Johnson
The time to move Keldon Johnson is this summer. Why? Well, on top of his contract expiring next year, Johnson’s value is at its peak, considering he just took home the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year trophy, averaging 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds across 82 games.
This is impressive, to say the least, and the cherry on top is that he’s just 26 years old.
That said, the LA Clippers should do business with the Spurs in the coming months for Johnson. He’s experienced, skilled, and could really elevate Tyronn Lue’s bench, which is much needed, as, for too many games to count last season, it had little to no impact.
Regarding the details, a package that helps both teams is Johnson for Brook Lopez, Kris Dunn, and a future second-round pick.
On top of this being certainly worth it for the Clippers, the Spurs obtain help at the center position behind Victor Wembanyama, which is a must-have, as Mitch Johnson and San Antonio's staff prioritize the superstar’s rest, and land one of the better defensively-talented guards in the entire sport.
It doesn’t really get better for the Spurs, who will be looking to take over the Western Conference next season following a second-seeded finish in 2025-26.
So, at the moment, there is expected to be an outlet to acquire Johnson once the trade season begins. Now, if San Antonio is sent home by the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games, and the Kentucky product, in particular, does not show up, he would ultimately be all but gone.
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