After coming agonizingly close to capturing an NBA championship, the San Antonio Spurs are officially back at the drawing board. To finally dethrone the league’s elite and push for the Larry O’Brien trophy, the front office must ruthlessly address key roster flaws.
According to a compelling trade blueprint from Air Alamo, that could mean putting a beloved franchise cornerstone on the block. While parting with a freshly crowned Sixth Man of the Year is a brutal thought for fans, a blockbuster deal with their instate rivals, the Dallas Mavericks, could provide the exact defensive upgrade Victor Wembanyama needs.
The Trade Breakdown: Shaking Up the Lone Star State
While the Mavericks aren’t typically in the business of helping their division rivals improve, this specific proposal outlines a rare win-win scenario for both front offices:
In this proposed exchange, San Antonio ships veteran wing Keldon Johnson, the 20th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, and the rights to a 2030 first-round pick swap (originally acquired in the Grant Williams deal) over to Dallas. In return, the Spurs land versatile forward PJ Washington and the 30th overall pick.
Why the Spurs Pull the Trigger: Solving the Size Deficit
Though Keldon Johnson has been a passionate mainstay in San Antonio for seven seasons, his natural limitations were heavily exposed under the intense pressure of the postseason. Frequently forced to guard true power forwards as an undersized 6’4″ wing, Johnson became a defensive target, often committing costly fouls when opponents were already in the bonus.
Swapping Johnson for Washington immediately reshapes the Spurs’ defensive identity around Wembanyama:
- Elite Length & Size: Washington stands three inches taller than Johnson and boasts a massive 7’3″ wingspan, providing true power forward size.
- Defensive Versatility: Washington checked in with an impressive 2.2 stocks (steals + blocks) per game last season, proving an ability to switch seamlessly across multiple positions.
- Perimeter Floor Spacing: A career 35.4% shooter from beyond the arc on nearly five attempts per game, Washington ensures the paint stays wide open for interior scoring.
The Playoff Reality Check: Moving On from Keldon
To Johnson’s absolute credit, his perimeter shooting remained steady during the postseason, and he delivered an unforgettable, clutch performance in a grueling Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, outside of that lone explosion, Johnson heavily struggled against elite, disciplined defensive units. His historical tendency for “tunnel vision” returned, frequently driving into crowded lanes against three defenders rather than moving the ball.
Dropping back just ten spots in a heavily criticized draft is a negligible price to pay for a plug-and-play defensive stopper. For a Spurs team that was just a few possessions away from a title, executing this low-cost, high-reward upgrade at power forward is exactly how an already great team becomes an unstoppable dynasty.
Should the Spurs trade away a fan-favorite like Keldon Johnson to secure PJ Washington’s defense, or is the asking price too high? Sound off in the comments section below!
