The Spurs’ offseason strategy is becoming crystal clear: build around Victor Wembanyama while keeping the veteran presence that helped them improve by 12 wins in 2024-25. After locking up their frontcourt depth, San Antonio turned its attention to ensuring they don’t lose the steady hands that guide their young core through the growing pains of championship building.
Why Did the Spurs Prioritize Bringing Back Jordan McLaughlin?
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that six-year point guard Jordan McLaughlin agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal to return to San Antonio.
Free agent guard Jordan McLaughlin has agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal to return to the San Antonio Spurs, agent Greg Lawrence of Wasserman told ESPN. McLaughlin split last season with the Spurs and Kings, and now enters his seventh NBA campaign as a reserve guard. pic.twitter.com/DzyvaSP5cb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025
The move makes perfect sense when you consider the bigger picture. McLaughlin originally joined the Spurs through their three-team trade with the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls in early February that brought them star point guard De’Aaron Fox. While he played sparingly during his first half-season with the franchise, serving as a third-string point guard, his veteran presence proved valuable.
Re-signing the 29-year-old ensures San Antonio maintains another veteran playmaker in its backcourt rotation, especially with Chris Paul projected to depart in free agency. This creates a natural succession plan where McLaughlin can provide stability behind Fox while helping develop the team’s young guards.
McLaughlin will compete for minutes with Fox, 2025 No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. However, his role will likely remain that of a situational player whose minutes fluctuate based on matchups and team health.
What Did McLaughlin Show During His Time in San Antonio?
Across 18 appearances with the Spurs, McLaughlin averaged 2.5 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.5 3-pointers per game on 53.6/45.0/100.0 shooting splits. He played only 6.9 minutes per night, cracking double-digit minutes just five times.
While his sample size in San Antonio was limited, the undrafted guard has established himself as a reliable facilitator (2.8 assists per game) and floor spacer (37.3% from three-point range) throughout his first six NBA seasons. These skills make him an ideal insurance policy for a team still learning how to close out games.
How Does This Signing Fit San Antonio’s Broader Offseason Strategy?
The McLaughlin signing represents the final piece of San Antonio’s methodical roster construction. The Spurs opened free agency by signing center Luke Kornet to a four-year, $40.7 million contract, strengthening their rim protection behind rising superstar Wembanyama. They followed that by acquiring veteran stretch five Kelly Olynyk from the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
To make room for these moves, the Spurs parted with reserve guards Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley, along with a 2026 second-round pick in the Olynyk trade. This created the roster flexibility needed to bring back McLaughlin while maintaining their financial options moving forward.
According to the San Antonio Express-News’ Jeff McDonald, the Spurs now have 13 players on standard NBA contracts. Additionally, they still possess their $3.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and $5.1 million biannual exception to fill their remaining two roster spots.
Quick update, I was in a rush, sorry. https://t.co/3cu9VOibaJ
McLaughlin is probably re-signing for the vet minimum ($2.9 mil). Had he used NB rights, that would have been $3.4 mil.
Same situation for exceptions.
$3.1 mil of NTMLE and $5.1 mil of BAE available.
— Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) July 10, 2025
While it remains unclear which players San Antonio will target next, the additions of Harper, fellow lottery pick Carter Bryant, Kornet, and Olynyk position the organization for another significant step forward next season. The young squad is building off a 34-win campaign representing a 12-win improvement from the previous season.
This measured approach reflects an organization that understands the value of continuity during a rebuild. Rather than chasing big names, the Spurs are building a foundation of players who understand their system and can contribute to winning basketball.
