Spurs Seek Solutions After Disappointing Season

The San Antonio Spurs had high hopes this season, looking to claim their first championship title since 2014. A significant part of the blame seems to be directed at De’Aaron Fox. He was expected to be a stabilizing force during critical moments, but when the pressure was on, he fell short.

This past season, the former two-time All-Star posted averages of 12.8 points and six assists with a shooting percentage of just 43% over five games. The Spurs were -3 in his minutes during the series, and it’s likely that a few losses could be attributed to his struggles in clutch situations—a frustrating outcome given what was anticipated from him. It’s worth noting, perhaps, that he was dealing with an ankle injury in the latter rounds.

Now, as the offseason approaches, the Spurs face an essential question: what to do about their left-handed starting point guard?

I’ve got to say, calling him a “Flawed Star” might fit. I mean, he’s getting paid star money but not quite performing at that level. This season, his “value” was estimated at 9.3 wins. When you consider his average salary, it adds up to roughly $35.3 million for the season—about $14.2 million less than his actual compensation. If he continues on this path, his contract could soon become a liability.

Fox’s style, which favors ball handling, doesn’t align perfectly with the Spurs’ top picks from the last couple of years. With players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper emerging quickly, they also share a tendency to push towards the basket but lack strong outside shooting. Fox himself has only shot better than 34% from three-point range twice in his nine-year career, and sadly, this year was not one of those occasions. Plus, it seems he can no longer drive to the basket with the same effectiveness as before.

Why There’s No Rush to Fix It

When key players are overpaid and have overlapping skills, it can really hurt a team’s chances of winning a title. To clinch that championship, you need players who exceed their salary expectations and blend well with the rest of the roster.

As for Fox’s situation, his extension is set to take effect, meaning he’ll consume 30-32% of the Spurs’ salary cap until the 2029-30 season. Typically, a team would look to trade him and utilize their draft picks to clear some space. But let’s be honest—these aren’t typical circumstances for a team led by Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs are developing fast, with three of their top five players on rookie contracts through 2026-27. Harper, in particular, will take up less than 10% of the cap until 2029.

All three are outplaying their paychecks right now, and Fox’s overcompensated contract could linger for a bit, especially since Wembanyama’s rookie extension kicks in next season.

That said, the financial picture and what happens on the court aren’t always perfectly aligned. There’s some talk about whether Harper will be content coming off the bench for too long, and you can’t blame him for wanting more, especially after showcasing his talents in the postseason.

From a strategic standpoint, the Spurs might lean toward keeping Harper, given his potential. But is there a way to navigate this with Fox that feels fair to all parties?

What if the Spurs decide to put Fox on the bench? That might sting his ego, given that he likely sees himself as one of the league’s top guards.

However, perhaps it could be framed differently. Since he’s already financially secure, he might find value in the opportunity to shine against weaker bench units and make a case for the Sixth Man of the Year. Jamal Crawford had some great moments in that role, after all.

If Fox isn’t receptive to this idea, a trade might be the only option left on the table. Plus, new anti-tank regulations might push teams to rethink their strategies—after all, it’s about finding the right balance between competing and building for the future.

Even if he comes around to the idea, eventually, the Spurs will face questions about managing finances as other players hit the big leagues financially. But as of now, with so much youth and potential on their roster, they have some breathing room.