De'Aaron Fox just struggled big time in the NBA Finals loss to the New York Knicks, averaging a paltry 12.8 points and shooting a dismal 34.3 percent from the field. And guess what? The San Antonio Spurs are now staring down the barrel of his massive four-year, $229 million maximum contract extension, all while rookie sensation Dylan Harper is absolutely exploding.
Fox's Finals Flop and the Contract Headache
You saw the Finals, right? Fox was supposed to be the veteran leader, a two-time All-Star, but he looked lost out there. He shot a measly 25.0 percent from beyond the arc and dished out only 6.0 assists as the Spurs went down to the Knicks in five games. That's not the production you expect from a guy on a max deal, especially when he's entering the first year of it! According to The Athletic's Jared Weiss, who's been chatting with multiple team and league sources in Vegas, Fox is still considered a "critical part of the team's future." Critical, maybe, but also untradeable on that monster contract right now. So, the plan? He's gotta rehab his value with a solid playoff performance next season. Talk about pressure!Harper's Rise and the Awkward Fit
But here's where it gets wild: while Fox was bricking shots, Dylan Harper was absolutely crushing it off the bench. The dude averaged 18.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the Finals! He was the rookie sensation the Spurs needed, and sources say he's even willing to be patient and accept a sixth-man role again next season while he gets a feel for running the offense full-time. What a team player! Then there's Stephon Castle, the 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year, who's already "locked in as a starter." So, you have Castle, Harper, and Fox. The Spurs can't really start all three unless one of them magically becomes a "knockdown shooter." Fox still has the advantage in reading game tempo and organizing the offense beyond the first action, which makes him "vital" in their eyes. But how do you balance that with Harper's undeniable rise and Castle's starter status? This isn't just a simple roster decision; it's a full-blown backcourt succession plan that's accelerating faster than anyone expected. So what's next for San Antonio? They've got no choice but to try and make this weird three-guard dynamic work. Fox needs to step up big time next season and justify that massive contract. It's an uneasy alliance of veteran struggles, rookie brilliance, and contract realities that's going to define their season. Get ready for some drama in San Antonio's backcourt, because it's going to be a wild ride trying to figure this one out.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.