Johnson Thrives Off Bench, Murray-Boyles Nears Return, and Billion-Dollar Expansion Fees Gain Traction Across NBA
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San Antonio, Toronto — Three storylines are shaping the NBA landscape this week: Keldon Johnson’s adjustment to a reserve role in San Antonio, Collin Murray-Boyles’ progress from injury in Toronto, and rapidly intensifying expansion chatter across the league.
Johnson Embraces Sixth-Man Duties in San Antonio
After opening the season as a starter, Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has slid seamlessly into a sixth-man position. The 24-year-old is averaging 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds while posting efficient shooting numbers, helping anchor San Antonio’s second unit on a team that has already reached the 50-win mark.
“When you want to win, you have to remove your ego,” Johnson said, noting that he accepted the move because it best serves the club’s depth and collective goals.
Murray-Boyles Close to Rejoining Raptors
Raptors rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles practiced Tuesday for the first time since sustaining a sprained left thumb, ending an eight-game absence. Toronto will monitor his response before deciding whether he can suit up Wednesday against the Bulls in Chicago, though a return sometime during the current road swing appears likely.
Before the injury, the 20-year-old had started 18 of his previous 19 contests, averaging 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and nearly three assists on better than 60 percent shooting.
Record Expansion Fees Could Reshape Ownership Math
Expansion talks are gaining momentum, with multiple reports indicating the entry fee for each new franchise could exceed $7 billion. While existing owners have long resisted splitting league revenue 32 ways instead of 30, such a one-time windfall could prove irresistible.
International interest is also rising. A potential NBA Europe circuit, highlighted in reporting by The Athletic, has attracted preliminary attention from groups connected to European soccer powers Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle United. Additional overseas revenue streams could help offset the effect of thinner revenue sharing over time.
With on-court roles evolving, promising rookies nearing a return and expansion math shifting in the owners’ favor, the league’s competitive and financial landscapes continue to move at a brisk pace.
Source: Hoops Wire
