RC Buford is preparing to move into a new role with the San Antonio Spurs that will allow Brian Wright to ascend to general manager. Wright will report directly to Buford.

Wright was hired as assistant general manager of the Spurs in 2016.

Sources tell Jabari Young of The Athletic that Wright has become more involved with the Spurs over the past year and even fielded trade calls on the Kawhi Leonard deal in 2018.

Wright led negotiations on Rudy Gay and also assisted on transactions involving DeMarre Carroll and Davis Bertans.

Wright has been praised for his hands-on approach, “engaging, authentic and trustworthy,” one NBA agent said.

“I like Brian,” another agent added. “I think he’s sharp.”