Dylan Harper's arrival could mean De’Aaron Fox is the odd man out in San Antonio
When the San Antonio Spurs acquired De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings at the 2024 trade deadline, it felt like a cornerstone move for a franchise building around Victor Wembanyama. Fox delivered in his 17 games with the Spurs, averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.5 steals on 44.6% field goal shooting and 27.4% from three, though a wrist injury requiring season-ending surgery in mid-March cut his campaign short.
Now, with the Spurs selecting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2 in the 2025 NBA Draft tonight, Fox’s future in San Antonio is suddenly less certain. Much like his fellow Wildcat, PJ Washington who may be on the move, after the Mavs took Cooper Flagg at number 1.
Harper, a 6-6 combo guard with elite rim pressure and playmaking (19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4 assists as a freshman at Rutgers), fits like a glove in San Antonio’s up-tempo system. His size and scoring instincts complement Wembanyama, last year’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and Devin Vassell, forming a dynamic young core.
However, with Fox and Castle already in the backcourt, Harper’s arrival creates a crowded guard rotation, potentially making Fox a trade candidate. ESPN reports suggested the Spurs were open to moving the No. 2 pick but they decided to stay put, keeping Harper for his All-Star potential.
Trading Fox, a proven star at 27, could fetch a haul of draft picks and/or a versatile wing to bolster San Antonio’s rebuild. Fox’s speed and playmaking would be a hot commodity for contenders, and the Spurs could use the assets to add shooting or frontcourt depth around Wembanyama. While Harper’s fit raises questions about roster balance, his upside signals San Antonio’s commitment to youth, potentially at Fox’s expense.