De'Aaron Fox reiterated his wish for an extension from the San Antonio Spurs to Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. When asked about it, he responded, "I would definitely hope so." When he was traded from the Sacramento Kings before the deadline, the expectation was that the Silver and Black would extend his contract. That time will be here before you know it.
Fox is eligible for a contract extension after the conclusion of the NBA Finals. However, he'd only be able to sign a 3-year deal for $140 million. If the plan is to agree to the longest and most lucrative deal possible, he'd have to wait until August 2 to sign for four years at $226 million.
It's uncertain whether the two sides will opt for a max deal or a more reserved contract to maximize the team's ability to build around the stars, but we won't know that until terms are reached. What we do know, based on what Fox shared with the Houston Chronicle, is that he's been cleared. He's back on the court running five-on-five drills.
The plan to make Wembanyama and Fox a dynamic duo hasn't changed
When Fox conducted his exit interview, he told us that Vic was expected to be cleared around the same time he was. The timetable was June, and that's where we land now. It's fair to expect that Wembanyama will have all restrictions lifted sometime soon if he hasn't been cleared already.
That's optimal news to fans. It gives the two several months to work together. They need to build their chemistry on the court, and it would be nice if they didn't wait until training camp to begin that process. It's unlikely they will. Fox has already set the expectation. They plan to be a dominant pick-and-roll pairing, and that's exactly what Spurs Nation should still be looking forward to.
It's easy to get caught up in all the rumors. The Silver and Black have never been dealt a more favorable hand. They have innumerable options available to them, so many have been caught up in who should be moved and what's going to work. There have been suggestions that the Spurs should trade Fox after landing the number two pick. It's been crazy.
The new guy in town is going to help propel this team to new heights. He's healthy now, and he has time to work with his teammates, with one of those guys gaining skill at a rapid pace. His partnership with Wembanyama will take his game to new heights.
Their skill sets complement each other, and we'll see that come October when they take the floor in the new season; Fox with a freshly signed deal in the safe deposit box.