Spurs: Answering 5 Burning Questions About Forbes-Hernangomez Trade

2. Can we expect Juancho Hernangomez to crack the rotation?

At first glance, it's hard to see Juancho Hernangomez finding regular minutes with the Spurs. At 6-9, his natural position is a power forward or small forward, although he's played center on occasion. Right now, San Antonio is starting Keldon Johnson, Doug McDermott, and Jakob Poeltl in those respective positions.

As far as backups, Devin Vassell and Keita Bates-Diop have earned rightful spots in those forward slots. Jock Landale, meanwhile, has become the first backup option at center but that spot could soon be contested by a returning Zach Collins.

Hernangomez fell out of the rotation in Boston and has only received 5.3 minutes per game in 18 contests all season. He's made just 3 of his 18 attempts from downtown this season (16.7%) but shoots from beyond the arc at 34.6% for his career. He could be a potential floor-spacing forward if he does manage to get minutes with the Spurs.

Another thing worth noting: it appears Real Madrid might have their sights set on Juancho this summer when his deal becomes non-guaranteed. While he could always surprise us, something tells me this might just be a short-term rental for the Spurs and the real prize is the draft pick and cap space saved.

He could even be bought out before ever seeing the court. As John Hollinger pointed out in his article (subscription required) Wednesday morning, the Spurs could do that and choose to sign Joe Wieskamp to a roster contract instead of a two-way.

3. Did the Spurs have a Bryn Forbes trade in mind all along?

This is one of the most frequent questions I've seen on social media since the trade was announced. In short, I have no idea and no one really does besides the Spurs' front office. It would certainly make sense that San Antonio signed Forbes with the idea that they could probably flip him if needed. He's an excellent shooter that can help any contender with the personnel to make up for some of his shortcomings.

While he can be an offensive firecracker, the Spurs weren't equipped to give him heavy minutes with an already inconsistent defense trying to adapt on the fly. Given that he was only signed to a one-year deal for $4.5 million, San Antonio didn't sacrifice too much while also getting a future asset and sending him to a team that should be contenders when his teammates get healthy.

I think San Antonio probably had a move like this in their back pocket all along, but I can't confirm that with 100% certainty.