Dylan Harper's breakout already makes Spurs' De'Aaron Fox gamble look worse

The San Antonio Spurs have the best point guard trio in the NBA but already have a problem brewing. Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De'Aaron Fox give the Spurs a unique advantage that no team can match with their ball handling, scoring, and playmaking.

However, had the Spurs known that they'd end up with Harper in the 2025 NBA draft, they likely wouldn't have traded for Fox. The Fox trade still looks good in retrospect given how little they gave up for him.

Of course, his max contract kicks in next season, and it could be an albatross for the foreseeable future. Still, I expect him to have a bounce-back 2026-27 season.

Dylan Harper is making Spurs' De'Aaron Fox gamble look worse

The Fox trade likely came with the expectation of a max contract. San Antonio certainly would have avoided giving him that deal if they already knew they'd be getting Harper. They obviously didn't and instead now find themselves in a unique situation.

They have a two-time All-Star in Fox and a rising star in Harper, who could quickly overtake Fox next season. That goes to show just how high his ceiling is. However, Harper surpassing Fox next season may not be great for the Spurs.

San Antonio needs Fox to play closer to his best version of himself. Last season, wasn't it. If he can get back to the 20-point, 5-rebound, and 5-assist player he was with the Sacramento Kings, then that would make a world of difference to San Antonio.

But that isn't to say that Harper won't have a massive improvement next season. San Antonio needs both Fox and Harper to level up if they hope to win a championship next year.

Fox has a chance to change the perception about him next season

Yes, his contract is currently one of the worst in the NBA, and yes, San Antonio probably wouldn't have signed him if they knew they'd be getting Harper. Nevertheless, they have Fox, and he is on a max contract. Since they have him, he can give San Antonio a unique advantage.

If he can get back to the player he was with the Kings, he'd give San Antonio an elite slasher who can get to the rim at will and put pressure on defenses unlike anyone else.

Combine that with Harper and Stephon Castle's knack for getting to the basket, and San Antonio would have a true three-headed monster. One that can get to the rim whenever they feel like.

That doesn't even include Victor Wembanyama, who might be the best player in the NBA by the end of next season. If all of those things work out in their favor, then the Spurs could very well win a championship, and Fox can live up to his max contract.

That would keep San Antonio from regretting their decision to trade for him, even though they might right now.

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