De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs Linked to De’Aaron Fox Trade Talks, But Roadblocks Remain
The San Antonio Spurs have quickly become one of the most talked-about teams in NBA trade rumors, with reports linking them to Sacramento Kings All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox. While the prospect of Fox teaming up with Victor Wembanyama is enticing, the road to a deal remains complex.
Kings Eyeing Spurs’ Rising Star
Sacramento is reportedly open to moving Fox, but they are not willing to let him go for free. According to reports, the Kings have a specific target in mind—rookie guard Stephon Castle.
Castle, selected fourth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has already proven to be a key rotational piece for the Spurs. The 19-year-old guard, known for his defensive tenacity and versatility, is a player San Antonio is hesitant to part with. The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports that there is “serious skepticism in league circles that San Antonio will be willing to include him” in any trade package.
On the Kings’ end, pairing Castle with their own rookie, Devin Carter, makes sense. Sacramento selected Carter 13th overall, and like Castle, he was projected as a high-level defender. A Castle-Carter backcourt could set the foundation for a strong defensive identity in Sacramento, but the Spurs’ reluctance could complicate negotiations.
San Antonio’s Patience With Chris Paul
Another factor impacting the Spurs’ trade strategy is veteran point guard Chris Paul. Signed through the end of the season, Paul continues to be a productive playmaker, and San Antonio isn’t necessarily in a rush to make a big move.
“For the Spurs’ purposes, it would be easier to integrate Fox in the summer while letting the 39-year-old Paul finish this productive season in his twilight,” Amick noted.
What’s Next?
With the Spurs seemingly hesitant to move Castle and the Kings seeking a valuable return for Fox, a mid-season trade may not be imminent. San Antonio could choose to ride out the season with Paul at the helm and revisit trade discussions in the offseason when their flexibility increases.
For now, while the idea of Fox running the floor alongside Wembanyama is intriguing, the Spurs are in no rush to make a move that could disrupt their long-term vision. Whether San Antonio revisits talks with Sacramento later or looks elsewhere for a franchise point guard remains to be seen.
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