Spurs Rumors: Insider says multiple teams have interest in Keldon Johnson

The entire landscape of the San Antonio Spurs shifted after landing Victor Wembanyama this summer, and everyone on the roster has seen their role transform to accommodate the first overall pick. Perhaps no one has been more directly affected by the arrival of the towering teenager than Keldon Johnson, who has relinquished his status as the uncontested go-to option and become a complementary player for this rebuilding ball club.

According to a report from Zach Lowe of ESPN, other franchises are well aware of the situation in San Antonio and are "keeping an eye" on Keldon. And it makes sense that teams around the NBA are interested in attaining his services, especially since he has three years left on his extension with an annual salary that decreases each season. That bargain bin deal could be alluring to championship contenders at the trade deadline.

Despite his diminishing scoring volume, Johnson has put up a respectable stat line, averaging 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on .441/.350/.704 shooting splits. That mediocre efficiency from the field and beyond the arc has been somewhat discouraging, but he has showcased serious passing chops as a connective tissue playmaker. Those newfound skills are a promising development that only adds to his appeal.

Does this intel from a trusted league insider mean Keldon Johnson will be on the move in 2023? Not necessarily, and San Antonio might want to hold onto the bruising slasher for the foreseeable future. His vocal leadership on and off the court is an invaluable asset to this young locker room. The Spurs are still figuring out how all their talented pieces fit together, and the fifth-year forward could be an instrumental part of the puzzle.