Major Spurs offseason decision should be easy thanks to Carter Bryant

Carter Bryant has been a revelation since his uptick in minutes over the past three games. Harrison Barnes has been out ever since that ever-so-dangerous nap he took last week, and that's given us a glimpse of what the team could look like without him. The returns have been so impressive that it makes letting the 13-year veteran walk in the offseason an obvious choice for San Antonio.

Harrison Barnes' midseason slump set off a positive chain reaction

The Spurs couldn't have asked for this transition to happen any smoother if they tried. When Sacramento sent HB to South Texas, he only had two years left on his deal. Since the contract is set to expire this summer, the front office doesn't have to do anything other than let it happen. The timing is right as he's taken a reduced role after he struggled for too long of a stretch earlier this season.

When you think about it, that was the best thing to happen to San Antonio this season. His inability to hit a shot led to Mitch Johnson inserting Julian Champagnie into the starting lineup. The Silver and Black are 35-14 (71%) when Champ rolls with the opening unit this year.

The Native New Yorker is a better defender and rebounder than Barnes. His youth gives him the athletic advantage, too, so he's a step quicker when attacking closeouts. He's great with the starters, and HB's recent absence is showing us that Carter Bryant is great with the bench unit.

Had Barnes remained consistent and kept his ironman streak intact, there never would have been a reason to shake things up. When the offseason gets here, the Spurs may or may not have had confidence they could move on from him without the rotations falling apart without their veteran floor spacer. Now we have proof of concept.

Bryant is a revelation who could push the Spurs' rotations further

While Champagnie has more burst than Barnes, Carter has more than both of them, and he's been learning fast. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the explosive former Wildcat bullied his way into the starting lineup next season. Over the past three games, he's averaged six rebounds in 22 minutes per game while shooting 44% from three.

That's not a slight to Jules; he's good on the bench or with the starters. They have a similar size and weight, and they both bring shooting, defense, and rebounding. But Bryant isn't just a good defender. He's exceptional.

If the Spurs decided they wanted Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and the 2026 14th pick overall to start games, teams would have a hellacious time getting their offenses started in the opening quarter.

You caught me envisioning it all mid-article. My imagination can run wild when I see possibilities forming. To bring this all full circle, these possibilities are available because the Spurs and Barnes have reached an exit ramp, and it's time for Mr. 100% to take it. San Antonio will clear $19 million from their cap sheet, and their rotation for 2026-27 will already be set.

No matter how this season ends, this team will be even better next year. That's the nature of young, talented teams powered by a strong franchise. They keep improving. Wemby, Castle, Bryant, and Dylan Harper are already a problem, but they're going to get even better, and their chemistry will only improve.

It'll be tough to bid Barnes farewell. He's been great for San Antonio. It's also the most obvious path forward.