De’Aaron Fox Signs Extension with the Spurs
De’Aaron Fox has officially signed a lucrative four-year extension worth $229 million with the San Antonio Spurs, as confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This move is part of the Spurs’ strategy to remodel their team in pursuit of a championship-level squad centered around emerging star Victor Wembanyama. Fox’s new contract will ensure that he remains with the Spurs until the conclusion of the 2029-2030 season.
Fox’s Impressive Performance
At just 27 years old, Fox had an impressive performance last season, averaging 23.5 points, 6.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in roughly 36 minutes of play per game across 62 matches with the Spurs and Sacramento Kings. His shooting stats included a 46.3% field goal percentage, 31% from beyond the arc, and 82.7% from the free-throw line. Notably, he achieved a career-best of 60 points in a single game against the Timberwolves, setting a franchise record for the Kings.
Journey to San Antonio
Fox’s journey to San Antonio has been transformative. After spending over seven seasons with the Kings, where he was drafted fifth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft from Kentucky, Fox was moved in a three-team trade last August, marking the start of a new chapter. He expressed his strong desire to play for the Spurs, indicating to ESPN that there was no other team on his radar.
“There was one team. I wanted to go to San Antonio,”
he stated, dismissing any assumptions about having a list of preferred teams.
Future Prospects
Upon moving to the Spurs, Fox was eligible to sign a contract extension following the end of the 2025 NBA Finals. This decision not only reflects the Spurs’ trust in his abilities as a leading point guard but also underscores the optimism surrounding Wembanyama’s potential, hinting at a bright future for both players as they aim for success together.
In recent seasons, Fox has emerged as one of the quickest and most dynamic guards in the NBA, showcasing his scoring prowess at all levels. His averages over the last six seasons place him in elite company alongside superstars like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Challenges and Aspirations
Fox’s rising career was initially clouded by the Kings’ struggles, but the arrival of coach Mike Brown led to a significant turnaround for Sacramento. Under Brown, the Kings developed a high-efficiency offense that saw Fox and center Domantas Sabonis rise to All-Star status, culminating in a playoff appearance for the first time in 16 years.
However, following a disappointing second postseason and a rocky start to the following season, Fox expressed concerns over the team’s lack of direction, especially after the abrupt firing of Brown. His frustrations led to his desire for a fresh start in San Antonio, where he anticipated teaming up with Wembanyama, whose success he likened to playing alongside a generational talent.
Despite some health setbacks that limited their on-court time together, Fox and Wembanyama’s partnership is expected to yield potent results going forward. Fox’s extension not only indicates his pivotal role in the Spurs’ future but also provides an opportunity for new draft picks like Dylan Harper to develop behind a seasoned playmaker.
As Wembanyama prepares for a significant upcoming season—with expectations of MVP consideration—the synergy between him and Fox could be crucial in establishing the Spurs as contenders in the competitive Western Conference.
