The San Antonio Spurs have privately and publicly dismissed the idea of moving point guard De’Aaron Fox after the club’s loss in the 2026 NBA Finals, league sources told The Athletic.
Fox’s postseason dip linked to ankle injury
Team officials have cited the sprained ankle Fox suffered in the second round as a primary factor in his late-playoff struggles. Prior to the injury, the 28-year-old averaged 18.8 points on 46.2% shooting over 11 postseason games. After returning, his production fell to 12.0 points on 35.3% from the field. Fox’s four-year, $221.7 million extension began this month, and club executives reportedly believe his trade value is limited until he regains form.
Harper likely to remain sixth man
Rookie guard Dylan Harper flashed star potential last season but is expected to come off the bench again in 2026/27. With Fox and Stephon Castle entrenched as starters—and none of the trio considered elite perimeter shooters—coaches view a three-guard lineup as situational rather than regular. Victor Wembanyama’s recent decision to leave more than $50 million on the table in his own extension has set a precedent for roster-wide sacrifice, according to team insiders.
Johnson’s extension outlook uncertain
Keldon Johnson, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, enters the final season of an $18 million contract and will be extension-eligible all year. Scouts and front-office executives around the league doubt he will sign a new long-term deal this summer, noting his postseason slump and the franchise’s recent multiyear commitments to wings Julian Champagnie (three years, $45 million) and Tobias Harris (two years, $30.8 million).
Quaintance expected to miss most of season
No timetable has been issued for rookie center Jayden Quaintance, who underwent meniscus surgery this week. Multiple teams that evaluated him before the draft believed the procedure would keep him out for most of 2026/27. One evaluator told The Athletic the big man looked “fantastic” in a solo workout despite not being fully healthy.
The Spurs open training camp in early October with all four storylines—Fox’s recovery, Harper’s role, Johnson’s contract talks, and Quaintance’s rehabilitation—shaping their offseason agenda.
Source: HoopsRumors
