Sports

Spurs 'Committed' To De'Aaron Fox Despite NBA Finals Struggles

The NBA Finals didn't exactly go according to plan for San Antonio Spurs star De'Aaron Fox.

Fox, a two-time All-Star, averaged 12.8 points per game in the Finals on 34.3% shooting from the field. Not only did he struggle to consistently put the ball in the basket against the New York Knicks, he made a crucial error in Game 4 that could've changed the course of the series.

With 13.1 seconds remaining and the Spurs leading 106-105, Fox tried making a layup over OG Anunoby instead of taking time off the clock. Anunoby ended up blocking Fox's shot and then making a game-winner on the very next possession.

"You have to score," Fox said after the loss. "Try to get a layup, get up three [points], [and] force them to need a 3. OG made a good block."

 Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) in the fourth quarter during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) in the fourth quarter during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

Spurs fans were so frustrated with Fox that a GoFundMe page was made just to pay off the remaining $221 million on his contract. And yet, despite all the outrage in San Antonio, it sounds like he's going to be part of next year's squad.

According to ESPN's Michael C. Wright, the Spurs remained committed to Fox despite his shortcomings in the Finals.

"Internally, the Spurs remain committed to Fox as their franchise starting point guard," Wright said. "Sources called Fox a calming presence and the team's closer for most of the season, adding that one rough series essentially playing on one leg doesn't change that."

What about Dylan Harper?

There's no ignoring what Dylan Harper accomplished in the Finals. The rookie from Rutgers was genuinely great, averaging 18.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game against the Knicks.

Wright said Harper's camp is expected to push for him to get a spot in San Antonio's starting lineup. That could potentially complicate matters for Fox.

"It's expected that calls from Harper's camp for a spot in the starting lineup will grow louder going into next season," Wright said. "But it's not an issue San Antonio needs to address right away. Fox's contract won't become a potential eyesore until after Wembanyama's upcoming rookie extension kicks in, and when the Spurs are looking next summer to extend Castle to what should be a max deal."

Suffice to say, the Spurs have some issues to sort through before the start of the 2026-27 season.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 2:04 PM.

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