What happened: The NBA removed the La Clippers' first-round selections in the 2029 through 2033 drafts after a salary-cap investigation involving Kawhi Leonard. One floated framework would exchange Darius Garland, owed roughly $87 million over two years, for De'Aaron Fox, whose deal is worth $222 million over four years.
Why it matters: Moving Fox would ease the Spurs' long-term payroll pressure before Stephon Castle becomes extension-eligible next summer and Dylan Harper follows in 2028. Victor Wembanyama's five-year, $252 million commitment already anchors San Antonio's next spending cycle.
By the numbers: Garland's remaining money averages about $43.5 million per season, compared with $55.5 million for Fox—a gap of roughly $12 million annually and two additional contract years.
What to watch: Watch whether Los Angeles shops contracts or absorbs longer-term salary for first-rounders before the 2026-27 season.