The San Antonio Spurs are hoping to make their first NBA Finals in nearly a decade but may soon have a big decision to make regarding star De'Aaron Fox.
Fox has been a mixed bag thus far in the playoffs, giving his critics ammunition. Even if he played well consistently, odds are that the Spurs would eventually have to trade him.
That's a result of him signing a max contract extension and the Spurs having rising stars Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
Trading Fox appears inevitable, and the Spurs may actually have the perfect opportunity to trade him this summer. Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant may be available and is coming off another strong season, averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists at age 37.
Durant's reputation has taken a major hit over the years, but the Spurs previously tried and failed to acquire him last summer. However, trading for him this summer might be the best option for both teams and players.
Trading De'Aaron Fox for Kevin Durant is would help the Spurs and Rockets
The thought of trading Fox for Durant is pretty controversial, but it's a surprisingly realistic option. Fox has been the consummate pro in his year and a half in San Antonio and has been the second-best player on a 62-win team.
Still, no one believes for a second that he is worth the max contract that he will start next season. Paying a player who isn't a top-10 point guard, let alone the best point guard on his own team, $55 million on average over the next five years is untennable.
If the Spurs can get out of that deal, they should move heaven and earth to do so. Ironically, the Rockets make perfect sense as a trade partner despite being in-state rivals and some haters. They have a big problem at point guard.
Their top option is a 32-year-old, 6'0" point guard coming off an ACL tear in VanVleet. They also have former lottery pick Reed Sheppard, who had a poor showing in the playoffs and whom Coach Ime Udoka seemingly doesn't trust fully.
Therefore, the Rockets may jump at the chance to trade for Fox since he'd be an immediate upgrade. Even if it meant they'd have to trade Durant.
The trade may not be popular but makes sense for both teams
Durant seemingly alienated himself from his teammates during the season, and the vibes were definitely off in Houston during their short playoff run. Trading for Fox would give the Rockets a star that is 10 years younger than Durant.
Meanwhile, swapping Fox for Durant would do two major things for San Antonio. The first is that it would make Dylan Harper a starter. The second is that it would allow them to get off of Fox's contract by trading it for a short-term deal.
Durant is not only better than Fox but is also under contract for only two more seasons. Compare that to Fox, who is under contract for five more years. Better still, Durant has a player option for 2027-28, meaning he can become a free agent again after next season.
If San Antonio were to trade for Durant, they could let him leave after one season and save more than $200 million. Better still, they would still have Victor Wembanyama, Castle, and Harper to build around.
The longer they hold onto Fox, the harder it may become to trade him. Thus, if the opportunity to swap him for Durant presents itself, the Spurs shouldn't hesitate to do so.
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