Skip to main content

Spurs' De'Aaron Fox trade dilemma has an obvious answer

Maybe it's not so difficult.
ByCal Durrett
De'aaron Fox
De'aaron Fox | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

San Antonio Spurs star De'Aaron Fox continues to be the subject of trade speculation, but the answer to that lingering question is surprisingly simple. Fox isn't going to be traded anytime soon unless a no-brainer deal materializes between now and the NBA trade deadline in February.

San Antonio is clearly invested in making their partnership with Fox work. To Fox's credit, despite his inconsistent play, he has been a dream fit culture-wise. He has proven that he can be a leader on a young team, and the only thing stopping him from being a championship piece is his on-court play.

Spurs' De'Aaron Fox trade dilemma has an obvious answer

Last season, he was tasked with playing shooting guard more than at any point in his career. The results were mixed. He initially shot the ball incredibly well to start the year.

However, once his shot regressed to the mean, his diminished quickness resulted in him averaging just 18.8 points per game last season. He wasn't better in the playoffs, and an unfortunate injury contributed to him having a disastrous NBA Finals.

Fortunately, he could be in for a bounce-back season and could quiet the trade talk surrounding him.

The Spurs must get more out of De'Aaron Fox to quiet trade chatter

If Fox has a strong 2026-27 season and helps San Antonio win a championship, his contract goes from being toxic to having positive value. Even if he's still overpaid, he could regain a lot of his lost trade value.

That would obviously help San Antonio when the time comes. After all, the best version of Fox is better than what the Spurs can get for him in a trade right now.

As a result, they are smart to see if they can get more out of him next season. Remember, even while he played far below his peak, San Antonio nearly won a championship.

Imagine a 21-point, 6-assist version of Fox who has regained his quickness. Paired with an improved Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, he would push the Silver and Black into juggernaut territory.

Therefore, the Spurs aren't dealing Fox and are clearly hoping he'll quiet the trade talk with his play next season.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations