The Sacramento Kings are said to be willing to trade their top player, All-Star De’Aaron Fox, to a competing team before next week’s NBA trade deadline.
Fox, 27, has one year left on his $37m ($59m AUD) Sacramento contract after this season. He’s currently in his eighth season with the Kings, who selected him with the fifth pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
However, Shams Charania mentioned on ESPN’s NBA Today that the Kings had “chosen to explore a possible trade” of Fox before the February 6 deadline.
Numerous teams will be interested in De’Aaron Fox before free agency in 2026. However, I’ve heard that Fox and his team… have a specific target they aim to reach in this trade scenario,” Charania stated on ESPN. “Once we determine the location, we will notify the audience.”
Nevertheless, Charania indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers were not a preferred destination for Fox.
ESPN Sacramento announcer James Ham subsequently mentioned on X that Fox’s “favored destination” is the San Antonio Spurs, if he seeks a trade.
“This is a substantial new domino in the NBA scenario.” He possesses the capability to transform the dynamics of any team he joins.
This season, Fox is averaging 25.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists, shooting 46.8 percent from the field and recording a career-best 37.2 minutes per game.
NBA champion Richard Jefferson chuckled upon hearing Charania’s report on NBA Today, then playfully remarked: “It’s the Kings doing what the Kings do.”
“It’s possible that De’Aaron Fox is conveying this, so perhaps they will attempt to provide him with what he desires because they might want to avoid a Jimmy Butler scenario.” I believe this is a completely different circumstance.
“However, when I observe De’Aron Fox, he is the type of player who can elevate a playoff team to a championship contender – that’s his potential.”
I’m eager to find out where he intends to go, as it doesn’t always turn out like that. However, if he is targeting a strong playoff team with available salary cap space that he thinks he can elevate, De’Aaron Fox is among them.
ESPN colleague Danny Green stated, “this is an error by Sacramento.”
“I realize they’re attempting to act in the best interest of both themselves and the player, but I believe they must do everything within their power to retain him,” Green stated on NBA Today.
“Opening this door is an error on my part.” They ought to seek a way to make him stay and ensure his happiness. “I believe it’s not too late; I believe there’s still time.”
The Kings are currently 10th in the Western Conference with a record of 24-22 but have gained momentum lately, winning 10 out of their last 14 games.
