Spurs' salary crunch leaves two obvious frontrunners for final roster spot

After the Victor Wembanyama extension and the Jordan McLaughlin re-signing, the Spurs are more or less done for the offseason, barring any shocking trades. They’re hovering just below the luxury tax, limiting their financial flexibility to do anything else in free agency despite having one more open roster slot.

But there is one way San Antonio could add a 15th man without crossing the tax line. They have enough wiggle room to sign a player with zero years of experience, meaning a rookie could get the final spot on the team.

That’s big news for Maliq Brown and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, the pair of 2026 second-round picks who both look like potential keepers for the Silver and Black. Brown or Gillespie could very well find themselves converted to a standard contract soon.

San Antonio should consider Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown

It’s possible that the Spurs will roll into the 2026-27 season with just 14 standard contract players. But it wouldn’t hurt to have a 15th guy available in case of injuries or foul trouble, or, at the very least, just to have an extra body in practice.

The financial situation the team is in limits their options for new signees, but that’s fine, because the man for the job might already be in Alamo City.

San Antonio drafted Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown 42nd and 44th overall in this past June’s draft, respectively. Both guys were given two-way deals off the bat, but a full contract could now be in the cards for whichever one the club favors.

Either Gillespie or Brown would be worthy recipients of the roster spot, especially if they continue their strong Summer League play. Both have shown they know their strengths and are comfortable in their roles, and both fit molds of players the Spurs could use.

Gillespie and Brown are both clear fits for this Spurs team

Gillespie is undersized, but he’s an elite shooter and a quality ball handler who certainly has the makings of a backup guard in the league. It was clear throughout the 2026 playoffs, especially in moments when De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle were struggling, that the Spurs were short on creation and perimeter scoring. Gillespie could provide a boost in those areas.

As for Brown, he’s a versatile defensive force who competes hard and prioritizes winning above all else. He feels like a future fan favorite, and he may also become a key rotation piece one day who can be trusted in meaningful games.

Overall, both Gillespie and Brown are worth investing in for San Antonio. Giving one of them a standard deal, rather than a two-way, would be a major kickstart for their career that could turn into high return on investment for the Spurs.

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