If you're like me, you're tired of hearing the outrageous suggestion of the Spurs trading De'Aaron Fox or any of their core guards, for that matter. But it won't go away. You would think that seeing the success of Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle would only excite observers in anticipation of what they'll look like at full strength, but it's done the opposite.
Yes without a doubt. But Fox can’t be traded until February 4th, so there will be a long evaluation period to see how all three guards operate together. I’ve long felt one of them will have to go, but the Spurs will have time to find out. What’s clear is that Castle got better… https://t.co/hJpHFGjbix
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) October 26, 2025
I know, Kevin O'Connor is on a generational run of bad opinions, but he's not the only one talking about this nonsense. It's everywhere you turn, including in Spurs fan circles. It's the wrong mindset, and it doesn't make sense for several reasons. So, let's talk about those reasons.
The Spurs have everything they need right now
This doesn't mean the team is perfect. No team other than the 2014 Spurs is perfect. However, they can perfect their style of play with this roster. Speed and athleticism are their friends, and when Fox returns, they can lean into those things more heavily. Right now, San Antonio has the fourth-highest offensive rating in the league with the 28th-ranked pace of play.
During training camp, Mitch Johnson and the players told reporters they wanted to go fast, but they haven't really done that yet. They won't have a choice when Swipa gets back on the floor. He zips up the floor at a million miles a minute, which is why the organization has been so careful with his recovery.
Hamstring injuries are tricky, and if you don't address them properly, they can linger for the entire season. A player so reliant on his speed is even more susceptible to re-aggravating an ailment like that if he isn't careful. The added element will make their three-guard trio the best in the league, and the conversations about trading one of them will sound even more ridiculous than they already do.
What's funny about this is the last sentence that KOC responded to in his tweet. "Castle and Harper are enough IMO," and for those unaware, IMO means "in my opinion." But I'd respond by asking, Enough for what? I'm not sure many franchises stack talent and then deny adding any more because they have "enough."
I don't think it's smart to suggest removing talent from your team because you have "enough." The more skilled players, the better. This should be a very simple concept to understand. Imagine if the Thunder had traded Jalen Williams away because they already have a guy who can handle the ball, shoot off the dribble, and defend, so you add someone who can only shoot threes instead because he supposedly "fits" better.
The Spurs need their veteran guard
What happens when SGA has an off game? Their team would be more vulnerable, as they wouldn't have a secondary playmaker to turn to. Now, do some projecting for the Spurs and imagine San Antonio playing in postseason games against the Nuggets, the Rockets, or OKC, and their young guards are struggling against the more formidable competition.
It's very easy to see that scenario happening as soon as this season, and these people want to hamstring the Silver and Black by removing the only guard on their team with enough experience and skill to fight through a series with those teams.
The Spurs can make a run at a title with De'Aaron Fox every year starting from this season through the next few, and when that has run its course, then they can move him and give the reins to an up-and-coming guard duo that will have all the experience they need to keep the ball rolling.
I can picture it now. The Spurs make the playoffs and lose because their young guards aren't quite good enough yet, before the excuses and moral victories pour in. "What did you expect? Their guards are still young, but they're so talented. The future is bright!" If you listen closely, you can almost hear it word for word already. No, thank you. The now is bright, too, so grab your tanning lotion and embrace the sun.