Spurs can pull off yet another trade heist by targeting a hidden gem

Although the NBA trade deadline has come and gone, the San Antonio Spurs should still keep an eye on possible offseason trade targets. One potential move could see the Silver and Black trading for Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson.

Johnson has been on many Spurs fans' radar over the last couple of seasons given his sharp shooting ability and affordable contract. Even so, he has been relatively disappointing on the Nuggets, who acquired him in a cost-saving move in a deal for Michael Porter Jr.

Obviously, Denver is having a much better season than the Brooklyn Nets, but Porter Jr. is having a much better season than Johnson. Even so, the Nuggets have still remained one of the best teams in the Western Conference thanks to their improved depth.

However, with the emergence of guard Peyton Watson, they may be forced to trade a starter to re-sign him. Therefore, the Nuggets could very well move Johnson to make that happen.

Spurs must trade for the Nuggets' Cam Johnson

Any trade for Johnson must save the Nuggets significant salary. Unfortunately, the Spurs won't have many expendable contracts to offer Denver. That means that they would have to trade a rotation player. Moreover, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, or Luke Kornet is the only realistic trade option.

I don't see the Spurs moving Kornet given his importance as a backup to Victor Wembanyama. Keldon Johnson might be an option given that he will be on an expiring contract and is set to make about $6 million less than Cam Johnson.

Obviously, moving him would be unpopular considering his value to the Spurs on and off the court. Then again, it's difficult to say whether they will look to bring him back after next season.

After all, this team is projected to get very expensive in the near future. For that reason, Vassell might be the most likely trade candidate, with him having three years left on his contract after this season.

Cam Johnson could be a solid stop-gap option

To make a trade happen, a third team may have to be involved. The Spurs could send Vassell to a third team, which would then send a reasonably priced player to the Nuggets, allowing them to save enough money to re-sign Watson.

Lastly, San Antonio would add Johnson. Moving on from Vassell would hurt considering he's their best all-around shooter, but he's owed $78 million after this season. Keeping him for the duration of his contract seems unlikely, especially with the Silver and Blacks' depth on the perimeter.

San Antonio could just as easily extend Julian Champagnie for less than what they are paying Vassell annually and have him start at small forward. That would clear out a spot for Cam Johnson, who'd give the Spurs an A+ shooter to put next to Wembanyama and company.

He'd be able to fill a role similar to Barnes but is a more versatile shooter and younger too. Even so, Johnson would probably be a stopgap with the rapid development of Carter Bryant.

Johnson will be on an expiring contract next season. Acquiring him would allow San Antonio to save money in the long term without taking a step back next season, making him a tempting trade target.