After months of tension, build-up, and media arguments, the Spurs' latest star, De'Aaron Fox, finally got paid. Bring out the cake and candles because getting compensated like this is worthy of celebration. Despite only 17 games with the franchise, we all knew he would be getting the Brinks truck. It was only a matter of when. Whether you believe he deserves $229 million or not, he [earned his way here](https://airalamo.com/fox-s-nonstop-growth-places-him-among-these-elite-point-guards).
However, once the party is wrapped up, Fox will have to face the harsh reality of the NBA business. Despite his gigantic contract, his place on the Spurs is far from guaranteed.
Competition has landed in San Antonio
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Spurs' second overall pick in the 2025 draft, Dylan Harper, has arrived and will be fighting like a dog to work his way up. Not to mention fellow guard Stephon Castle will be refusing to give up his starting spot. As the idea of a guard triplet is curious to say the least, one of them will have to make a sacrifice, and I can assure you Fox doesn't want to be the guy to do it.
Just because he has gotten paid, that doesn't mean he can sit back and enjoy the show. Fox will have to prove that every penny of his latest contract was worth it, and he must confirm that he belongs as the Spurs' lead man at point guard. In doing so, Fox faces the most critical season of his NBA career.
De'Aaron Fox was not the same player in San Antonio
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Through his short stint in San Antonio, Fox hadn't looked like [his best self](https://airalamo.com/the-simple-reason-why-deaaron-fox-extension-disaster-for-spurs). Whether that was because of injury to his pinky or acclimation to the team, something wasn't right. Averaging below 20 points per game was not a true reflection of his talent. But you have to wonder, could this be the Fox that we are getting?
In his heyday, Fox was a mighty giant on the basketball court. He was one of the clutchest players in basketball and an unstoppable force with his head down towards the rim. Earning the name "Swipa", Fox is as sly and speedy as you will find. These are the traits that paid him out as one of the best players in the NBA. However, this player was not present in San Antonio last season.
De'Aaron Fox will be moved in a heartbeat if he struggles
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If Fox wants to live up to his contract, maintain his place in San Antonio, and avoid leaving the city in disaster, he must return to the player he once was just a few seasons ago. When the Spurs traded for him back in February, they expected to get the ice in his veins out of it; they expected to hold onto him for the future. But things have quickly changed, and Fox better be ready for a gauntlet.
If the veteran can't prove to be better than the youngsters by a sizable gap, things could go off the rails in no time. General manager Brian Wright is not afraid to wash his hands of the mistake and clean up the mess.
In the case that Harper proves to be a better long-term option, then he will proceed to be it, and Fox will be moved for a better complementary piece. But if Fox does prove to be the All-Star we know him to be, then Harper will have to learn to be patient.
Any questions you may have will be answered this year. The fate of the Spurs' guard room hangs in the balance, and it will be up to Fox to make the call.