Dylan Harper expected to make notable Spurs request after NBA Finals breakout -- and De'Aaron Fox disaster

Dylan Harper’s breakthrough in the NBA Finals has Spurs executives eyeing a bigger role for the 2026-27 season, with his camp expected to push for a starting spot after a bench-heavy 2025-26 campaign. Harper showed scoring punch in the Finals, while De’Aaron Fox logged a four-year, 229 million extension that begins next season, ensuring the veteran remains the Spurs' starting point guard. Harper appeared in 69 games and started four, averaging 22.6 minutes and 11.8 points per game. In the playoffs, he increased his role to 26.8 minutes per game, scoring 14.1 points per game, including a standout Game 5 in the Finals. Harper’s camp is prepared to push for an expanded role, but the Spurs have Fox as the likely starter and also own Steph Castle as a potential starter, complicating Harper’s path. The team’s 4-year, 229 million extension to Fox begins next season, locking in a core that may limit Harper’s immediate minutes despite his Finals surge. Public chatter about Harper’s role has included critiques from teammates, including a post Harper shared on social media criticizing Fox after Game 1, though management has signaled no imminent trades for him.