Spurs gamble with their future in confusing Dylan Harper trade proposal

The Spurs' loss in the NBA Finals has sped up the timeline in San Antonio. Nobody expected them to make it that far so quickly, but since they did, everyone has ideas for how they can cross the finish line next time. One of the latest proposals involves shipping Dylan Harper to Utah in one of the most head-scratching proposals we've seen in a long time.

Proposed trade: Spurs receive - Lauri Markkanen, Svi Mykhailiuk, two future 1st-round picks
Jazz receive - Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet

Scoop B Henderson has covered the sport for a long time, and he makes an interesting argument for this deal happening. However, it doesn't really matter what the reasoning is, based on the belief that there's virtually no player in the league the Spurs should trade Harper for.

As skilled as Lauri Markkanen is, he's older, always injured, and may have already reached his ceiling. The Jazz forward has never played 70 games and has failed to crack 50 in two straight seasons. The year before that, he only suited up for 55. Trying to figure out how much of that is legitimate injury and how much is tanking isn't something SA should sign up for. Not when they already have D. Harp.

Harper has All-NBA talent and the Spurs know it

Are we sure we're all realizing how special this kid is? He was the best player on the floor in more than a few moments during his very first playoff run, and he was sharing the floor with some immensely talented players. Playing in the Western Conference Finals against the defending champions didn't faze him. Fighting for a championship in the NBA Finals as a first-year player didn't faze him.

This game is just as much of a mental grind as it is a physical one. Irrational confidence can get inadequate athletes in trouble, but it does wonders for the more talented. But Harper is proving to be more than just talented; he already has legendary finishing ability. His knack for getting in the paint and scoring over whoever's in his way isn't normal.

This kid showed the fortitude to take big shots and the discipline to make them, rising to the challenge in the most pressure-packed scenario one could be in. His outside shotmaking is already coming along. If he develops a consistent jump shot and improves his ability to make plays for his teammates just a touch, the Spurs could end up with two top 10 players on their roster.

That doesn't even get into the elite defensive chops he showed off during the Silver and Black's magical playoff run. I didn't touch on his advanced maturity for someone his age with his level of ability.

San Antonio isn't trading that away for anything.

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