Carter Bryant isn't the only one who can force the Spurs to trade Keldon Johnson

The goals of this team may be lofty next season, but it won't amount to anything unless everyone puts in the work and the pieces fit. That's why Julian Champagnie is the x-factor in this equation, despite becoming the forgotten and sometimes disrespected man in recent conversations about the Spurs' potential.

San Antonio added Jules for a reason. He's another prototypical three-and-D wing, and those are more important than ever in today's NBA. He rained in deep shots at an over 40% clip in his first year in the league, but that efficiency has dipped over the past two seasons.

He still shot over the league's average with an average of 37% in the last two years with the Silver and Black, but you'd hope that a player who started his career scorching the nets would continue to improve, not regress. If he can recapture his hot shooting touch, San Antonio's formula for success becomes easier, and that would make Keldon Johnson expendable.

San Antonio doesn't need three backup wings

Let's say the Spurs roll out a starting lineup of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Victor Wembanyama. That would mean Keldon Johnson, Carter Bryant, and Julian Champagnie would all be fighting for minutes in that two-three spot, but when you add Castle and Harper, there won't be enough minutes for everyone to get a rhythm.

Someone is going to be the odd man out, and it's easy to see why it would be KJ. He's the only one on the team who you can't really see being a part of any of San Antonio's best lineups. He's not efficient enough from outside to be the sniper that any of their most impactful offensive groups would need, and he's never been a great defender.

It's actually reasonable to project Champagnie's ability to regain his shooting form since he's done it before and has at least maintained a respectable percentage to force the defense to respect him. If he can hit 40% or more again, you can justify putting him in any lineup Mitch Johnson may want to deploy in a given situation.

Jules isn't as dynamic a defender as the newly added rookie drafted out of Arizona, but he's much better than Johnson. At that point, KJ is sliding too far down the bench and making too much money to justify keeping him there. With such a movable contract, Keldon is likely the first to be shipped off, not just because of Bryant, but also Champagnie.