Spurs make reunion with two former stars all-but impossible with latest move

The San Antonio Spurs' surprising decision to re-sign Jordan McLaughlin all but closes the door on a reunion with two former team stars. Former Spurs stars Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan could have potentially been brought back had the Spurs acted.

Instead, they opted to bring back McLaughlin and move ever closer to the luxury tax. Now, they only have room to bring in a player with one or two years of experience on a minimum contract.

Otherwise, they would go into the luxury tax, something they are likely loathe to do. San Antonio not being interested in Leonard isn't that much of a surprise. After all, he demanded a trade seven years ago and burned bridges in the process.

Spurs’ latest signing leaves no room for two former stars’ return

DeRozan might have been a more realistic option since he left the team on good terms. Even so, his fit with the Spurs was questionable at best. Odds are, both players will likely end up with the Toronto Raptors while the Spurs' offseason is winding down.

Hopefully, both players will end up back with the Raptors. It wouldn't impact the Spurs much if they did, but it could shake up the Eastern Conference.

After all, having a more competitive Raptors team would make for a tougher path back to the NBA Finals for the New York Knicks. As will a revamped Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.

For nostalgia sake, it might have been cool to see Leonard or DeRozan return to help the Spurs win their championship. Fortunately, San Antonio doesn't need either of them and has already had an incredibly successful offseason.

Kawhi Leonard and DeMar DeRozan likely won't return to the Spurs

It's important to remember San Antonio won 62 games last season and made it all the way to the NBA Finals. They should only be better next season with them having added Tobias Harris to a strong young core.

San Antonio has also solved their center problems by replacing several unplayable big men with two talented young prospects.

Adding depth of power forward and solving their depth issues at center could dramatically improve the Spurs. As could offseason development from Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle.

If all those upgrades work out next season, San Antonio would be justified in turning down a potential reunion with Leonard or DeRozan.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow