3 Keldon Johnson trade partners that make sense, 3 that don't

The San Antonio Spurs might not have the worst record in the NBA (thank you, Detroit), but it's hard to argue that they haven't been the most disappointing team this season. With number one pick Victor Wembanyama proving to be as advertised, the Coach Gregg Popovich-led Spurs appear to be less than the sum of their parts.

That could lead the Spurs to be active as the upcoming NBA trade deadline approaches. One player potentially on the trade block is Keldon Johnson, who is the team's second-leading scorer but has recently been moved to the bench in favor of starting an inferior player in Julian Champagnie. With the writing on the wall that Johnson could get moved, let's look at three potential trade partners that make sense and three teams that don't.

Makes Sense: Houston Rockets

Former number two overall pick Jalen Green hasn't quite lived up to expectations thus far for the Houston Rockets, though he still has shown flashes of stardom. With better teammates, they have been less reliant on Green, though he hasn't taken advantage of having a better cast around him.

In some ways, the same can be said for Johnson, who led the Spurs in scoring last season but has been more inconsistent this campaign. That likely has something to do with him going from being the first option to being the third, but his play comes and goes. Some nights he's a ball of energy, bullying his way to the rim and knocking down threes, while others he doesn't do much to warrant attention.

Considering that Johnson and Green put up similar numbers last season, are having similar seasons this year, and the Rockets previously shopped him, there might be mutual interest in a trade. Green has star potential—albeit fading—while Johnson can be a good starter on a terrific contract. Perhaps Johnson for Green and former Spur Jock Landale might be enough for both in-state rivals.