If the Phoenix Suns need a third team to take on Bradley Beal‘s contract so that they can take Jimmy Butler off the Miami Heat’s hands, conversations need to be held with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs aren’t one of Beal’s preferred trade destinations. That shortlist includes the likes of the Heat, Denver Nuggets, and either or both teams located in Los Angeles (Lakers, Clippers), per longtime Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix radio host John Gambadoro. However, with 2023 No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama among those with a chance to take the reins from LeBron James as the face of the NBA, San Antonio isn’t just any run of the mill franchise.
Though one of the younger teams in the league, they aren’t a traditional rebuild either, as Wembanyama’s rapidly accelerated their timeline.
Bradley Beal Trade Could Take Spurs To Next Level
The Spurs are 18-19, 10th in the Western Conference. They’re just 3.5 games behind the fourth-seed Denver Nuggets, a team led by a three-time league MVP. If the regular season ended right now, they would be in the Play-In Tournament, with a shot at reaching the playoffs for the first time this decade.
Just imagine where they would be if they had a three-time All-Star in the mix as well?
With that being said, San Antonio shouldn’t put too much weight on Wembanyama’s razor-thin shoulders. Even if he proves that he can lead a hodgepodge team to the NBA Playoffs, just as superstars like James have, it’s not an optimal approach to short- or long-term success. He needs –and honestly even deserves –help.
All Development Isn’t Linear
Now, this is where young wings like Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson should come in handy. Vassell, drafted 11th overall in 2020, averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game last season. Johnson, who’s just 25 years old, averaged a career-high 22.0 points per game in 2022-23.
23yo Devin Vassell is poised to have a high-impact season…
Among the elite corner 3P shooters. Can do it off the bounce or the catch. Soft touch when he gets to the rim (would love him to get downhill more). And a crafty and versatile defender/playmaker. Excellent young player. https://t.co/T0hfVyRmQp pic.twitter.com/oTPjMAOTjd
— NBA University (@NBA_University) August 12, 2024
All development isn’t linear, as the saying goes. To that point, Vassell and Johnson’s underwhelming 2024-25 campaigns could be aberrations. However, the same unpredictability that breeds confidence in their ability to perform better down the line also leads to concerns.
Keldon Johnson tonight
• 25 points
• 8 rebounds
• 10/17 FGpic.twitter.com/e5MFN81XlZ— Bala 💫 (@BalaPattySZN) November 3, 2024
Who’s to say that Vassell and Johnson haven’t already peaked as players? Who knows what level they’ll be at when they finally plateau? Instead of hoping that either player demonstrates that they can consistently play at an All-Star level, the Spurs should include one of them in a deal for Beal, an established All-Star.
Bradley Buckets
It’s been a couple of years since the former No.3 pick pulled out all the stops. Yet, he isn’t too far removed from averaging 30+ points per game for the Washington Wizards in back-to-back seasons. Of course, the Spurs don’t need him to score 30 points per game but a consistent 20-25 would be ideal.
Bradley Beal’s averages over the last 3 seasons…
Clearly not suited for championship basketball as a number 1 option, but healthy Beal is still qualified to be a high-end 2nd option with his excellent on & off-ball versatility
4/$208m left on his contract…where will he land? pic.twitter.com/ZVtQn1Nj4N
— NBA University (@NBA_University) June 16, 2023
Notably, Beal hasn’t always gotten to play his natural role with the Phoenix Suns. Nonetheless, he’s actually become a better overall player since joining them. He’s now a sharper facilitator and a more focused defender but still has the ability to pour it on.
Trade Parameters
As for the trade itself?
Vassell (who played at Florida State), may be who Miami prefers as he’s more of an off-ball threat than Johnson. If they add in Tre Jones, they might also help solve the Heat’s point guard conundrum. The brother of Suns starting point guard Tyus Jones, he’d be the only true floor general on their standard 15-man roster. That is, unless they promote former Colorado State standout Isaiah Stevens.
From there, all the Spurs need to do is add in salary using a couple of end-of-the-bench players and draft capital. With four first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft alone, this shouldn’t be any sweat off their back. At least not if their goal is to take the next step as a team.
