NBA Trade Rumors: Insider reports Chris Paul interested in linking up with $163,000,300 guard on Spurs 

The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly eyeing Sacramento Kings star point guard De'Aaron Fox amid his contract situation and squad's sub-.500 start. Among those reportedly in favor of San Antonio targeting Fox is the franchise's lead playmaker, Chris Paul.

Ahead of this season, Fox declined to sign a three-year, $165 million contract extension with Sacramento. The deal would have added to the two seasons remaining on the five-year, $163,000,300 rookie scale contract extension he inked in 2020.

On "The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis" last month, Fox broke down his decision, highlighting his desire to win.

"For me, it has all to do with just the team, the organization, where are we going," Fox said. "I want to make sure that we're in a position to try to win in the future because that's ultimately what I want to do."

Shortly after, Sacramento fired coach Mike Brown following its underwhelming 13-18 start, fueling Fox trade speculation. The Kings (17-19) have since picked up their play, winning four straight games. Nevertheless, their playoff prospects remain in question.

In his Thursday report, NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed San Antonio's interest in acquiring Fox to pair alongside star sophomore center Victor Wembanyama.

"The Spurs, as things stand, should be classified as the Texas team more likely to pursue a down-the-road Fox trade," Stein wrote.

According to league insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson's Monday report, Paul would welcome the opportunity to join forces with Fox.

"Something else I've heard: Chris Paul would like to team up with De'Aaron Fox in San Antonio," Robinson wrote.

Paul has proven to be a strong fit with the upstart Spurs (18-17), providing playmaking (8.3 assists per game) and veteran leadership. However, he will turn 40 in May, so he likely isn't a part of the organization's long-term plans.

Conversely, landing the 27-year-old Fox would presumably provide Wembanyama with a long-term co-star he can grow alongside.

Through 35 outings, Fox is averaging 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 48.6%.

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De'Aaron Fox "more likely to be made available" to Spurs and other interested suitors in the offseason

While San Antonio is reportedly among De'Aaron Fox's top suitors, it appears the organization will have to wait until the offseason to make a run at him.

Per The Athletic's Sam Amick's Thursday report, "Among interested teams, there is a strong belief that Fox is more likely to be available this summer rather than before the Feb. 6 trade deadline."

Thus, as Marc Stein noted, Fox is seemingly more of a "down-the-road" target for the young Spurs.

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