Over a dozen NBA teams have made calls to the Sacramento Kings front office on a trade for De’Aaron Fox, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania. In a development that has escalated in a matter of days, Fox’s time in Sacramento looks soon to be over. The trade deadline is just over a week away from today. Considering Fox’s quality and skillset, the former All-Star is likely playing his last minutes with the Kings as the suitors continue throwing down their best offers.
Kings Seek Specific Demands In De’Aaron Fox Trade
Sacramento Kings Will Only Trade De’Aaron Fox for Win-Now Players & Draft Value
Win-now players and draft capital are the stipulations the King’s demand in exchange for the once-thought future of the franchise. Fox will undoubtedly reward Sacramento with a solid return haul, whether in talent or future draft picks. The question is, which and how many organizations have what is needed or are willing to give up for Fox? Shams reported on First Take this Wednesday morning to Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo that many teams have called in inquiring about Fox. While Fox’s party has not directly specified a preferred destination(s), speculation points to the San Antonio Spurs as his trade of choice.
However, it is believed that the Kings, who are receiving pressure from Fox’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, are unlikely to wait longer than they have to and risk losing Fox in the offseason for nothing. Shams broke down what the Kings are looking for in return and why now is better than later.
“In a lot of ways, this is the Kings getting ahead of what’s coming in the offseason,” said Shams on First Take. “He’s going to be a free agent in 2026, so if he were to be traded at the trade deadline, this gives them more time on his contract to potentially get more value instead of waiting for the summer when every team in the league knows they have to move De’Aaron Fox…The Kings, so far in conversations with all those teams, they’ve said they want win-now players. They want draft capital as well. This is a massive domino. De’Aaron Fox is in the prime of his career. He’s a max contract, no-brainer.”
Los Angeles Lakers Not On the Wish List
It appears that the Los Angeles Lakers are not on everyone’s wish list regarding trade destinations. According to Shams, Fox has no interest in joining the ranks commanded by LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the purple and gold. Fox is not the first superstar to cast away the Lakers recently. Jimmy Butler‘s camp also listed the Lakers as a non-desired trade destination. What does this say about the Lakers? Well, that’s another article altogether.
It’s interesting why the Lakers wouldn’t draw Fox’s attention. He would thrive alongside AD and LeBron, and especially with AD after LeBron retires. Plus, it would provide the Lakers with the next franchise superstar post-LeBron, provided AD remains in LA long-term. While the Lakers don’t make Fox’s trade list, other high-profile organizations are likely to be included in the teams that inquire about him. If Fox does move to San Antonio, that’s a significant win for a small market franchise with big future expectations.
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