San Antonio Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox is now eligible for a most contract extension, however a number of components have positioned the choice unsure, based on Marc Stein’s newest report on The Stein Line.
Fox, 27, was acquired by the Spurs on the commerce deadline in February as a part of a three-team deal that price San Antonio vital draft capital and younger expertise. The purpose guard averaged 19.7 factors and 6.8 assists in 17 video games with the franchise after the commerce.
Nevertheless, with Fox set to enter the ultimate yr of his five-year, $163 million deal, the timing of a brand new extension—one that might resemble the deal Luka Doncic signed with the Lakers—is now sophisticated by the Spurs’ inner roster dynamics.
Stein experiences that league insiders are questioning whether or not a max extension is a foregone conclusion for San Antonio. A lot of the hesitation facilities on the emergence of 2024–25 Rookie of the Yr Stephon Citadel, who posted 14.7 factors, 4.1 assists, and three.7 rebounds throughout 81 video games. Citadel began 47 occasions and demonstrated two-way potential at simply 20 years outdated.
Including to the state of affairs, the Spurs chosen Dylan Harper with the No. 2 general decide within the 2025 NBA Draft. Harper brings elite ball-handling and playmaking from Rutgers, the place he averaged 19.4 factors and 4.0 assists per sport as a freshman. His presence, together with Citadel, indicators a transparent funding within the group’s long-term backcourt.
Fox’s manufacturing since getting into the league in 2017 stays robust. He holds a profession common of 21.5 factors and 6.1 assists per sport, highlighted by an All-Star look and an All-NBA choice in Sacramento. However questions on his match with San Antonio’s timeline are rising louder.
The departure of longtime head coach Gregg Popovich and the promotion of Mitch Johnson may additionally affect roster technique. With Victor Wembanyama coming back from blood clot challenge and different younger items like Carter Bryant and Devin Vassell in place, the Spurs could look to prioritize flexibility.
For now, no extension has been provided. Fox can signal a three- or four-year deal if the franchise decides to commit, however with San Antonio flush with younger guards and targeted on the long run, a wait-and-see method seems to be in movement.
