---
title: "Kendrick Perkins: Spurs Should Move On From De'Aaron Fox"
description: "ESPN analyst and former NBA champion urges San Antonio to trade Fox, citing fit issues with Wembanyama."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/why-perk-is-calling-on-the-spurs-to-move-on-from-de-aaron-fo-1c56b0fa
published: 2026-06-16T02:37:10.547+00:00
updated: 2026-06-16T02:37:10.547+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["basketball"]
---

# Kendrick Perkins: Spurs Should Move On From De'Aaron Fox

> ESPN analyst and former NBA champion urges San Antonio to trade Fox, citing fit issues with Wembanyama.

Former NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins is calling on the San Antonio Spurs to trade De'Aaron Fox, arguing the star guard does not fit the team's long-term plans centered around Victor Wembanyama.

Perkins, in a recent broadcast, contended that Fox's skill set clashes with the trajectory of Wembanyama's development.

The Spurs have young guards like Stephon Castle emerging, making Fox an expendable asset for the right return.

Perkins suggested San Antonio could use Fox to acquire a defense-first point guard or additional draft capital, better aligning with a roster built for sustained contention.

Since arriving from Sacramento, Fox has averaged 22.8 points and 6.4 assists, but the Spurs remain below .500.

Perkins pointed out that Wembanyama's unique timeline demands a different supporting cast—one that maximizes his two-way dominance rather than sharing touches with a ball-dominant guard.

Trading Fox now, while his value is high, could accelerate that process.

The fit issue goes beyond raw numbers.

Fox's 22.8 points per game come on a usage rate that naturally funnels possessions away from Wembanyama.

With Castle showing promise as a combo guard who can play off the ball, the Spurs have internal options that allow Fox to be dealt without creating a backcourt void.

Perkins' argument rests on the idea that San Antonio should prioritize a facilitator who feeds Wembanyama in the post and in transition, not a scorer who needs the ball to be effective.

The trade market for a guard of Fox's caliber is robust.

League observers expect multiple contenders to inquire about his availability, especially with the February deadline approaching.

San Antonio could demand a return package that includes future first-round picks and a young rotational player, giving them additional ammunition to shape the roster around Wembanyama's prime.

Perkins' remarks add pressure on the front office to consider that deal now rather than waiting.

The San Antonio front office has not publicly responded to Perkins' take, but his voice carries weight given his NBA pedigree and ESPN platform.

The opinion is likely to polarize fans: some see Fox as a necessary scoring punch, while others prioritize building exclusively around Wembanyama's prime.

What's next: The Spurs hold Fox's contract through next season, giving them leverage.

If they agree with Perkins, trade talks could heat up before the February deadline.

Otherwise, they may let the current core play out the season to evaluate chemistry further.

## Why this matters

Kendrick Perkins is a prominent NBA voice with a direct line to league discussions. His public call for the Spurs to trade De'Aaron Fox adds fuel to existing trade speculation and could influence both fan sentiment and front-office thinking in San Antonio. Given that the Spurs are still shaping their roster around Victor Wembanyama, any move involving a high-usage player like Fox carries significant implications for the team's competitive timeline and asset management.

## Frequently asked

### Why does Kendrick Perkins think the Spurs should trade De'Aaron Fox?

Perkins argues that Fox's fit with Victor Wembanyama is not ideal, especially with younger guards emerging. He believes trading Fox would allow the Spurs to acquire pieces better suited for long-term contention around Wembanyama.

### How has De'Aaron Fox performed since joining the Spurs?

Fox has averaged 22.8 points and 6.4 assists per game since arriving from Sacramento. Despite his individual numbers, the Spurs have not seen a significant improvement in their win-loss record.

### What are the Spurs' options regarding Fox?

San Antonio can either keep Fox to evaluate fit through the season or trade him before the deadline to maximize value. They hold his contract through next season, giving them flexibility.

### Is this opinion likely to stir debate among Spurs fans?

Yes. Some fans see Fox as a necessary secondary scorer, while others prioritize building exclusively around Wembanyama. Perkins' high-profile take is expected to amplify that divide.

## Sources & Citations

- [Why Perk is calling on the Spurs to move on from De'Aaron Fox](https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/49074952/why-perk-calling-spurs-move-deaaron-fox) — ESPN (2026-06-15)

---

Cite: Kendrick Perkins: Spurs Should Move On From De'Aaron Fox. Sportopod, 2026-06-16. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/why-perk-is-calling-on-the-spurs-to-move-on-from-de-aaron-fo-1c56b0fa