Mitch Johnson blows door wide open for Spurs to make stunning trade

Nearly 50 games into the season, and the San Antonio Spurs are still tinkering with their rotation. Coach Mitch Johnson recently tweaked the starting lineup by benching Harrison Barnes in favor of Julian Champagnie.

That move was a long time coming, with Champagnie having outplayed Barnes for most of the year. Even so, Barnes had started 350 straight games. With that streak now over, and Barnes apparently now a part of the second unit, it opens the door for the Spurs to potentially trade him.

The thought of trading "Mr. 100%" once seemed outlandish. But his declining play and role open the door for the Spurs to move on from him.

Mitch Johnson benching Harrison Barnes may lead to a trade

His $19 million expiring contract could be a juicy trade chip for San Antonio. Package him with Jeremy Sochan, who Johnson banished from the rotation, and a first, and they could make a big trade.

Perhaps one for a borderline all-star, one who could dramatically improve the Spurs' offense. Or, maybe they opt to bring in a power forward to possibly replace Barnes, with Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis Jr. being a potential option.

Whether San Antonio ultimately makes a trade or not, it seems that Barnes' future with the team may already be sealed. He's 34, and while he previously looked as though he might get an extension, the Silver and Black probably wouldn't at this point.

Harrison Barnes is playing his way off the Spurs

That's too bad since when he was playing well, he was the perfect fit next to Victor Wembanyama and had plenty of experience playing with De'Aaron Fox. Now, the Spurs don't have a clear long-term answer at power forward with him declining and Sochan flaming out.

They could use the mid-level exception this summer. Or, San Antonio could use the pick received from the Atlanta Hawks to target a power forward in this year's draft.

Both are viable options. However, the fact that Barnes and Sochan have seemingly fallen out of favor with Johnson is still surprising.

The only silver lining is that the Spurs could use the money they were going to pay Barnes and Sochan and put it elsewhere. That could make them cheaper in the long run. Especially if they decide to roll with Champagnie and Carter Bryant at power forward next season.

Still, the Spurs should hope that Barnes can find his footing if he isn't traded. It's possible, but Johnson has seemingly already made his mind up regarding his future.