Spurs still haven’t signed their Summer League MVP, and it’s baffling

With NBA Summer League now in the books, the San Antonio Spurs should waste no time signing standout David Jones-Garcia. He averaged a terrific 22 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, while drilling 52.1% from the field and a blistering 51% on 6.4 3-point attempts per game.

As a result, the fact that the Spurs haven't signed Jones-Garcia to a long-term deal is confusing, to say the least. After all, he was one of the best players at NBA Summer League, and yet he is the only one of those players not under contract next season.

Locking him up on a three- or four-year deal for the minimum is the definition of low-risk, high-reward. The Spurs aren't close to the luxury tax and could afford what would be his $1.2 million salary for next season without having to duck the tax.

They also have two open roster spots and could use one of them on Jones-Garcia and possibly the other on Riley Minix, who has also impressed as an offensive threat.

Signing David Jones-Garcia should be a no-brainer Spurs move

Even though Jones-Garcia likely won't have a big role next season on the Spurs, locking up a young player that has a chance to be a future rotation player is smart. Look at the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will be paying their trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams $160 million a year starting in 2026-27.

That's reason enough for the Spurs to try to make frugal long-term moves now in the hopes that it can offset some of the sticker shock De'Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama's max contracts will have.

With the Spurs kicking the tires on trading Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, were a big trade to happen between now and the trade deadline, Jones-Garcia could step into a bigger role. Even if they don't, the Spurs need shooting, and his eye-popping shooting numbers could help him see playing time, especially if there are injuries.

The Spurs have been known to make use of their depth. Therefore, it's possible that he could see NBA minutes next season, with his spectacular Summer League performance proving he is at least an NBA-caliber player.

Overall, Jones-Garcia has played more than well enough in Summer League to earn a spot on the Spurs. Whether he ultimately signs with the team remains to be seen, but he would be a fantastic long-term addition that could help them in the near future.