Spurs Go All In With Polarizing De’Aaron Fox Extension

Pros: Stability and Development

From a basketball standpoint, the deal provides the Spurs with something they’ve lacked in recent years: a proven, athletic guard who can score and pressure opposing defenses. Fox averaged 23.5 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds last season. He was also named an All-Star and the NBA’s inaugural Clutch Player of the Year during the Sacramento Kings’ 2022–23 season. He offers Wembanyama a stable backcourt partner who can shoulder some of the offensive load while giving the Spurs a legitimate shot at postseason contention.

The extension also creates a smoother developmental path for second overall pick Dylan Harper. Fox gives Harper, a rookie adjusting to NBA speed and spacing, the freedom to refine his off-ball game rather than run the offense from day one. It also allows the Spurs to evaluate Harper and 2024–25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle in more versatile lineups.

Cons: CBA Implications and Fit Concerns

The league’s new collective bargaining agreement poses a challenge for teams with multiple high-priced stars. If Castle and Harper evolve into All-Star-level players, the Spurs could eventually face difficult financial decisions. Fox’s contract alone accounts for about 30 percent of the team’s salary cap, which could limit flexibility down the line if his trade market cools.

From a stylistic angle, De’Aaron Fox’s scoring-first mentality isn’t an ideal match for Wembanyama’s strengths. Over the past several seasons, Fox has consistently ranked near the 30th percentile in assist percentage. He has also fallen at or below the 10th percentile multiple times in assist-to-usage ratio, highlighting his lack of interior facilitation and his tendency to finish plays rather than create them. That could limit Wembanyama’s touches in optimal areas unless Fox or the team makes schematic adjustments.

What It Means This Season

Short term, this deal signals stability. The Spurs are poised to run out a guard trio of Fox, Castle and Harper for the entirety of the 2025–26 season. While that might raise concerns about touches and spacing, there’s no question the team has the guard depth and upside to compete.

With head coach Mitch Johnson replacing Gregg Popovich on the bench, expectations are shifting. San Antonio hasn’t made the playoffs since 2019, but that drought should be ending soon. With a healthy roster and Wembanyama leading the charge, the Spurs have the firepower to contend for at least a play-in spot in a loaded Western Conference. A postseason berth would also give their younger core a chance to gain valuable minutes on a bigger stage.

Long-Term Picture

The long-term risk lies in how this extension impacts roster construction. Should Harper or Castle emerge as top-tier guards, Fox’s contract could complicate rotations or limit ways to improve. San Antonio may eventually face a choice: invest further in the three-guard experiment or pivot by moving Fox or even Castle, whose 28.5 percent shooting from deep last season is a major red flag if it doesn’t improve.

That said, for the time being, Fox is the clear-cut veteran bridge between a rebuilding roster and one trying to win now. As Harper and Castle round out their games, Fox offers structure, scoring and experience. But by 2027 or 2028, roles may shift, and tough decisions may follow.

A Statement of Direction

With this extension, the Spurs show faith in their developmental timeline while giving Wembanyama the support he needs. The team believes in its trio of guards and isn’t waiting for the perfect fit. They’re betting on internal growth and lineup flexibility to make it work.

The Spurs have now secured the star guard they traded for last season, even if the contract itself carries a polarizing price tag. With De’Aaron Fox in place, the team enters the upcoming season with fewer questions and a clear objective: fight to allow a future all-time great in Victor Wembanyama to get his first taste of the NBA playoffs.