De’Aaron Fox Expects to Stay as Spurs Map Out Offseason Plans
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San Antonio guard De’Aaron Fox said he hopes to remain with the Spurs despite a difficult NBA Finals and growing speculation about a possible trade.
Playing on a sore ankle, the 28-year-old shot 34.3% overall and 25.0% from deep while averaging 12.8 points in the five-game series. He managed just seven points on 3-of-15 shooting in Saturday’s Game 5 defeat.
“(We want to) continue to work together, continue to get better obviously as individuals and as a team,” Fox told reporters after the loss, noting that the Finals were a new experience for much of the roster.
Front office shows no urgency to move Fox
On Monday’s SportsCenter, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that San Antonio has given “no early indications” it intends to move its starting point guard. Fox forced a trade to the Spurs at the 2025 deadline and later signed a four-year max extension.
Key contracts on the horizon
In his offseason primer for the San Antonio Express-News, Jeff McDonald wrote that the club will soon discuss a rookie-scale extension with Victor Wembanyama. ESPN’s Bobby Marks added that negotiations could revolve around whether the deal includes a player option.
The Spurs also face a decision on Julian Champagnie. Although the wing carries a team-friendly $3 million option for 2026-27, Marks noted that declining it and negotiating a longer agreement with descending salaries might benefit both sides.
Veteran forward could return at lower number
San Antonio is interested in re-signing veteran Harrison Barnes, according to McDonald, but the 34-year-old would likely have to accept a significant pay cut from last season’s $19 million salary. Barnes called the organization “first-class in every way.”
Roster needs and long-term outlook
Marks expects the Spurs to search for a stretch four and additional backcourt depth this summer. Off the court, Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen reported that the franchise is in strong cap position and is moving forward with plans for a new arena projected to open in the early 2030s.
Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko added that the club is trying to balance the disappointment of falling in the Finals with the achievement of jumping from 34 wins to a Western Conference title in one season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
