The San Antonio Spurs are tearing through the regular season, thanks to the dynamic duo of Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. But the landscape might soon shift with potential NBA expansion on the horizon.
Rumors are swirling about the NBA adding two new teams, possibly as soon as the 2027-28 season. This move would introduce new competition for the Spurs and shake up the league dynamics.
It's been over two decades since the NBA last expanded, making the prospect of new teams in Seattle and Las Vegas an exciting development. However, this expansion could pose challenges for established teams like the Spurs.
An expansion draft would allow existing teams to protect only eight players, leaving the rest exposed. For San Antonio, this means tough choices, possibly risking losing key players like Fox.
Strategizing for an Expansion Draft
The big question for the Spurs is who to protect. Options include Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Wembanyama, Luke Kornet, Carter Bryant, Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, and their future first-round picks.
With only eight slots available, decisions around Champagnie, Vassell, and Johnson become crucial. They might consider letting Johnson go, re-signing Champagnie affordably, and seeing out Vassell's contract.
This still leaves them with one player too many. Making Fox available could be a strategic move, especially with the looming expansion.
Fox's Future with the Spurs
Fox, at 28, is performing well but isn't quite a max contract player, despite being on a max deal soon. The Spurs' financial flexibility will tighten when Wembanyama's supermax kicks in, especially if Castle earns a rookie max extension.
If Castle and Harper develop as hoped, trading Fox might become necessary, but his $50 million annual salary could complicate matters. Even with positive trade value, his hefty contract might deter potential suitors.
Teams interested in Fox might only offer bad contracts in return, limiting the Spurs' flexibility. By not protecting him in an expansion draft, San Antonio could potentially clear his salary, providing an exit strategy if his contract becomes burdensome.
While this scenario is still a few years off, it gives the Spurs a potential solution if Fox's contract becomes a challenge to manage.