Divisional rivalries will always exist in the NBA. For starters, you see the teams in your division more often. More broadly, there are regional tensions that drive rivalries.
For example, there are three teams in Texas alone. At different points in NBA history, they’ve each been atop the state. Currently, the Dallas Mavericks are the best team in Texas, and nobody could disagree.
With that said, the Houston Rockets are quickly approaching them. On the other hand, the San Antonio Spurs are far behind each other Texas team. Perhaps that’s why it’s been rumored that they’re willing to part with Keldon Johnson. Could they send him stateside to the Rockets?
The Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
Of course, the pecking order will change. It always has, and it always will. Throughout most of the 1990s, the Rockets were the kings of Texas. The idea that the Spurs could ever overcome them would be laughable to fans of that era.
Until they drafted Duncan Robinson and Tim Duncan, that is. Suddenly, the Spurs were a powerhouse. They enjoyed a prolonged dynasty through the 2000s that surpassed even the lofty success that Houston had in the 90s.
In the meantime, even the Mavericks won a championship. With that said, the other two Texas teams have been rebuilding. The Rockets are making a return to relevancy in 2023-24, while the Spurs still have a ways to go. Could they trade Johnson to the Rockets?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
If it’s true that San Antonio is open to moving Johnson, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise. He’s a very similar player to Devin Vassell, and the Spurs just offered him a large contract. The Spurs don’t have to choose between the two, but they could see the benefits of diversifying their roster.
Here, they’re not landing any players who are part of their long-term plans. Oladipo is on an expiring contract, and Landale has a team option this summer. That’s perfect for the Spurs – they won’t be keeping either of them.
They’re doing this pick for a first-round pick. Sure, the Nets aren’t likely to convey a lottery pick. This still represents an opportunity for the Spurs to add some young talent to their roster. Should the Rockets give up that opportunity?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Well, Johnson is not old. The Spurs aren’t moving him because he’s outside of their timeline. They’re moving him because they’re not ready to compete, and he can net them some future-focused value.
On the other hand, the Rockets are winning games this year. Most notably, they’re doing so despite a difficult season from Jalen Green. Do we have the Rockets replacing their recent lottery pick here?
Yes and no. Johnson is a multi-positional player who could be a valuable reserve upon arriving in Houston. Still, he’ll at least put some pressure on Green – if he can’t deliver more consistently, Johnson could take his spot. If he clicks with Houston’s starters, he could make the divisional rivalry between the Rockets and the Spurs a little more interesting.
