In 2022, the Spurs traded away one of the most beloved players in recent memory to the Boston Celtics for Romeo Langford, Josh Richardson, a 2022 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. Fans were saddened by the loss of Derrick White, and he's still discussed with nothing but love when his name comes up in basketball conversations.
Three years later, he's still giving to the organization he credits for helping him find the confidence he needed to become one of the most invaluable Swiss-army knife-style players in the league. The Celtics would not have won last year's championship without him.
He's a special player, so much so that my brother (he's a Miami Heat fan) curses the Spurs' name constantly for sending such a good player to a franchise he despises. The return didn't seem like much at the time compared to what the Colorado product provided, but today's trade proves that White still has gifts to give that stemmed from that trade.
Derrick White trade details take unexpected turn after latest Spurs deal
That 2022 first-rounder wasn't very valuable at the time of the draft. It was a weak class, and Boston was a very good team, so the selection landed in the first round. That's how the Spurs acquired the Fighting Irish guard Blake Wesley. The defensive-focused guard was fun to root for, but he's not what this team needs right now, so Brian Wright just used him to help find what it does.
Frontcourt depth and shooting were at the top of the Silver and Black's needs list heading into the offseason, and they've addressed it while clearing the logjam at guard. Let's be honest; there wasn't going to be much time for Wesley and Malaki Branham with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell eating up the minutes.
Now, thanks to what started with Derrick White, the Spurs will be able to put several lineups on the floor around Victor Wembanyama. They may not be done conducting business, but right now, San Antonio has a deep group they can rotate through each game.
Spurs' rotation after Kelly Olynyk trade
De'Aaron Fox
Stephon Castle
Dylan Harper
Devin Vassell
Carter Bryant
Keldon Johnson
Julian Champagnie
Harrison Barnes
Jeremy Sochan
Kelly Olynyk
Luke Kornet
Victor Wembanyama
It's uncommon to see a coach actually deploy an 12-man rotation, so it's likely that there will be nights that someone is left on the outside looking in. But these are all selfless players who understand the grander mission.
One thing is for sure: Coach Mitch Johnson has been given quite a bit to work with. There will be answers to most problems somewhere on the roster if everyone takes the summer seriously and steps up their game for the coming season. I'm betting they will, and the Spurs not trading away any of the core guys lets you know that they're counting on the same.