Spurs ideal All-Star trade target couldn't be more clear as his team struggles

The much-improved San Antonio Spurs look like a playoff team after several impressive wins. Part of their turnaround has been the addition of Chris Paul, who has helped guide them to their best record through 22 games in 5 years.

Despite that, there is a question about who will ultimately replace Paul in the starting lineup long-term. Rookie Stephon Castle looks like he can slide in at point guard next season and will have other players such as Jeremy Sohan, Devin Vassell, and Victor Wembanyama to lean on as he grows into the role.

However, if the Spurs were to go another route, they could pursue Sacramento Kings De'Aaron Fox. Fox is having a career year but isn't under contract with the Kings after next season, making him a possible trade target between now and then as the Kings struggle. Even if they were to opt to keep him for the rest of this season, Fox will hit free agency in the summer of 2026.

If Paul does retire after this season, the Spurs could have a season to figure out who to replace him with. If Castle is that player, they wouldn't need Fox, but if they do, he might become available before then.

The struggling Kings may be open to trading De'Aaron Fox

The struggling Kings currently rank 12th in the West and face an uphill battle to make the playoffs. Teams such as the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Spurs all missed the playoffs last season, but they all look poised to make the postseason or the play-in.

At best, the Kings are as good as those teams, which means that they probably won't significantly outperform them in the standings. If the Kings don't look like a playoff team by the trade deadline, questions will arise about whether Fox will become available.

Probably not with them committed to this core of Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis. However, if they miss the playoffs again this season, that would be the second time in three years with Fox and Sabonis, and they might consider trading Fox then to see what they can get.

That could align with Paul's retirement and Tre Jones hitting free agency. Both of those players not coming back would leave a hole at point guard that Fox could fill with him being a terrific offensive player who would only be 27 that summer.

A potential deal would depend on what the Kings would prioritize, with them unlikely to do a full rebuild, but another team may not offer much for a player who will hit free agency after a season.

The Spurs would have players such as Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson to match salaries as well as first-round picks to offer. But they probably wouldn't consider moving on from players such as Castle and Sochan. Whether the Kings ultimately consider moving Fox remains to be seen, but he could be an option for the Spurs.