Analysts highlighted several factors behind this assessment. Fox has shown signs of athletic decline while the overall production on the court has not consistently matched the size of the contract. While Fox remains a valuable contributor, his output has begun to align more with that of a fringe All-Star rather than a perennial All-NBA performer. Observers noted that his free-throw attempts per 100 possessions have trended downward year over year since the 2022-23 season, and his shot profile has shifted away from rim-attacking aggressiveness. Over the past five seasons, a substantial portion of his looks at the rim has been limited to 25 percent or more, which raises questions about how easily his efficiency can be sustained without a lights-out three-point stroke.
These considerations contribute to the sentiment that the contract could remain underwater for a significant portion of its lifespan. While the deal may be less problematic for the Spurs than it would be for many other teams, it still represents a structure more typical of an All-NBA-caliber player, paired with production that doesn’t always meet those expectations given the contract terms.
As the Spurs continue to develop younger talent under favorable long-term deals, the Fox contract serves as a notable exception—one that will be scrutinized as the team progresses and reassesses its ceiling in the coming seasons.
