NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs' Intentions with De'Aaron Fox
The point guard is one of the best in the league at his position but has raised doubts after his poor performance in the recent Finals against the New York Knicks.
De'Aaron Fox faces a crucial season with the San Antonio Spurs after doubts were raised about his performance in the 2026 NBA Finals. The 28-year-old point guard came under criticism after a below-par display against the New York Knicks, and since then, his name has been recurrent in trade rumors.
The emergence of Dylan Harper during the playoffs has added even more uncertainty about Fox's future. The player, who played the entire postseason with an ankle injury, failed to deliver the expected level after signing a new max extension with San Antonio.
Fox, facing a season where he will need to prove himself
Shortly after the Spurs' defeat in the Finals, Fox started appearing in trade rumors. His limited impact in the series against the Knicks, including a missed shot near the hoop that significantly altered the course of one of the games, fueled speculations about a potential exit.
Bleacher Report recently listed Fox among the most overpaid point guards in the NBA and identified him as the Spurs' player with the most to prove in the upcoming season.
“Any rational view of San Antonio's long-term future doesn’t include the version of Fox we saw in the playoffs. Unless he has one of the best seasons of his career, it will be difficult to see him in the Spurs' plans beyond this year,” wrote Grant Hughes.
In the 2026 Finals, Fox averaged 12.8 points, six assists, and three rebounds per game, figures lower than his regular-season stats.
The pressure, therefore, will be immense, especially with Harper waiting for his chance. The young point guard had a notable first experience in the playoffs and is seen as a future alternative in the position.
“Fox's struggles in the playoffs came after an All-Star season and were largely due to an ankle sprain, but that doesn’t change the underlying concern: he is hindering the path of two more valuable young players, Castle and Harper, in addition to compromising the books until 2029-30, when he will earn a whopping $61.4 million,” Hughes added.
Fox has proven throughout his career to be a top-tier point guard, but that performance was not seen during the last postseason with the Spurs. Hence, his name has consistently surfaced in trade discussions.
San Antonio maintains confidence in the veteran
Despite all the doubts, the Spurs seem to have made a clear decision heading into the next season: Fox will remain their starting point guard ahead of Harper.
ESPN's Michael C. Wright reported that San Antonio plans to keep the veteran in the starting five. His experience, ability to lead the team, and knack for organizing the offense weigh in favor of Fox, even after Harper's spectacular performance in the playoffs.
“Despite Harper's breakout in the postseason, Fox is likely to be the chosen one for the starting role due to his experience, his leadership skills, and his consistency in orchestrating the offense. Fox did that throughout the regular season, despite missing a significant portion of the previous preseason and the start of the campaign due to a hamstring injury,” explained Wright.
Further, team sources consulted after his poor showing in the Finals affirm that San Antonio remains committed to Fox and believe that the team might not have even reached the title series without the contributions of the point guard, who competed with a serious sprain in his right ankle.
A contract that adds even more pressure
The Spurs' backing does not mean Fox's future is completely secure. The player is about to start a four-year, $221 million extension, so he will have to quickly justify the franchise's massive investment.
For now, all signs point to Fox staying in San Antonio and starting ahead of Harper. However, the situation could change if he fails to rediscover his top form.
After the doubts raised in the Finals, the upcoming season looms as a crucial test for Fox. The Spurs continue to have faith in him, but the margin to prove he remains the team's franchise player will be narrow.
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