Dylan Harper Could Make De'Aaron Fox Tradeable In The Coming Years

Dylan Harper’s arrival in San Antonio has already begun to stir questions about the long-term future of De’Aaron Fox with the Spurs. A recent quote from an anonymous Western Conference scout brought that tension to the surface, stating: 

“Harper has some Ginobili to his offensive game. If the 3-point shot ever becomes a true weapon, he makes Fox expendable and gives San Antonio a nice trade asset.”

That’s a bold assertion, but it’s grounded in context. Fox joined the Spurs in a blockbuster three-team trade in February, forming what looked like the backcourt-frontcourt dream pairing with rising superstar Victor Wembanyama. And to his credit, Fox delivered early results, averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in just 17 games before a left pinkie injury required season-ending surgery.

Though it was a small sample size, his on-court chemistry with Wembanyama gave Spurs fans hope that a new era was underway.

But this is the NBA, and things change fast.

Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, isn’t just a top prospect, he’s an elite three-level scorer who could reshape San Antonio’s timeline. At Rutgers, Harper averaged 23.5 points per game on an impressive 52% shooting from the field, along with 36.4% from deep and 75.9% from the free throw line. 

More importantly, he plays with the kind of mature, controlled aggression that makes scouts salivate. He doesn’t just score, he creates. His tight dribble, control over tempo, and ability to get buckets from anywhere on the floor have drawn comparisons to crafty guards like Ginobili.

And Harper isn’t just a scorer. He’s averaging 4.4 assists per game, showing he can distribute even while carrying the scoring load. His change of pace and one-on-one scoring toolkit, highlighted by crossovers, hesitations, and spin moves, makes him a potential offensive engine for years to come.

That brings us back to Fox.

The 26-year-old guard is on the final year of his contract, due $37 million this season. He’s eligible for a massive four-year, $228.6 million extension and has publicly stated he’s open to staying in San Antonio long term. 

The Spurs, according to multiple reports, are hopeful he signs. But Harper’s presence complicates things. If Harper thrives, he could fill the same primary playmaking role Fox currently occupies, at a fraction of the cost and with more long-term upside.

Fox is still an All-Star caliber player, but the math changes when you’re building around a generational big man like Wembanyama. 

If Harper proves he can run the offense, shoot from distance, and thrive next to Wembanyama, San Antonio could shop Fox as a premium trade asset, one who could return depth, picks, or a wing star better suited to complementing Wemby.

For now, the Spurs are playing it safe, developing Harper while keeping Fox as the present-day lead guard. But make no mistake: the countdown has begun. If Harper explodes as expected, San Antonio’s future may belong to the rookie and not the veteran.