The San Antonio Spurs aren’t done tinkering with their roster after a deep Finals run. They’re bringing back veteran guard Jordan McLaughlin on a one-year, $3.3 million contract, according to agent Greg Lawrence via ESPN’s Shams Charania.
McLaughlin, who just finished his eighth NBA season, played 44 games for the Spurs last year. His numbers weren’t flashy — two points, 0.9 assists and 0.7 rebounds per game. But his shooting percentages tell a different story. He hit 42.5 percent from three-point range and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line. In a league that craves spacing, that kind of efficiency matters off the bench.
San Antonio went 62-20 last season, securing the No. 2 seed in the West. They rolled through Portland, Minnesota and Oklahoma City before falling to the New York Knicks in five games in the NBA Finals. That’s the best postseason the franchise has had since 2014.
What McLaughlin brings to a contender
He’s not a difference-maker on most nights. But McLaughlin is the kind of depth piece that becomes crucial when injuries hit. He logged 10 playoff games this spring, averaging 1.9 points and one assist in limited minutes. The Spurs clearly value his experience and his ability to run an offense without forcing things.
At 5-foot-11, he’s never been a big scorer. But he’s a steady defender who understands rotations. And for a team that just came within two wins of a championship, keeping that kind of locker room presence around makes sense.
The deal won’t move the needle on anyone’s power rankings. But it’s a sign the Spurs are thinking about continuity. They have a young core that just gained a ton of playoff experience. Adding a veteran who knows how to stay ready and doesn’t need the ball in his hands — that’s a smart move for a team trying to run it back.
McLaughlin has now played for four NBA teams. San Antonio is the place where he’s found a consistent role, even if it’s a small one. One year, $3.3 million. That’s cheap insurance for a club with championship aspirations.
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