Stephon Castle #5 of San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs Secure De’Aaron Fox Without Sacrificing Stephon Castle
The San Antonio Spurs have pulled off a blockbuster move, acquiring All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings after a week of speculation. The trade marks a major step forward for San Antonio, but the real victory lies in retaining rookie Stephon Castle while still adding a premier talent like Fox.
Castle, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has showcased his potential early in his rookie campaign. Averaging 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, he has made his biggest impact on the defensive end. His combination of length, athleticism, and defensive instincts has set him apart, proving he belongs at the NBA level. Simply put, Castle plays winning basketball, and keeping him in the fold while making this trade is a massive win for the Spurs.
While the addition of Fox undoubtedly bolsters the team’s backcourt, questions remain about the fit alongside Castle, particularly from beyond the arc. Castle is currently shooting just 27 percent from three, while Fox sits at 32 percent from deep. However, giving them a chance to develop chemistry is the best possible scenario for San Antonio.
BREAKING: Sacramento is finalizing a trade to send De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a multi-team trade that moves Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine to the Kings, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Ftmo8N4hMj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2025
Even if the pairing doesn’t fully click, the Spurs now have options. Castle remains a valuable trade asset, giving San Antonio flexibility moving forward. The Oklahoma City Thunder took a similar approach last season when they held onto Josh Giddey despite concerns about his fit. Ultimately, they flipped Giddey for defensive stalwart Alex Caruso in the offseason, proving the value of patience in roster construction.
Unlike Giddey, however, Castle boasts an elite NBA-ready trait in his defensive ability, which only increases his long-term value. Whether he remains a key piece for the Spurs or is eventually moved in a separate deal, his presence in the organization is a major asset.
For now, the Spurs have taken a significant step toward contention without mortgaging their future. The addition of Fox provides an immediate boost, and keeping Castle ensures they maintain a high-upside piece for whatever comes next. San Antonio fans have plenty to be excited about as the team’s bright future continues to take shape.
