New De'Aaron Fox Trade Rumors Leak amid Contract Buzz, Fan Criticism After Spurs' Loss to Knicks

While San Antonio Spurs fans are not happy with high-priced point guard De'Aaron Fox after his lackluster showing in the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks, it sounds like he won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

During Monday's episode of SportsCenter, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that he expects the Spurs to retain Fox, who will have his four-year, $228.6 million extension kick in next month and is set to make $51 million in 2026-27.

"I know there's a lot of interest in whether they might do something with De'Aaron Fox, but they are committed to him right now as their franchise point guard, and I think they will remain that way," Windhorst reported.

Fans likely won't be pleased with Windhorst's report, as they criticized Fox throughout the postseason:

After averaging 18.6 points and 6.2 assists in 72 regular-season games, Fox's production dipped during the playoffs after he was hampered by an ankle injury. In the NBA Finals against the Knicks, he averaged 12.8 points and 6.0 assists while shooting 34.3 percent from the field as the Spurs lost in five games. He disappeared near the end of Saturday's closeout game, recording zero points and zero assists in the fourth quarter of San Antonio's 94-90 loss.

Fox spoke about his lackluster performance after Game 5 and admitted that the Knicks were able to throw him off his game.

"I got shots that I've made in the past, and sometimes you just don't make them," Fox told reporters. "... It is what it is. Obviously, I wish I made those shots. But this team is physical, they force you into taking jump shots and trying to keep you out of the paint. Shots just didn't go down for me."

Fox's struggles also put a spotlight on rookie point guard Dylan Harper, who was much more effective against the Knicks with averages of 18.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists off the bench. Spurs guard Devin Vassell revealed during his post-game press conference that Harper "was upset with playing time and different roles he was in" throughout this season, so San Antonio could be forced to re-evaluate his status as the third lead guard behind Fox and Stephon Castle.

For now, it sounds like the Spurs are committed to making it work with Fox as the veteran leader of the backcourt despite his massive contract extension going into effect.