Rockets linked to trade for $229 million Spurs veteran disappointment again

Rockets linked to trade for $229 million Spurs veteran disappointment again originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>The San Antonio Spurs couldn’t have asked for a better NBA Finals opportunity this season.

>San Antonio held a double-digit advantage in five consecutive contests, but finished the series with a disappointing 1-4 record.

>The Spurs- 28-year-old veteran guard De’Aaron Fox was easily the franchise’s biggest disappointment, as he shrank in moments that required him to rise to the occasion and put the Spurs in the best possible position to win.

>Last Friday, CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin suggested that the Spurs could work their magic to offload Fox and his gigantic $229 million contract via a trade with the Houston Rockets. On Monday, USA Today’s/For the Win’s Wajih AlBaroudi echoed a similar sentiment in his recent article.

>“Fox had a brutal NBA Finals while Dylan Harper, the franchise's future at point guard, outplayed him for much of San Antonio's playoff run," AlBaroudi wrote.

>“The former Sacramento Kings star is under contract for the next four seasons with an average salary of $55.4 million, so moving him won't be easy. However, the two-time All-Star is only 28 and has elite athletic traits, so perhaps a team like the Houston Rockets could covet him.”

>Acquiring Fox, an 18.6-point and 6.2 assist contributor with the Spurs this season, wouldn't be the home run acquisition many would think for the Rockets.

>While the Kentucky product does bring elite end-to-end speed and captivating off-the-dribble playmaking to the table, he’s shown he can’t be trusted to serve as the head of the snack for a franchise with serious title aspirations.

>Would the Rockets remain in the mix for postseason births with Fox? Absolutely, as they would still possess too much talent to be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

>That said, Fox still has a long way to go before he’s regarded as a dependable lead guard on a championship contender.

>More NBA news:

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