It’s a small milestone, but the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder are the first teams in the NBA to three wins. Victor Wembanyama looks like the best player in the world on both ends of the floor, and the Spurs look well ahead of schedule.
They’ve managed to impress in all three contests without their second-best player. All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox has yet to make his season debut. Instead, second-year Stephon Castle and rookie Dylan Harper have risen to the occasion.
The Spurs have only seen Wembanyama and Fox share the court in five games, all last season. Of course, there was a learning curve, and the duo never reached its full potential, and the pair might never really get their chance.
As Harper proves he is better than initially thought and Castle improves, Fox is becoming quickly expendable, at least according to one NBA expert.
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 07: De’Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the court during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on March 07, 2025 in Sacramento, California. The is Fox’s first game back in Sacramento after being traded from the Kings. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
San Antonio Spurs Can Shop De’Aaron Fox
Are the Spurs eager to trade Fox? Probably not. They gave up three first-round picks for him last season, and he is a better player than Castle or Harper is now. However, in a season or two, will that still be the case?
Based on Castle’s rapid improvement and Harper proving that he is ready for big NBA minutes, it’s hard to say. One thing for certain, the Spurs don’t need three point guards. Someone is on the way out, and it’s likely the one who doesn’t fit Wembanyama’s timeline.
“Yes, without a doubt,” posted Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor regarding the Spurs possibly trading Fox. “But Fox can’t be traded until February 4th, so there will be a long evaluation period to see how all three guards operate together. I’ve long felt one of them will have to go, but the Spurs will have time to find out. What’s clear is that Castle got better and Harper is already wayyy ahead of schedule.”
The Spurs extended Fox this summer and will want to give him and their Alien superstar as much time as possible to gel. Under contract through 2029-30, the Spurs have control over Fox and his future.
De’Aaron Fox’s Trade Value Is Not Sky-High
First of all, there is no indication that the Spurs even want to trade Fox. On top of that, if they want to dump a point guard, both Castle and Harper will have more value.
On top of that, it’s been proven that Fox cannot lead a team to any meaningful success. In seven full seasons with the Sacramento Kings, Fox made the playoffs only once. He needs a defensive-minded running mate to maximize himself and his team.
Who better than Wembanyama?
If it’s apparent that Castle and Harper are better suited to play with Wembanyama, the Spurs might move on from Fox. However, would other contenders want to give up a key piece–a 3-and-D wing–to add the point guard? That’s not a guarantee!
There are certainly worse players to be stuck with than Fox, and the Spurs have no shortage of options and flexibility moving forward. With just three games under their belt, it’s way too early to make definitive claims.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post ‘Without a Doubt’ San Antonio Spurs Will Explore Blockbuster Trade appeared first on Heavy Sports.