Spurs' De'Aaron Fox plans could decide whether Keldon Johnson becomes necessary again

De'Aaron Fox is a valued contributor in San Antonio, as far as the franchise is currently concerned. They've confirmed that several times, but things can change quickly in sports, and a pivot on Swipa after this season could be a good thing for Keldon Johnson. If Fox is moved, Dylan Harper slides into the starting lineup, and bench production would become a priority.

That could be the opening KJ needs.

Fox's future could reopen the door for Keldon Johnson

The former Kentucky forward is in an odd place in his career right now. He's the longest-tenured player on the Spurs' roster, and after winning Sixth Man of the Year, Big Body enters the final year of his contract without a new deal. After writing a heartfelt letter to the fans, Johnson has made it clear that he wants to remain in San Antonio.

To make that happen, things might have to go just right for him but wrong for Fox. The Spurs say they want the ex-Sacramento point guard to be a part of this team's future, but we all saw how he finished in the NBA Finals.

Right now, those who are excusing him for most of his performance (like myself) understand that his ankle injury affected his play. It was also his first time making it that deep into the postseason, so he deserves some grace on that front as well. But what if he struggles in the playoffs for a second consecutive year?

That three-guard lineup didn't work much last year. If Harper is breaking out as we all expect, but there's a problem getting them all on the floor because the fit continues to be awkward, the front office could begin to doubt the long-term partnership.

One or even both of those situations may materialize, forcing different decisions to be made about this roster's construction. That's where Keldon's case makes itself, because, at that point, the Spurs would want to ensure their bench was still dangerous. His resume is already sitting right there.

Keldon Johnson already has what the Spurs may need

Johnson just went for 13 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes a night, shooting 52% from the field. He's the reigning 6MOY and just set a franchise record with 1,081 points off the bench. That broke a mark Manu Ginobili had held since 2007-08.

If Fox is ever moved and Harper takes over as the starter, San Antonio's bench mob needs exactly what Keldon already gives it: a guy who can check in cold and get buckets without the offense running through him. Nobody else on the roster, pre-Tobias Harris, has proven they can do that at KJ's level. Not yet, anyway.

Johnson's four-year, $80 million extension runs out after this season. That means the Silver and Black could be negotiating a new deal for their own Sixth Man of the Year at the exact moment they're untangling one of the bigger roster questions in the building. That's risky, because you don't want to lose him for nothing.

Making everything work will require both sides to have patience, and that's where KJ's love for San Antonio plays in their favor.

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