De’Aaron Fox poses in a Spurs uniform in his team publicity shot. Credit: Instagram / @spurs

The finger pointing following the San Antonio Spurs’ Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks has already begun, sparking online speculation that veteran guard De’Aaron Fox could be on his way out.

After the Knicks won their first NBA title in more than five decades with Saturday’s 94-90 victory over the Spurs, reporters asked Spurs guard Devin Vassell what he thought about rookie Dylan Harper’s output during the series.

“I think we all knew he was talented, I don’t know if anybody knew he was this talented besides himself,” Vasell said. “He was upset with the playing time and the different roles he was in. But, when we needed him most, he stepped up.”

Vasell’s comment about Harper’s playing time come as analysts and hoops enthusiasts have questioned head coach Mitch Johnson’s decision of sticking with Fox in the series’ starting lineup rather than give Harper a bigger role.

Despite his rookie status, the 20-year-old Harper averaged an astonishing 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists during the series. Meanwhile, Fox, who last year signed a behemoth $229 million four-year contract with the Spurs, only averaged 13 points during the Finals with no rebounds

Still, it’s worth mentioning that Fox was recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the Western Conference semifinals.

It’s still too early to say whether Fox wants out of San Antonio. However, sports writers have already started drafting scenarios in which the point guard is traded to the Chicago Bulls or the Brooklyn Nets to make way for Harper.

And online speculators have also pointed out Fox isn’t following the Spurs’ official Instagram account — something star players have been know to do when considering options from other teams.

“No way in hell Harper is accepting a third-guard role next season,” Contra Costa Associate Head Coach Jason Maples tweeted following Game 5. “They gotta find a taker for Fox and his albatross contract or move Harper for a superstar [small forward] or [power forward].”

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Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...