The San Antonio Spurs enter the 2024–25 season with a complete roster, but significant changes could occur by season’s end. Many young players are facing crucial seasons that could impact their future with the team. Here are three players who might not remain with the Spurs for the entire season.
**3) Zach Collins**
Backup center Zach Collins is aiming for a better season after struggling last year, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll finish the 2024-25 season in San Antonio. If he performs well, the Spurs might consider trading him to alleviate his substantial contract, which he signed while still a starting center. With Charles Bassey healthy and Mamu performing well in preseason, Collins could become expendable. The Spurs could use him in a trade to acquire a star player to complement Victor Wembanyama.
**2) Keldon Johnson**
If Collins is traded, Keldon Johnson could also be part of the deal. Together, their combined salaries of $37 million align with those of many NBA stars, giving the Spurs significant leverage for a major trade midseason. Johnson has slimmed down and looked faster in preseason, raising hopes for a breakout year. If he shows significant improvement, the Spurs may want to keep him, especially since his contract is manageable at around $20 million annually. However, if he doesn’t elevate his game, he could be a prime candidate for a trade.
**1) Chris Paul**
Unexpectedly, Chris Paul might not finish the season with the Spurs if they struggle. While expectations are for improvement, projections suggest the team could win only around 30 games. If this happens, it’s unlikely Paul would want to spend potentially his final season on a losing team. The Spurs likely considered this when recruiting him, as his $10.4 million contract is easily tradable. If they fall out of play-in contention, they might facilitate a trade for him to a team of his choice, potentially securing a valuable player and a second-round pick in return. This scenario represents a worst-case situation for the season, but it’s a possibility.
