The San Antonio Spurs finally pulled the trigger on the biggest trade they've made since sending DeMar DeRozan to Chicago. That relationship has really benefitted SAS and it's not the only one. The same three teams who were involved in the trade to bring Harrison to San Antonio and ship DeRozan from Chi-Town to Sacramento come together again.
Full trade:
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2025
Spurs: De'Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
Kings: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first round picks (2025 CHA, 2027 SAS, 2031 MIN), three second round picks (2025 CHI, 2028 DEN, 2028 own back)
Bulls: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, their own 2025 pick via SAS https://t.co/UgwylCUYAO
This is significant for many reasons. Stephon Castle was reportedly a major target for Sacramento, but the Spurs stood firmly against including the promising rookie in any deals. The Silver and Black also kept the draft picks they acquired from Atlanta. Those are the most valuable picks in their possession, so this is a fleece by Brian Wright of the highest order.
The Spurs can now make a run for the playoffs
San Antonio had such a promising start to the season, but they tailed off in a major way. The Spurs lost almost all of their January games, winning only one game at home and two on the road. It was time they made a major change. Slow growth can only take you so far, and when you have an MVP-level candidate, you don't have time to mess around.
There needed to be a change in the locker room, and the front office saw it just as much as the fans did. Zach Collins is finally off the team after a hectic tenure. The hopes for the former Gonzaga standout were high. He showed potential to be a versatile big who could do just about anything, but instead, it often felt like he did nothing. It was only a matter of time before the Silver and Black moved on.
De'Aaron Fox is a game-changer. He's widely recognized as one of the fastest players in the league and one of the most clutch. San Antonio has had a major issue penetrating the lane and generating easy offense for the team. Fox will alleviate that issue immediately.
He can score at all three levels, and he can shoot the gaps to come up with steals, generating extra possessions for a team that desperately needs it. The Spurs are one of the worst teams in the league at field goal attempt differential. Adding another point guard as skilled as Fox also means the turnovers should continue to decrease for this team.
Fox is one of the best guards in the league. Getting him is no small thing. San Antonio kept all of their core pieces and added one while keeping their most valued picks. It's a spectacular job by the front office, and the fans will be elated.