5 Spurs who are expendable, 3 they can't afford to trade

Cannot afford to trade: Devin Vassell

Vassell just signed a five-year $135 million extension, which begins in the 2024-25 campaign. He is a long-term piece for the Spurs, but the franchise is still trying to figure out his best role. The 6’5 wing started eight of his first nine games before missing three with a groin injury. Since returning, Vassell has been the team’s sixth man.

Starting or coming off the bench has not mattered. Vassell is a key scorer, floor spacer, and shot-maker for the Spurs. Through 14 games played, he averaged 18.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steal in 28.1 minutes per game. The 23-year-old is shooting a career-high 49.5 percent from the field and 40.9 percent on his 3-point tries.

There are questions about his defense, but the 11th overall draft pick in 2020 continues to improve. His 3-point percentage has risen every season, and the Spurs need to put a bit more talent around him to improve their defense.

Finding a plus-shooting wing capable of scoring 18 points every night is not easy. If his defense stagnates, Devin Vassell is one of the NBA’s best sixth men. The San Antonio Spurs hope he grows into a starter and key role player next to Wemby, and the 23-year-old still has plenty of time to accomplish that.