De'Aaron Fox Faces Uncertain Future with San Antonio Spurs

De'Aaron Fox and the San Antonio Spurs lost the 2026 NBA Finals to the New York Knicks in five games, with Fox scoring seven points on 3-of-15 shooting in Game 5.

What happened to De'Aaron Fox in the NBA Finals?

The Spurs committed major money to Fox through the end of the decade, but his underwhelming performance in the Finals has sparked debate about his future. Fox's finish to the series left the Spurs with an uncomfortable question about a max-contract guard beside Victor Wembanyama.

Why is De'Aaron Fox's contract a problem for the Spurs?

NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor questioned whether there would be enough demand if San Antonio explored a Fox trade, citing the loaded guard class in the draft. O'Connor said teams that need a point guard may have cheaper routes through the draft, while trade suitors could look at younger options before taking on Fox's expensive deal. The Spurs have to decide which ball-handlers best fit Wembanyama's title window, with Dylan Harper's rise adding another layer to the Fox debate.

What comes next for De'Aaron Fox and the Spurs?

Fox can still attack the paint, pressure defenses, and create pace, but the Finals showed why doubts have grown about his role. If the Spurs decide his role is no longer worth the price, O'Connor's concern is that finding a buyer may be just as difficult as making the decision. Fox's contract is worth more than $221 million, and any team trading for him would need to believe he is still worth building a backcourt around at a huge salary. The Spurs lost the 2026 Finals 4-1, with the final game ending 94-90 in favor of the Knicks.