De’Aaron Fox had one preferred destination in mind during trade talks when he was a member of the Sacramento Kings. But new developments since February may have the San Antonio Spurs believing that Fox is expendable, at least according to one anonymous Western Conference scout.
Fox Chose The Spurs, But Could They Move On From Him Eventually?
The relationship between Fox and the Kings soured quickly. After being one of the up-and-coming teams during the 2022-23 NBA season, Sacramento struggled over the past two seasons and their star player became frustrated with the front office and lack of general direction. Their coach was fired in December 2024, and Fox asked the team to trade him.
De’Aaron Fox in 17 games as a Spur:
— 19.7 PPG
— 6.8 APG
— 4.3 RPG
— 1.5 SPG
— 44.6 FG%/27.4 3P%/81.9 FT%What do you think he averages this upcoming season? pic.twitter.com/bdvlpGTj3t
— FoxMuse (@DFoxMuse) July 22, 2025
His wish was granted, and the Kings abided by his specifications. De’Aaron Fox had a preferred destination the entire time, which was with the Spurs and budding superstar Victor Wembanyama. In what ended up being a three-team trade, Fox was shipped off to Texas, and the 27-year-old point guard was given a fresh start.
That was before the team drafted Dylan Harper.
Harper’s Development Could Decide Fox’s Future
Thanks to lucking into the second overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Spurs were able to select Harper, an elite scoring prospect from Rutgers. There was early chatter about the redundancy, as their draft pick from a season prior (Stephon Castle) played 29% of his minutes as a point guard. With both Fox and Harper now in the mix, there appears to be a log jam in San Antonio’s backcourt, one that could be freed up if the team’s newest addition develops into the player they hope.
An anonymous Western Conference scout believes Dylan Harper could make De’Aaron Fox expendable in San Antonio
"[Harper] has some [Manu] Ginobili to his offensive game. If the 3-point shot ever becomes a true weapon [for him], he makes Fox expendable and gives San Antonio a nice… pic.twitter.com/cArwTCtOH4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 24, 2025
There have been lofty comparisons placed on Harper, some believing that his game could eventually mirror that of Manu Ginobili. If that happens, the anonymous scout believes that it could make De’Aaron Fox expendable at some point. It would be a tough way for Fox to leave the team he clamored to be a part of, but would give the Spurs quite the trade chip as they continue to build their team around Wembanyama.
In the 17 games that he played in San Antonio after the trade, Fox averaged 19.7 points and 6.8 assists per game. When it was clear that the Spurs were out of postseason contention, his season was cut short by a decision to have surgery on his pinky finger.
