The Spurs finished second in the Western Conference with a 62-20 record and advanced by defeating the Trail Blazers and Timberwolves. The Western Conference Finals are tied 1-1 after an overtime win in Game 1 and a loss in Game 2. De'Aaron Fox is not available, so Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper are carrying more responsibility. Fox’s potential trade value is tied to Toronto’s need for offense, with Fox offering scoring, passing, and creation despite limited career 3-point accuracy. Castle’s early playoff inexperience shows in turnovers, while Harper’s status is uncertain after an injury in Game 2. Their continued development could make a full transition more appealing.
"The Spurs secured a 122-115 overtime win in Game 1, but the Thunder took Game 2 122-113. The most interesting part of this all: the Spurs are battling the defending champions without All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox, trusting youngsters Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper to keep the ship afloat in his absence. The series is tied 1-1 right now."
"Bleacher Report's Dan Favale recently listed Fox as a potential trade target for the Raptors alongside Trey Murphy III and LaMelo Ball to help address Toronto's offensive limitations. The Spurs may be much more inclined to move on from Fox and his steadily growing salary, if Castle and Harper continue to play well and make the idea of fully leaning into their potential more intriguing. Harper left Game 2 with an injury, but it's still uncertain if it will keep him out of any other games."
"Castle is only in his second year and his first playoff run, and that inexperience has shown itself in high turnover numbers against the Thunder. But, in his defense, he's not usually the team's starting point guard, and he has never been in such high-pressure situations as a pro. He and Harper still have sky-high potential."
"Fox isn't the most reliable 3-point shooter, knocking down 33.1% of his attempts for his career. That's a tough skill to lack on a Raptors team already short on outside shooting-unless Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett's uncharacteristically efficient 3-point shooting from the playoffs carries over to the regular season-but Fox also provides plenty of things the Raptors do need. He is an All-Star guard, a 21.1-point scorer for his career, a great passer, and a very capable offensive creator."
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