De'Aaron Fox landed at No. 4 on Bleacher Report’s 2026 ranking of the NBA’s worst contracts on 3 July, as his $229 million, four‑year max extension with the San Antonio Spurs drew sharp criticism for its size versus recent production.
Why did Fox’s deal earn a low ranking?
Bleacher Report analyst Dan Favale pointed to a dip in Fox’s athleticism and a statistical output that falls short of an All‑NBA salary. The point guard posted 18.6 points, 6.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game last season, numbers that Favale argued resemble a fringe All‑Star more than a top‑tier star. He also highlighted a steady decline in free‑throw attempts per 100 possessions since the 2022‑23 campaign and a drop in rim‑looking shots, suggesting the contract could stay “underwater” for its entire span.
How does the Spurs’ roster affect Fox’s future?
Despite the contract’s magnitude, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on 12 June that the Spurs have no immediate plans to trade Fox. The franchise views him as its cornerstone point guard, and moving a $229 million deal would be challenging. However, the emergence of second‑year guard Dylan Harper could shift Fox’s role, potentially limiting his minutes or altering his usage as the team balances veteran salary with developing talent.
What does this mean for the Spurs’ salary structure?
The Spurs already carry several young players on team‑friendly deals, making Fox’s max extension an outlier. Favale noted that while the contract is less burdensome for San Antonio than for many clubs, it still represents a salary structure typically reserved for an All‑NBA candidate. If Fox’s production continues to lag, the Spurs could find themselves with limited cap flexibility, especially when negotiating extensions for other rising stars.
What are the next steps for Fox and San Antonio?
The upcoming offseason will test the partnership. Fox must prove he can elevate his game to match the contract’s expectations, perhaps by sharpening his three‑point shooting or regaining some of his earlier explosiveness. Meanwhile, the Spurs will monitor Harper’s development and decide whether to keep Fox as the primary playmaker or reconfigure the backcourt. The outcome will shape both Fox’s legacy and the Spurs’ financial outlook for the next four years.