Dylan Harper’s father, Ron Harper, debunked reports of the San Antonio Spurs’ reported trade plans for De’Aaron Fox. Despite arriving just over a year ago at the 2025 February deadline, the latest report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick suggested that San Antonio could part ways with Fox in favor of Harper securing the starting role.
According to Amick, there’s “league-wide” chatter that the Spurs may cut Fox’s tenure earlier than expected as Harper appears “simply too talented” to ride the bench. The No. 2 pick has been as impressive as any rookie when given the chance to prove himself, but he’s down the pecking order behind Fox and Stephon Castle.
San Antonio already fields a smaller lineup outside Victor Wembanyama in the other four positions, with Julian Champagnie the talent among them at 6-foot-7 at power forward. Playing 6-foot-5 Harper, whose 3-point shot remains a work-in-progress, could hinder the Spurs’ offense if he starts in place of Devin Vassell or Champagnie.
Castle is young and has been promising as a two-way combo guard in a starting role throughout the 2025-26 regular season and playoffs, making Fox the odd one out and obvious trade candidate. However, Ron Harper has put the trade rumors to rest. On Monday, replying to an X post aggregating Sam Amick’s report, Harper’s father said:
“Leave the outside noise outside cause they want him on their team..”
De’Aaron Fox averaged 18.6 points and 6.2 assists in 72 games, shooting 48.6% from the field and 33.2% from 3-point range. He’s been a reliable ball-handler in crunch situations due to his experience. As talented as Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle are to run the backcourt, they still need more reps and years to take over.
Until then, it would make sense for San Antonio to stick with Fox as the starting point guard and develop Harper until he’s fully ready. The Spurs also signed Fox to a four-year $221.8 milion extension last summer, which kicks in next season, hinting they may have him in their long-term plans.
Spurs won’t lack suitors if they decide to trade De’Aaron Fox
Some may argue that De’Aaron Fox is one of the most overpaid players, earning a $55.4 million annual salary on his next contract. However, several teams around the NBA could use a point guard of his caliber. Despite his hefty contract, Fox will likely attract suitors on the trade market if the Spurs decide to move him.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat could be among the teams that may show interest in De’Aaron Fox. All teams could use a dynamic point guard after struggling to generate offense at the point of attack last season. It remains to be seen how highly the Spurs value him.
Nevertheless, if the market is robust for De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs will have the leverage to be patient and wait for the best deal, as he’s under contract for four more years.
