With the San Antonio Spurs preparing for a new season with Mitch Johnson as their head coach, the team has taken a significant step to focus on its young talent: on July 3, the Spurs officially signed Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, first-round draft picks from the 2025 draft class, to rookie-scale contracts. With this, the future of the team is to be shaped around youth, development, and strategic depth—a crucial step in this process.

The Big Signings

Dylan Harper – No. 2 Overall Pick

Contract: Four years, approximately $56.1 million, including team options for Years 3 and 4.

Background: Harper, a remarkable 6′6″ guard from Rutgers, was drafted by the Spurs at just 19 years of age. He had an average of 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game during his only season in college, which earned him third-team All-Big Ten recognition. He is also the highest-drafted Spur, apart from No. 1 picks like David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Victor Wembanyama.

Rookie Update: Harper, carrying a slight groin injury, will miss the California Classic but is anticipated to make his debut in the Las Vegas Summer League

Quote: Harper stated during his first press event, “It’s minor… He’s been on the court … a terrific teammate (with) vocal leadership.”

Carter Bryant – No. 14 Overall Pick

Contract: Four-year deal for about $23.4 million, with the first-year salary at $4.9 million and team options in Years 3 and 4.

Background: Standing at 6′7″, Bryant presents a “3-and-D” skill set from Arizona, where he averaged 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, recorded a three-point shooting percentage of 37.1%, and exhibited defensive versatility.

Signing Moment: The team characterized his signing as a “pen to paper” moment, while Bryant referred to it as “surreal,” expressing that “to start something … hope is very good for a long time … it’s just crazy to me.”

What It Means for the Spurs

Building a Young Core

The Spurs are obviously banking on a vibrant, multi-generational core by bringing in Harper alongside 2024 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and the extraordinary Victor Wembanyama. Harper’s guard skills complement Castle’s defense-oriented intensity, while Bryant contributes outside shooting and added height to widen the lineup.

Roster Fit & Strategic Flexibility

Thirteen out of 15 roster spots for the Spurs have been secured, including the re-signing of Luke Kornet for four years at $41 million. Now, they are looking for a backup big player to complement Wembanyama—a crucial element for spacing and frontcourt balance.

Summer League Launchpad

Starting on July 10, the Las Vegas Summer League will act as a proving ground. With Harper’s anticipated first appearance and Bryant’s involvement in the Summer League, we get our first glimpse of how these newcomers integrate in competitive environments.

Player Profiles: Rookie Breakdown

Dylan Harper

Skillset: Scoring hybrid (playmaking/shooting), strong on-ball defense, leadership aura.

Ceiling: Tagged as a potential All-Star—a “Cade Cunningham-type” with diverse offensive tools.

Team Impact: A top-line guard addition, Harper offers both immediate promise and long-term payoff—even nestled in a backcourt with Castle and Fox.

Carter Bryant

Skillset: 3-point shooter with defensive versatility and size—ideal as a 4‑or‑5 stretch forward.

Fit: Provides depth on the wing, addressing spacing voids and bringing modern NBA versatility.

Potential: Could emerge as a rotation staple if the Spurs fine-tune their free agency/bench moves.

Final Take

Signing Harper and Bryant closes the book on the Spurs’ summer of transformation—draft, sign, and now develop. These moves signal a serious pivot from rebuilding to contending, anchored in a head coach serviceable, young core under Mitch Johnson’s leadership.

Harper’s high ceiling and Bryant’s role specificity inject both star power and system-athleticism. Combine that with the burgeoning chemistry in Summer League, and San Antonio is crafting a modern blueprint built to support Wembanyama’s rise, Castle’s breakout, and youth-fueled consistency.

Stay tuned as we track their Summer League debut, roster finalizations, and the strategic next moves that could push the Spurs back into playoff math.