The San Antonio Spurs have been urged to trade De'Aaron Fox in order to unlock Dylan Harper, although Devin Vassell has the most to gain.
It's only a matter of time before the San Antonio Spurs trade away De'Aaron Fox.
Fox is still an All-Star, although blunders in the NBA Finals added up. Plus, the Spurs boast Dylan Harper, who is expected to be a long-term running mate for both Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. Fox is a very good player, although Harper is expected to surpass him, if he hasn't already.
Almost all of the arguments calling for Fox to be traded are centered on maximizing Harper. The second-year point guard isn't the only player who would benefit from shipping Fox out, though. Devin Vassell has just as much to gain.
Moving Fox Would Open Up Shots for Vassell
Last season, as expected, Fox took the second-most shots of anyone on the team, behind only Wembanyama. That's how things were supposed to go. Interestingly, though, Fox took the second-most shots per 36 minutes, as well. However, he was below the league average in efficiency, both inside and out of the arc.
Harper wasn't more efficient than Fox was, but he was never expected to be more reliable. After all, he was just a rookie. He did, however, take fewer shots, and the shots he did take seemed to be smarter shots.
Enter Devin Vassell.
Last season, Vassell shot 38.4 percent from deep, behind only Harrison Barnes of the Spurs' rotation players. Since he can get to the rim, pull up from midrange, and hit shots from deep with ease, it's safe to assume that you would want him taking as many shots as possible.
Having Harper join the starting lineup would do just that. Not only is Harper just as solid a facilitator as Fox, but he has less tunnel vision, and when he does, he goes downhill instead of trying to score on an island from deep.
For now, Fox is the better player to pair with Victor Wembanyama, but that clock is ticking. It's only a matter of time before Harper is the better option next to Wemby. He's already the better option next to Vassell.
