Sacramento Kings

Even though the Sacramento Kings have been playing much better under interim head coach Doug Christie, this recent short-term success doesn't seem like it's going to change De'Aaron Fox's willingness to make a long-term commitment to the organization.

Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst, one NBA executive said the Kings "seem to know" Fox won't sign an extension with them.

"That's clarifying, and now they can be a first mover and do it at a time when they can get the best deal. This is how Utah played things with Donovan Mitchell a few years ago," the executive added. "They got out ahead of it and generated a bidding war."

Fox's status with the Kings seemed to be made clear on Tuesday when ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sacramento was expected to open talks with interested teams prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

There had been rumblings prior to Charania's report that Fox had already started thinking about his future. The Athletic's Sam Amick and Anthony Slater reported on Dec. 21 that his camp was "reading the room in Sacramento before deciding what comes next."

Fox turned down a three-year, $165 million extension offer from the Kings prior to the start of this season. It was part of a strategic move because he will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension next summer. If he becomes supermax eligible by making the All-NBA team, the offer would increase to $345 million over five years.

The Kings have struggled to build on their positive momentum from the 2022-23 season when they finished third in the West with a 48-34 record and ended their 16-year playoff drought, losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round.

Sacramento did put together a 46-36 record last season but missed the playoffs after losing to the Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament.

After a 13-18 start this season, the Kings fired Brown on Dec. 27. They have put together a good stretch under Christie with an 11-5 record in their last 16 games to move up to 10th in the Western Conference.

Fox has one more year remaining on his current contract with a $37.1 million salary in 2025-26. The 27-year-old is averaging 25.1 points on 46.8 percent shooting, 6.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in 44 starts this season.

De'Aaron Fox reportedly wasn't the one to approach the Sacramento Kings regarding a trade.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Kings initiated talks with Fox's representation surrounding a change of scenery. The star point guard preferred a trade during the offseason, though.

"League sources say Fox and his representation would have preferred to reach this point during the offseason, when teams around the league gain access to 2032 draft capital and carry additional roster spots," Fischer wrote.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the Kings were "expected to open up talks" to move Fox.

When asked by reporters if he requested to be traded from Sacramento, the 27-year-old confirmed that he didn't.

"No," Fox said on Wednesday, via Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee. "You would know if I did."

"That's their decision to make," he added. "I can't tell them not to listen to offers or I can't tell them to listen to offers."

On Thursday, Fischer noted that the Kings' decision was "inspired" by Fox's "wavering commitment" to the team. He's also been "unwilling to commit his long-term future" to Sacramento.

Fox has spent his entire career with the Kings since he was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. In 44 starts this season, he's averaging 25.1 points and 6.2 assists per game on 46.8/32.1/82.9 shooting splits.

It shouldn't be too difficult for Sacramento to find an interested suitor, as Charania reported Wednesday that Fox has a "massive market." Charania also listed the San Antonio Spurs as a team that the point guard would be interested in joining.

Fox is set to earn $37.1 million for the 2025-26 season, meaning that Sacramento isn't required to deal him prior to the trade deadline and can wait until the summer.

The Kings appear to be motivated to move him before then, though.

Trading for Sacramento Kings star De'Aaron Fox may be cheaper than what the Cleveland Cavaliers paid to acquire Donovan Mitchell in 2022.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, "there seems to be a general consensus among NBA decision makers polled by The Stein Line, at this juncture, that Fox is unlikely to command the sort of trade haul Cleveland had to surrender in order to land Mitchell."

The Cavaliers traded three players including Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton, as well as three unprotected first-rounders and two pick swaps, to acquire Mitchell ahead of the 2022-23 season.

The Cavs also sent out Ochai Agbaji, who at the time had been recently selected with the No. 14 pick of the 2022 draft.

The difference in trade prices could be in part due to Fox's contract, which is currently set to expire after the 2025-26 season. At the time of the Cavs' blockbuster deal, Mitchell was signed for at least three more seasons and had a player option for a fourth.

ESPN's Shams Charania has previously reported that the San Antonio Spurs are Fox's "preferred destination," and that the Spurs are "among the interested teams in Fox."

In another report, Charania said the Kings have told interested teams they want both "win-now players" and "draft capital" in exchange for Fox.

The Spurs have young players like Stephon Castle to potentially offer, as well as one of the biggest stockpiles of draft assets in the league. The franchise is currently sitting on 12 first-round picks, nine of which are tradable, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

San Antonio could also theoretically be willing to pay more for Fox if the Kings star indicates he would be willing to sign an extension as part of the trade.

But for other teams, who may risk adding Fox for just one and a half seasons before losing him ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, the asking price for Mitchell could be steep.

The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Tuesday that the Kings are "listening to trade offers" amid indications that Fox does not plan to sign an extension in Sacramento this summer.

Fox could be eligible, given an All-NBA nod, for a five-year supermax extension only if he stays with the Kings. If he is traded and re-signs with another team, he could still make up to $296 million on a five-year max deal, per Keith Smith of Front Office Sports and Spotrac.

The era of the second luxury tax apron could limit the number of teams able to offer that kind of deal— and therefore the number of clubs willing to give up a Mitchell-like haul in order to acquire Fox.

Trade rumors surrounding De'Aaron Fox could be distracting the Sacramento Kings in their effort to climb into a guaranteed playoff spot.

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, "the mood of the team could certainly play a part" in deciding the Kings' next move regarding Fox.

According to Amick, "league sources close to several Kings players expressed frustration that this situation has become such an ill-timed distraction."

Amick reported Tuesday that the Kings are "listening to trade offers" and "considering" trading Fox ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.

The 27-year-old guard has one year remaining on his contract and has signaled he will not sign an extension in Sacramento this summer, per Amick. ESPN's Shams Charania previously described the Spurs as Fox's "preferred destination."

However, according to Amick's previous report, Fox's agent Rich Paul "recently informed the Kings that it would be wise to move him sooner rather than later, even if it's not to the team of his choosing."

That could be due in part because Fox would be eligible for a higher maximum contract if re-signing rather than inking a new deal this summer, as reported by Keith Smith of Spotrac and Front Office Sports.

As Amick wrote in his latest report:

Beyond the Spurs, who have the luxury of operating with the knowledge that Fox is likely to sign an extension if he comes their way, the Kings' attention has no doubt turned to teams that must view Fox as a rental. The question there, it seems, is whether the Kings are motivated enough to truly consider offers that would likely be far less attractive than the Spurs' because of the risk factor involved for teams that roll the dice. 

The Kings have been on a tear ever since they wrapped up a six-game losing streak in December.

Despite most recently dropping a Wednesday decision to the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento has won 11 of its last 15 games while leapfrogging Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors for the final play-in spot in the West.

That surge has left the Kings just three games back of the last guaranteed playoff spot in the conference.

If Fox is determined to leave Sacramento by Feb. 6, finding a deal that will take the focus off the pending trade— while giving whoever the Kings receive in return as much time as possible to adjust to the lineup— could be key to climbing the Western Conference standings.

For now, Fox is set to remain with the team for Saturday's road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sacramento Kings star point guard De'Aaron Fox denied requesting a trade on Wednesday as rumors swirl that the team will entertain offers for him ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.

"No," he said when asked if he asked for a trade, per Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee. "You would know if I did."

"That's their decision to make," he added. "I can't tell them not to listen to offers or I can't tell them to listen to offers."

Reports on Tuesday also indicated Fox has a desired destination should he be traded—with the San Antonio Spurs believed to be that team—and while he didn't confirm the specific team, he didn't deny having one in mind.

"League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De'Aaron Fox's preferred destination." 😲 @ShamsCharania with the latest on the Sacramento Kings being open to trade De'Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/O63Xh0m4wm

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025

"Stars want to play with Victor Wembanyama." 🙌 @chiney says De'Aaron Fox is "pretty close" to being the perfect "running mate" next to Wemby on the Spurs 👀 pic.twitter.com/xjqoThS4bQ

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 29, 2025

Likely Fox suitors with extra draft ammo

Spurs: Own 1sts, ATL's unprotected 1sts in 2025 + 2027, Minn's unprotected 2031 1st, Bulls 2025 1st top-10 protected or 2026 top-8 protected

Nets: Own 1sts, 4 unprotected NY 1sts, Bucks 1st top-5 protected, 76ers top-8 protected 2026/27

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) January 28, 2025

San Antonio is indeed the team I hear most from sources, and one that makes a ton of sense. One angle here: Kings just fired their coach, clear "make playoffs this season" governing approach. How does a Fox deal fit into that if the return ends up pick-heavy? https://t.co/JzspGitF58

— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) January 28, 2025

"For sure, I think everybody has a preferred destination," he said. "I think everybody has a preferred destination if they're not in the place that—or if they're not going to be in the place where they are in the moment. I think it's natural."

Once Fox declined a three-year, $165 million max extension offer over the summer, his future with the Kings was always in question. It made sense from a financial standpoint, as he could now sign a four-year, $229-million extension this upcoming summer—or a five-year, $345 million supermax deal if he earns All-NBA honors—but it also meant he could become a free agent after the 2025-26 season.

That offers Fox a lot of leverage. The Kings don't want to risk losing him for nothing down the line and trading him now likely would fetch the greatest return, given he'll be under contract for at least another season. He'll also be able to sign the most lucrative possible contract with the team that acquires him via trade.

What does the current trade market look like for De'Aaron Fox?@SIChrisMannix joined @ryenarussillo and shared the latest he's hearing around the NBA. pic.twitter.com/jE7Ea6k4ZP

— The Ringer (@ringer) January 29, 2025

None of this guarantees the Kings will actually trade him, of course. They could also make one last-ditch effort to build a contender around him, acquiring another star this winter. It feels like the less likely approach, but Fox wouldn't be shocked by it, either.

"I think anything's possible in this league," he said Wednesday. "Like I said, crazier things have happened."

The Sacramento Kings are pursuing both players and draft capital in trade calls with "dozens" of teams interested in trading for De'Aaron Fox, Shams Charania said Wednesday on ESPN's First Take.

"The Kings, so far in conversations with all those teams, they say they want win-now players. They want draft capital as well," Charania said.

"League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De'Aaron Fox's preferred destination." 😲 @ShamsCharania with the latest on the Sacramento Kings being open to trade De'Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/O63Xh0m4wm

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025

Charania reported Tuesday that the Kings were "expected to open talks" regarding a potential Fox trade.

Fox is set to hit free agency after the 2025-26 season, and Charania wrote that "he has not shown a willingness yet to commit long term in Sacramento."

He reportedly turned down a three-year, $165 million max extension ahead of the 2024-25 season, per Charania.

By waiting, Fox set himself up to sign an extension worth up to $296 million, per Keith Smith of Spotrac and Front Office Sports.

The max he could make in free agency would be $219 million, which could be pushing him to seek a trade by the Feb. 6 deadline, per Smith.

Some figures for De'Aaron Fox's next contract:

Supermax (if eligible with SAC only): five years, $345M

Max via re-signing/extending: five years, $296M

Max if signing w/ another team as FA: four years, $219M

It's that middle one why he wants to get traded now vs waiting for… https://t.co/j2lz4avDpd

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) January 29, 2025

Fox could earn up to five years and $345 million on a supermax deal if he is named to an All-NBA team, but only if he signs the deal in Sacramento, per Smith.

Money might not be the only thing driving Fox's potential departure from the Kings, however. The Athletic's Sam Amick and Anthony Slater previously reported that Fox and his agent Rich Paul were evaluating the Kings' path forward to decide if they were approaching Fox's goal of contending for the playoffs.

Charania previously reported that the San Antonio Spurs are on top of Fox's "list of preferred destinations," and Amick and Slater wrote in December that San Antonio "is positioning itself to pursue [Fox] as a possible partner for Victor Wembanyama."

San Antonio's stockpile of draft assets could make them a candidate to trade for Fox. The Spurs have 12 first-rounders over the next seven years alone, as well as an NBA-high 20 second-round picks and first-round pick swap rights in three separate years, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee predicted that Fox trade talks will involve "some combination of first-round draft picks and young players, including rookie guard Stephon Castle, fifth-year guard Devin Vassell and third-year forward Jeremy Sochan."

Offering both a first-round pick and a developing star like Castle could help the Spurs meet the terms Charania reports the Kings are looking for.

The Spurs also theoretically have room to offer Fox an extension. Spotrac currently projects them as one of six NBA teams with at least $20 million in projected cap space heading into the 2025-26 season. Being able to sign Fox long-term could make the haul the Spurs would have to give up to acquire him worth it.

Following a report that the Sacramento Kings are open to trading star point guard De'Aaron Fox, teams have wasted no time in trying to acquire him.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported during an episode of SportsCenter that the Kings have already "gotten dozens of calls in the last seven, eight, nine hours."

Fox has one year remaining on his contract and is scheduled to earn $37.1 million for the 2025-26 campaign. He bypassed a three-year, $165 million maximum extension from the Kings before this season, as he will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million maximum extension next summer. If he's selected to an All-NBA team this year, he would be eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax deal.

Charania explained that any team that trades for Fox would want the security of knowing whether he's willing to sign an extension beyond his current deal.

"Wherever he might land, that team would want to know whether he'll be able to stay long-term, whether that team is gonna have a chance to keep him," Charania said.

Charania added that the San Antonio Spurs are "atop that list of preferred destinations" for Fox.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire eight-year NBA career in Sacramento since the franchise drafted him fifth overall in 2017. In 43 games this season, he leads the team with averages of 25.2 points and 1.5 steals while also adding 5.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists.

Despite Fox's individual success, the Kings rank 10th in the West with a 24-22 record. Head coach Mike Brown was fired last month following the team's slow start. Under interim head coach Doug Christie, Sacramento has won 11 of its past 15 games.

The Feb. 6 trade deadline is just over a week away, so teams will have to move quickly if they want to convince the Kings to let go of their top homegrown talent.

A trade with the Sacramento Kings is reportedly not on the table for the Miami Heat as it relates to disgruntled veteran Jimmy Butler.

Speaking Wednesday on his Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective podcast (beginning at the 17:09 mark), ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst suggested that the Kings are not in the mix for Butler:

"As of the recording of this podcast, I do not believe that Jimmy Butler going to Sacramento is part of the option here. I have my reasons for that. Could change. This podcast is being recorded the day before it's posting. There's not been discussion, I think, with the Butler side. Not that that's absolutely vital, but I can just leave it at that."

The Kings made headlines on the rumor mill Tuesday when ESPN's Shams Charania reported that they were expected to "open talks" for a possible trade involving one-time All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox.

Butler, 35, seems like a sure bet to get moved prior to the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline given his tumultuous relationship with the Heat currently.

He is in the midst of his third suspension this month, as he was first suspended seven games for conduct detrimental to the team, then two games for missing a team flight and now indefinitely for walking out of practice Monday.

Prior to his initial suspension, Butler suggested that he wanted to be traded, and as part of the suspension announcement, the Heat confirmed as much and noted that they would listen to offers.

An ideal scenario for Miami would be to trade Butler in a deal that brings back a player who would help the team now and in the future, which perfectly describes Fox.

The 27-year-old Fox is in the midst of his third consecutive season averaging 25 points or more per game, as he is putting up 25.2 points, 6.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals per contest, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from long range.

While Fox has been a highly productive player throughout his eight-year career in Sacramento, he has only reached the playoffs once, which may be a contributing factor in why he has not wanted to make a long-term commitment to the organization.

Fox can become a free agent after next season, and ESPN's Tim Bontemps noted on Brian Windhorst and The Hoop Collective that the Heat want to have salary cap space entering the 2026 offseason with the goal of signing a player like Fox.

Bontemps also brought up the Kentucky connection with the Heat, as Fox starred at the University of Kentucky, as did Miami's top two players in Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, and team president Pat Riley.

While the Heat may try to make a run at trading for Fox, Windhorst suggested that Butler is not the type of return the Kings are looking for.

Butler is a six-time All-Star who has twice led the Heat to the playoffs, but he can become a free agent during the offseason if he opts out of his contract.

Also, the Kings are only on the fringes on playoff contention, as their 24-22 record has them 10th in the Western Conference, which is the final spot in the postseason play-in tournament.

Butler would perhaps help the Kings remain competitive playing alongside Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, but it seems likely that the Kings would prefer to bring in quality pieces for the future in any trade involving Fox.

De'Aaron Fox's time with the Sacramento Kings could be coming to an end very soon.

Per NBA insider Chris Haynes, Fox is "zeroed in" on a potential trade destination as the Kings "look to possibly move him" ahead of the trade deadline on Feb. 6. Haynes noted that teams "will likely be discouraged" from dealing for Fox because of his free agency in 2026, and his "unwillingness to sign extension has positioned the situation here."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Los Angeles Lakers "are not part of the destination of choice" for Fox. SNY's Ian Begley noted that the Brooklyn Nets "are among the teams that view" Fox as a trade target.

James Ham of ESPN added that Fox's preferred landing spot is the San Antonio Spurs.

After news broke of Fox's potential trade, fans began debating landing spots for the star point guard.

Is it my delusion speaking or does it make sense if Miami is the “target destination” for De'Aaron Fox?

Anyway, I’m ready to be let down again 😭

— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) January 28, 2025

Pat Riley finding out he’s gonna get to acquire De Aaron Fox while sending his opp to basketball perdition pic.twitter.com/IQhf5XukYf

— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) January 28, 2025

The other 29 teams to De’Aaron Fox pic.twitter.com/WB00KJsBxj

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) January 28, 2025

I’m ngl… if the Spurs land De’Aaron Fox they can go on a deep playoff run as early as THIS year

Victor Wembanyama is already a top 5 player and history has shown us that if an all-star is alongside him, anything can happen pic.twitter.com/0wKXDWXLKr

— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) January 28, 2025

D Fox to the Spurs, let’s get that going.

— Niko (@nikotaughtyou) January 28, 2025

The Nets should trade for Fox and sit him for the year so they can keep the tank going

I’m being dead serious https://t.co/2sv0oonULX

— Alex B. (@KnicksCentral) January 28, 2025

If the Heat somehow land Fox at the deadline I'll never slander the front office again https://t.co/M3rpWpQOkX

— HeatForum (@HeatForum) January 28, 2025

Alec Burks was the first rich Paul client signing in years for Pat Riley

D Fox agent is also Rich Paul

Woj last year said the Heat were positioning themselves for a star on Bams timeline

Today Fox is on trade block with ONE team in mind

Fox to Miami was meant to happen 🦊💥 pic.twitter.com/sdxDqEZYqg

— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) January 28, 2025

I would love to see Fox on the Lakers ngl

— ⊰3⊱ (@KingaHarts3) January 28, 2025

Lakers need to go after De’Aaron Fox & it’s lit

— أكبر (@Akbreeze_) January 28, 2025

Lakers better ante up for Fox 🦊

— Blicky Steamboat (@YankeeluvnGiant) January 28, 2025

Fox is just 27 years old and is very much in his prime, putting up 25.2 points, 6.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. While he's been a career King and helped the team snap an ugly playoff drought, it's understandable that he might want to take his talents to a team better equipped to make a title run.

It's fair to assume plenty of teams will be putting in offers for Fox. One such team might be the Miami Heat given that they're currently trying to find a deal for disgruntled star Jimmy Butler.

The Lakers could use a player like Fox, but all signs point to him going elsewhere. Along with Charania's report that Los Angeles is not one of Fox's preferred destinations, The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported earlier this week that there is "uncertainty" whether Sacramento would trade him to a division rival.

The Nets would be an interesting trade partner, to say the least. Fox might not turn Brooklyn into a contender right away, and considering he'll be a free agent soon, he could be nothing more than a two-year rental.

Arguably the most intriguing option is Fox's preferred destination of San Antonio. While the Spurs aren't a contender just yet, pairing Fox with young star Victor Wembanyama seems like a duo that could potentially turn San Antonio into a championship contender for years to come.

As the deadline nears, the Kings will look to get a sizeable return for their star, while Fox will hope to land with a team that allows him to finally compete for a championship.