posters here still thinking Keldon is useful on the roster because of the Power of Friendship
Keldon is 5th among bench-scorers in the league. He's actually embraced that Manu 6th man role and always plays with energy.
It's Devin's inconsistencies that bothers me. I'm thinking it was after surgery. He was my MIP candidate before when they gave to Ja.
Are you thinking of Dejounte? The year Ja won MIP, DJM finished second in voting. That was Devin's sop re season - no one seriously would have been considering him for MIP.
With this FA class being weak, Keldon's salary isn't too much of impediment now and theoretically he would be part of what gets moved out if a better option comes along via trade, so it's not a huge deal. Next summer he'll be an expiring so even more moveable, so he's really not a problem.Yeah, and I would add that he's a great guy to have at practices and internal scrimmages. This is again something most people overlook since cameras don't show it; but the same way you have your lazy-ass Iverson's "We talkin' 'bout practice!" who don't give a about anything besides their on-court play, you also have your "100% energy all the time" guys like Keldon or Westbrook. And (again in the right context) I'd much, much rather have the latter on my team. It makes everyone adjust to their energy and have to play harder and meaningfully, setting the tone.
Your questions are fair.... Keldon did seem mysteriously down around the trade deadline, very bummed on interviews. Maybe it was just "hot seat nerves" as he's a perfect trade candidate, but I can also see him not staying eternally content as his role diminishes further when the team brings in more promising, talented, and younger players that take away his minutes.
How he takes that is a measure of his professionalism - he's already been paid life-changing money, so it's not a Scottie Pippen situation. Looking at him from the outside, having followed him since he was a rookie on the Austin Toros, I kinda have a hard time imagining him "souring" on the team and his role -- especially if the Spurs start to seriously trend upwards and win games, as they're expected to. "Winning cures all" remains true and applies here; nobody wants to be the 15th man on a tanking squad, of course.
I asked this to Spurraider and ask you too, since you brought it up; how many years does Keldon have left at that salary? I can absolutely see the FO negotiating a low-ball for his next contract. Something of a "we did right by you when we were bad, now it's your turn to sacrifice" kinda thing. Again, we'll see if and how he takes it.... But he's always seemed to value being a Spur, and that has value beyond the dollar amount.
As for Devin? No breakdown to be had - I'm tired of him!
I don't have a problem if we still roll with Keldon as a bench piece, even as the 6th man, but one of he or Devin has got to go. They are wholly incompatible together (I started a thread on this during the season). And Devin's only viable path on this team is as 6th man IMO (at which point he's really overpaid, but we can manage).
You stopped expecting Devin's shots to go in but still want to keep Keldon when Keldon is even less efficient than Devin? At least if Vassell stopped thinking he's Kobe, he could be semiserviceable as a guy that can shoot and defend (if he puts his effort into it) at least at average levels. Keldon has no redeeming quality whatsoever.Yeah, and I would add that he's a great guy to have at practices and internal scrimmages. This is again something most people overlook since cameras don't show it; but the same way you have your lazy-ass Iverson's "We talkin' 'bout practice!" who don't give a about anything besides their on-court play, you also have your "100% energy all the time" guys like Keldon or Westbrook. And (again in the right context) I'd much, much rather have the latter on my team. It makes everyone adjust to their energy and have to play harder and meaningfully, setting the tone.
Your questions are fair.... Keldon did seem mysteriously down around the trade deadline, very bummed on interviews. Maybe it was just "hot seat nerves" as he's a perfect trade candidate, but I can also see him not staying eternally content as his role diminishes further when the team brings in more promising, talented, and younger players that take away his minutes.
How he takes that is a measure of his professionalism - he's already been paid life-changing money, so it's not a Scottie Pippen situation. Looking at him from the outside, having followed him since he was a rookie on the Austin Toros, I kinda have a hard time imagining him "souring" on the team and his role -- especially if the Spurs start to seriously trend upwards and win games, as they're expected to. "Winning cures all" remains true and applies here; nobody wants to be the 15th man on a tanking squad, of course.
I asked this to Spurraider and ask you too, since you brought it up; how many years does Keldon have left at that salary? I can absolutely see the FO negotiating a low-ball for his next contract. Something of a "we did right by you when we were bad, now it's your turn to sacrifice" kinda thing. Again, we'll see if and how he takes it.... But he's always seemed to value being a Spur, and that has value beyond the dollar amount.
As for Devin? No breakdown to be had - I'm tired of him!
Last edited by DAF86; 04-17-2025 at 03:32 PM.
Basically this. Lol
I think he’s useful because he’s one of only two players on this team that can bully their way to the rim and score.
I don't really want KD, but a part of me wants Devin+Keldon+Jeremy package to be traded for him just so we're ing done with hoping they'll eventually turn a corner and become consistent, positive contributors.
It's time to actually compete, Castle has shown huge improvements during his rookie year, meanwhile these three scrubs haven't done over many years despite having no pressure to win games or perform.
I'd do it if KD doesn't expect an extension (or will extend for 2/20 or some other absurdly low ring-chasing discount). Great way to clear up a bunch of cap space for 2026.
I have been wondering what people's temperatures would be about something involving Cam Johnson? Have liked his game for several years now, think he fills a role offensively. I think there were reports that Brooklyn was looking for 2ish 1st round picks for him, so I'd assume they didn't find takers at that price. So maybe something around the price of 2 "fake" picks (ie, heavily protected/late 1sts) or 1 real pick plus lesser assets?
So something built around Keldon and figuring out what of Spurs '25, ATL '25, Sochan, poo-poo platter of future 2nds gets the rest of the way there. What would be the price point that people would be willing to pull that trigger? Or are people more out on Cam than I am?
I'd be fine with offering him a 1 year max for 26-27 season. Wemby's extension kicks in for 27-28.
Those three and a bunch of seconds would be my offer to the Suns. Maybe a lottery protected FRP.
They're in no position to negotiate.
Cam is a good player, but this season it looked like we need a physical presence at PF.
Neither Cam nor Barnes are strong enough for a PF role in serious matchups.
I don't think Wright would trade for him unless the price is fair.
I agree with that assessment. Who would your target be there?
I've not hated the idea of John Collins, but the actual player, I have a hard time selling myself on sometimes. Add that every team he's on seems fine to move on from him gives me pause. Still, the archetype is intriguing. But I worry about looking for the perfect fit gets in the way of a good fit. Which is why I like a guy like Cam. Open to other options, of course.
he played for 2 teams in his entire NBA career
And both have been more than willing to move on from him lol. I still find him intriguing. Especially on what I would hope is the best team he's played for.he played for 2 teams in his entire NBA career
Or turn it over
17 million is pretty fair for the scoring production you get from Keldon. People just look for someone to blame. The idea that you HAVE to move him right now is just dumb.
When I pointed out same it was tank king and worthless playing with Wemby as the retorts. Those are not invalid complaints or observations. But, being able to beat your man 1 v 1 and punish defenses physically are not common skills at the NBA level. Most of all KJ played with HEART. I can see him having a productive role off the bench for us. Sure I would be happy with an upgrade if that’s in the cards, but I can also see a path for him to contribute for us in a well defined bench role in 2025-6.
That’s why the role needs to be simple and well defined. Being able to have one of our big 3 and Keldon on the floor and avoid going negative while the other main two stars catch a breather is valuable.
the reason i would say its the right time to move keldon is not because we can't afford to pay 17.5 mil for his production...
its that in the second half of the season i think he played well enough to rehab some of his value. he has 2 years left on his deal for 17.5mil apiece which isnt awful. so he may actually be a somewhat appealing trade piece to certain teams. better to deal him now than wait a year and a half and then try to get anything for him. whether or not we move on from him asap, i think we can all agree he's probably not a fit for our long term plans
Atlanta has had a rolling four year roster fire sale to cut costs. That’s why they moved him. Ainge took him, plus some assets as a salary dump. That’s why he’s willing to move him.
Just looking at players salary between 14 and 20 mil, nothing jumps out as a straight up swap for Johnson that would make sense for both teams. Maybe a low key move for Mitc Robinson, just to get some backup center out there. I would eye Jalen Mcdaniels and the Twolves cap situation with Reid's looming pay rise.
But to be honest, I think the Spurs are willing to go after someone bigger or package a bigger deal involving Johnson. Like could Bam be put on the market. He would be a good pairing with Wemby and Fox.
PJ Washington could be a great fit, feels like he should be gettable.
Real world he's insurance for AD, but in fairytale world where Nico still has a job and must assume AD will be healthy, there's just no minutes with Lively & Gafford. He's an expiring at just over $14M next yr, Mavs have 12 under contract $3M below the 1st Apron and need a starting PG (maybe Tyus Jones?). They've gone all-in with a 2 yr window, gotta do something now and prolly want to stay under the apron for roster flexibility.
PJ for Wesley, Branham, and a min works money wise +2nds or a highly protected '27. Mavs free up $5Mish.
Or PJ/Caleb Martin for Sochan/Wes/Bran+min and a 2nd(s) frees about $7M, although they're prolly not ready to salary dump Martin.
Maybe not a bad gamble for 22 y/o with "potential" that give you needed depth (PG/PF/.408% 3pt shooter) and have movable, expiring contracts with team control. Gafford is also expiring at $14.4M so maybe more likely they look to trade him to make it a AD/Lively/PJ rotation, but both where brought in to play with Luka and Gafford has a much clearer role with a healthy AD and Lively doesn't look ready to play 30mpg yet.
The PJ price can't be high, roster is F-d & against the apron, expiring who doesn't fit with AD at PF. Strong, switchable forward with hops and length, 38% last yr, 36% career.
I would love him & would rather pay him vs Sochan, arguably addition by subtraction alone of the '21 draft class for us but all 3 have some legitimate change-of-scenery potential, and Mavs need to get busy. If any of the 3 turn a corner suddenly the Mavs have an extra asset or two plus the pick(s) to do something in the AD/Kyrie/(Klay?) window.
Mavs can get more for PJ if he extends (I'd be open to giving the ATL '25 depending where it lands w/ PJ on a reasonable 3-4yr K), but I doubt anyone would give up a potential lottery 1st as an expiring, and we know Nico doesn't feel the need to seek better offers. I'm prolly dreaming, but PJ would fit this roster well. Fox/DV/Castle/PJ/Wemby is fighting for that 4 seed. One can dream.
I'd do it in a heartbeat, I'd do Devin + Keldon + pick 8 for Durant too. He makes the Spurs significantly better, can fit in his massive contract for the next couple of years and he addresses so many needs for this roster. If they're going to play Fox and Castle they're going to need elite spacing because these two are unlikely to turn into good three point shooters.
Also, another vet would help a ton and the way Wemby speaks about KD he'll be all in on this as well. Just get Phoenix to accept somehow. Indications from Houston are that they're reluctant to trade for KD and the Spurs should use this and strike before Houston come to their senses.
I'd also prefer it if the Spurs stay over the cap and split the MLE between Brook Lopez and CP3 in this scenario.
Just looked at the Naz Reid thread, and saw:
Bruno's post -The blueprint of a S&T move with Spurs getting Naz Reid would be:
Spurs trade:
- 2 second round picks.
- 2030 first round pick swap with Minny.
- Branham
- Wesley
- One of Mamu, Bassey or McLaughlin S&T with a $3M/1 year guaranteed salary
Spurs get:
- Naz Reid with a $91M/4 years contract.
This is very similar to what I was thinking for PJ, except I would not give up the Dallas Swap-too valuable w/o Luka- and I'd expect PJ to make less than Naz, more like $80-85/4 yrs, vs $100/4 with Naz. Naz is prolly a better shooter, is a yr younger, more durable, and slightly longer/taller and much heavier, but I think PJ is the better defender, rebounder, and much more versatile/switchable. I'd rather have Naz at C but I think he'll be way harder to get and cost more assets and money.
But maybe I'm crazy to think PJ is as available as he looks. Mavs off-season will be very interesting.
So with this, yes, I like that he can get to the rim, but IMO, he predetermines those drives to the basket and doesn't see anything else along the way. Sometimes, he needs to adjust and maybe a pass is a better option.
Steph bullies his way to the rim too, but he can also pass the ball out if need be. I've hardly ever seen Keldon do that ever.
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
