De’Aaron Fox just arrived in San Antonio, but his long-term future with the Spurs is far from certain. After spending years as the face of the Kings franchise, Fox was traded this February to help jumpstart a Spurs backcourt around Victor Wembanyama. Still, early whispers suggest the fit may not be permanent. If things don’t click in year one, Fox could be on the move again—and several contenders would line up to make a deal.
At 27 years old, Fox is one of the best young guards in the league with incredible scoring abilities and an unmatched quickness with the ball. He spent the first years of his career as the star of the show in Sacramento, but now he’s playing second fiddle behind Victor Wembanyama.
With just one year and $37.0 million left on his contract, Fox is up for free agency next summer, and several teams will be in pursuit with career averages of 21.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on 44.6% shooting. With Dylan Harper now in the fold, Fox’s future is more uncertain than ever. San Antonio could look to move him by the trade deadline for the right return.
Here are four teams that could emerge as top destinations if the Spurs decide to flip their star guard:
Heat Find Their Starting Point Guard
The first package is designed as a mutually beneficial swap between the Spurs and Heat. In exchange for their starting point guard (who is also a former All-Star), San Antonio can add depth in the form of two versatile wing players.
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, 2030 first-round pick
Miami Heat Receive: De’Aaron Fox, 2032 second-round pick
For the Heat, this trade gives them the All-Star caliber point guard they’ve been searching for. While giving up huge rotation players in Wiggins and Highsmith would be a tough sell, it might be worth it to finally settle on a long-term solution at point guard. With Fox and Bam Adebayo, the Heat could make some noise in the East and may not be far off from joining the ranks of the most elite contenders.
In San Antonio, the youth movement is still alive and well. Without Fox, the Spurs can lean more on their 2025 draft pick, Dylan Harper, who will be learning the game and developing his skills alongside Victor Wembanyama. Between that dynamic and the impact of players like Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell, and Keldon Johnson, San Antonio can become a true force in the Western Conference.
Chicago Bulls Add Star Power
While De’Aaron Fox’s exact trade value is unknown, the Spurs would likely only accept a deal that includes a star or a future first-round draft pick. Their demands are out of range for most teams, but the Bulls can create a formidable package centered around their 2029 first-round pick.
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Patrick Williams, Kevin Huerter, 2029 first-round pick, 2030 second-round pick
Chicago Bulls Receive: De’Aaron Fox
As a young team on the rise, the Spurs will prioritize players who can help build up their future. And while Patrick Williams and sharpshooter Kevin Huerter are not the most lucrative additions, they have the potential to improve with a fresh start. At the very least, their shooting abilities should help space the floor for Wembanyama, who already has the paint under lock and key. If that wasn’t enough, the Spurs will also be getting two draft picks to use at their discretion.
In exchange, Chicago gets their first star point guard since the departure of Derrick Rose. As a team stuck in purgatory, the addition of Fox has the potential to revitalize the Bulls and elevate their position in the East. While they’d still be far from contention, this trade would at least give the Bulls someone to build around in hopes of moving up the standings.
Celtics Create New Big Three In The East
One of the biggest stories of the summer is the deconstruction happening in Boston. A slew of injuries last season has shifted their timeline, but they can still make moves that will increase their standing when Tatum and Brown return in 2026.
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Derrick White, Sam Hauser, 2031 first-round pick
Boston Celtics Receive: De’Aaron Fox
The Spurs will have a lot of trade options for Fox, who is one of the most coveted guards in the NBA. If their goal is to become a championship team, they could do a whole lot worse than Derrick White and Sam Hauser, who have the experience, skills, and temperament to make a real impact in San Antonio. Plus, that 2031 first-round pick will give them another asset to add to their growing stockpile.
Of course, the Celtics make out as the true winners here. This trade lets Boston add a dynamic point guard without touching their superstar duo—forming a legitimate Big Three in the East. While the 2024-25 campaign may already be doomed for Boston, they could be a real title threat with Fox, Brown, Tatum, and potentially Anfernee Simons running the show.
Pelicans Acquire Help For Zion Williamson
In the West, the New Orleans Pelicans have been struggling for a while now, and they desperately need to find some help for their disgruntled superstar (Zion Williamson). Their moves so far have not panned out, but De’Aaron Fox would not be a bad choice for them if they’re willing to pay the steep price.
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado, Yves Missi, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: De’Aaron Fox, 2032 second-round pick
If the Spurs want maximum pick return, this would be the deal to accept. While Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado, and Yves Missi would make fine additions to the rotation, the real incentive for the Spurs to make this move is the idea of adding two first-round draft picks. It not only gives them a chance to further upgrade their young core, but it also gives them more assets to use in a win-now trade.
The Pelicans’ situation with Zion Williamson has reached a crossroads, and adding another star to the mix is likely the first major step to improvement. With a true, elite-level point guard running the offense, New Orleans could finally have a breakthrough in the West for the first time in years.
What Is The Future For De’Aaron Fox?
De’Aaron Fox may be in San Antonio for now, but his name is one to watch as the season unfolds. With free agency looming and the Spurs loaded with backcourt talent, it’s only a matter of time before teams start circling. Whether it’s Miami, Boston, Chicago, or New Orleans, Fox would be a difference-maker on any roster, and the trade market could heat up fast if the Spurs decide to move on.
For now, it’s all just a waiting game for Fox and the Spurs. As the offseason continues to play out, we’ll get a clearer picture of what kind of plans they may have for this upcoming campaign and beyond. Whether they trade De’Aaron or not, the Spurs are out to compete, and they will do whatever it takes to appease their French superstar, Victor Wembanyama.
