Clever cap trick could allow the Spurs to reward Keldon Johnson’s loyalty

Many fans expect this season to be Keldon Johnson's last with the San Antonio Spurs, but he may still have a future with the team. Johnson hasn't received a contract extension yet, but that doesn't mean his fate is sealed.

Especially after the surprise re-signing of Harrison Barnes. Barnes wasn't expected to return this season but signed a one-year deal for roughly half of what he had been making.

That could serve as the blueprint for a new contract for the Spurs and Johnson. Johnson will make $17.5 million this season, and while the Spurs haven't offered him a long-term extension, they might be open to bringing him back on a one-year deal.

Keldon Johnson could technically return on a one-year deal

San Antonio currently has 11 players under contract for next season, totaling roughly $202 million, but that doesn't include Johnson and their 2027 first-round selection. That's important to note because the second apron is projected to be $236 million, giving the Spurs some room to play with.

The Spurs could bring him back on a one-year $15 million deal. Combine that with the salary for their 2027 first-round pick, which is projected to be about $4 million, and that would result in the team having 13 players and about $15 million below the second apron.

The point is that it's technically doable if the Spurs wanted to bring him back. Most of the conversation has been about him signing a multi-year deal for more than what he's making now. Paying him $20 million a year for the next three or four years isn't feasible, but bringing him back on a one-year deal might be.

Keldon Johnson's contract fate is still up in the air

Johnson might be willing to return on a one-year deal, especially if the Spurs win a championship this season. After all, he's already been a Spur going on eight seasons, so signing a one-year deal to remain in San Antonio might be something he's willing to do.

If San Antonio and Johnson are able to agree to a one-year deal this summer, then fans should welcome him back. Look, he might not have played all that well in the NBA playoffs last season, but he is still valuable to this team and is still evolving.

He has already shown up to training camp looking slimmed down. That's something that he did last year, and it worked out well for him and the Spurs. If anyone can get the most out of his talent, it's him.

Overall, if the Spurs are interested in bringing him back and Johnson is willing to return on a short-term deal and for a pay cut, he could return after this season.

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