De’Aaron Fox and the Spurs: Navigating a Potential NBA Expansion Draft
The San Antonio Spurs are currently making waves in the regular season, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. However, the league’s potential for expansion looms, introducing a new layer of complexity to the Spurs’ future plans. The NBA is gaining serious traction for expansion, with whispers of announcing two new franchises as early as this summer, potentially hitting the court by the 2027-28 season. This expansion could present both opportunities and challenges for San Antonio.
The NBA’s Expansion Plans and Potential Impact
The NBA hasn’t added new teams in over two decades, making expansion long overdue. Cities like Seattle and Las Vegas are frontrunners, promising exciting new markets for the league. However, expansion isn’t without its consequences, particularly for established franchises like the Spurs. A key component of expansion is the expansion draft, a process that could significantly alter the Spurs’ roster.
The Expansion Draft: A Looming Threat to the Spurs’ Core
An expansion draft forces existing teams to protect only eight players, leaving the rest vulnerable to selection by the new franchises. For the Spurs, this means potentially losing up to seven players, and even a star like De’Aaron Fox isn’t immune. This scenario forces San Antonio to make difficult decisions about which players to safeguard.
Who Would the Spurs Protect?
The list of potential protected players is extensive: De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Victor Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Carter Bryant, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson, along with their valuable 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks. However, with only eight protection slots available, tough choices must be made. The futures of players like Champagnie, Vassell, and Johnson add another layer of complexity. While Johnson could be moved after next season, and Champagnie re-signed affordably, Vassell’s contract presents a longer-term commitment.
The Unexpected Possibility: Letting Go of De’Aaron Fox?
While seemingly counterintuitive, allowing De’Aaron Fox to be exposed in the expansion draft might actually be a strategic move. Fox, at 28, is playing at a high level with minimal risk of immediate decline. However, he isn’t currently a ‘max’ player, despite being on the cusp of a max contract. This becomes particularly relevant when considering the future financial implications of Wembanyama’s impending supermax deal and the potential for Castle to qualify for a rookie max extension.
Financial Flexibility and Long-Term Planning
If both Castle and Harper develop into impactful players, the Spurs might eventually need to move Fox. However, trading a player with a $50+ million annual salary can be challenging. Teams might be hesitant to take on such a large contract, potentially offering only unfavorable trade packages. ESPN’s Trade Machine is a useful tool to explore potential trade scenarios.
Opting not to protect Fox in the expansion draft could provide a clean financial slate, allowing the Spurs to avoid a potentially difficult trade. While this scenario is years away, it offers a potential out if Fox’s contract doesn’t age well or if the Spurs struggle to find a suitable trade partner. This proactive approach could safeguard the team’s long-term financial flexibility and roster construction.
The NBA expansion draft presents a unique challenge for the San Antonio Spurs. Navigating this landscape will require careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to consider all options, even those that might seem unconventional. The future of De’Aaron Fox in San Antonio may very well depend on it.