De'Aaron Fox's contract is a major factor in the Spurs' pursuit of Kawhi Leonard. On the Third Apron podcast, insider Sam Quinn noted that the Spurs have the asset value to trade for Leonard, but Fox's deal limits their flexibility.
What happened?
The Spurs are considering trading for Leonard, who will be in his final year of a three-year $149.5 million extension. Leonard is only open to extending with two former teams apart from the Clippers, and the Spurs are in the running.
Why it matters for De'Aaron Fox
Fox's $221.7 million deal over four years makes it difficult for the Spurs to absorb Leonard's $50.3M salary. The team must decide whether to retain Fox or pursue Leonard, with the contractual math making it harder to sustain Fox's contract.
What comes next?
The Spurs' front office has publicly denied any tension surrounding Fox, but the emergence of Dylan Harper from the bench presents an opportunity for the team to move on from Fox's contract. The CBA is more restrictive than ever, making it difficult for the Spurs to manage high-paying contracts.
The Spurs' championship window has a timeline, and that timeline runs through this offseason. Leonard's return would pair a two-time Finals MVP with Wembanyama at his peak, but only if the Spurs move Fox before those extensions stack.
And the situation in San Antonio carries historical weight, with the Spurs having made Leonard wait a full year for his max rookie extension despite winning Finals MVP in 2014. Those unresolved wounds don't disappear with a phone call.
But the Spurs need to show by their actions that the organization has changed. Devin Vassell's and Keldon Johnson's contracts could match the contractual obligations, but the Clippers would want more than that.
So the Spurs must decide whether to trade for Leonard or retain Fox. The team's decision will have a significant impact on their championship aspirations, with Wembanyama's rookie extension kicking in for the 2027-28 season.
The Spurs have draft capital, including the 2027 Hawks and 2031 Kings picks, which could be used to trade for Leonard. However, the team must navigate the complexities of the CBA to make the deal work.
In the end, the Spurs' decision will depend on their priorities. Do they want to build around Wembanyama or pursue a championship with Leonard? The answer will have a significant impact on Fox's future with the team.