San Antonio Spurs: 3 stars that are unlikely to finish the season with the team

Gregg Popovich managed to once again surpass expectations and guide his San Antonio Spurs to the playoffs last season. The 2018-19 Spurs roster was among the weakest of Popovich's more than two-decade tenure with the organization, although the legendary coach managed to get the best out of his players to finish with an unlikely 48-34 record.

Popovich has since signed a new three-year extension as head coach, although the Spurs are once again facing a difficult season after failing to add significant additions in the offseason. Nevertheless, change could be in order in the coming months as the Spurs attempt to return to contention in the Western Conference, and plenty of talent could be let go. So, ahead of the 2019-20 season, here we will look at three San Antonio players that may not finish the campaign with the team.

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#3 Patty Mills

Patty Mills is among San Antonio's highest earners despite appearing from the bench

Patty Mills has been a great servant to the Spurs since signing with the franchise back in 2012. However, the Australian star has never managed to force his way into Popovich's starting lineup and has started just 55 times during his 8 seasons in San Antonio.

This would not be a problem but for the fact that Mills is among the Spurs' highest earners and the point guard still has two years remaining on his four-year, $50 million deal. Only DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge earn more, and Popovich's refusal to embrace the three has also resulted in one of Mills' biggest strengths being underused.

Evidently, Mills is a player that the organization has great respect for, although, with Derrick White, and Bryn Forbes both impressing, and the return of Dejounte Murray, the Spurs may be tempted to move on from the 31-year-old.

#2 Marco Belinelli

Marco Belinelli returned to San Antonio last summer after a three-year absence

Marco Belinelli played a role in the Spurs' 2014 championship-winning season, and the Italian returned to the franchise last summer after three seasons away. The Italian performed well during the 18-19 regular season, averaging 10.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per contest, although Belinelli's decline was apparent during a series of poor postseason performances.

The 33-year-old struggled at both ends of the court as he averaged just 5.9 points while shooting a dismal 37% from the field. Belinelli's usually solid defense also disappeared during the series defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

Admittedly, Belinelli performed well at the FIBA World Cup, although due to competition for places, his minutes could hit a career-low with the Spurs next season. With just one year remaining on his contract, Belinelli is a prime trade candidate, and only a strong start to the season could save his future with the team.

#1 DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan enjoyed a strong first season with the San Antonio Spurs

DeMar DeRozan was included in the surprise trade for Kawhi Leonard last summer, and the former All-Star enjoyed a strong first season in San Antonio. DeRozan averaged 21.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field.

However, DeRozan is not the elite player that can return the San Antonio Spurs to contention, and the shooting guard will be looking for a near-maximum contract extension next summer. DeRozan also turned 30 earlier this year, and it makes little sense for the Spurs to offer the former Toronto man a significant deal when there is so much young talent on the roster.

The Spurs will face another fight for the playoff spots this season, and it makes sense to offload DeRozan ahead of the deadline if a rival team offers a young talent or first-round pick.