Could Nets Buy Low on Spurs PG De'Aaron Fox?

In game 4 of the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs surrendered a 29-point lead to the New York Knicks, falling behind 3-1 and marking another double-digit blown lead.

De'Aaron Fox, the inaugural NBA Clutch Player of the Year with the Sacramento Kings, has shouldered a lot of the blame after committing multiple silly turnovers and of course, missing a questionable late-game layup.

Following the loss, a trade seems almost inevitable as the Spurs need to commit money towards their young core, and would likely prefer handing the reigns to No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper.

For the Brooklyn Nets, this could be a good opportunity to look into trading for the 2-time NBA All-Star while his market value is lessened.

On Thursday, NBA, NFL, and NCAA reporter Evan Sidery named Brooklyn as a potential suitor for Fox.

"Some executives are pointing towards the Nets as a strong fit for De’Aaron Fox, if the Spurs try to trade him this summer to let Dylan Harper take over," Sidery wrote on X. "Fox’s massive extension kicking in will significantly impact his value. In Brooklyn, Fox would reunite with [head coach] Jordi Fernandez."

Fernandez coached Fox in Sacramento as an assistant prior to landing his head coaching role with the Nets.

Brooklyn also has the cap space and flexibility to afford Fox's lucrative four-year, $221 million contract extension that kicks in next season.

While Fox's play has certainly not been up to his standards, the former Kentucky standout has shown the ability to thrive as a No. 1 option on a smaller market team.

Fox also suffered an ankle sprain earlier in the postseason, which could be impacting his play.

While Fox's game 4 blunders are inexcusable, they may be overexaggerating his overall level of play.

Fox has still played solid in the finals, averaging nearly 19 points per game, while adding 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds.

Until late in the Spurs' collapse, Fox was having his best shooting game of the series, knocking down four triples.

With draft rumors swirling about Brooklyn potentially looking at frontcourt prospects with the No. 6 overall pick, the Nets' would likely need to add a lead guard in the offseason.

Fox's recent struggles are not ideal, but could benefit the Nets in trade discussions, as his value will never be lower.

If Brooklyn ends up passing on one of the elite guard prospects like Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, or Keaton Wagler, Fox would certainly be a nice veteran addition to a young backcourt. 

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