The NBA trade deadline is approaching, and as usual, a star player has suddenly become available, sending the league into a frenzy. This year, that star is Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox. Let’s break down what’s really happening with these Fox trade rumors and why the Kings have to get this right.
First, it’s crucial to understand that Fox has not demanded a trade. The Sacramento Kings have had conversations about a potential Fox trade, and Assistant General Manager Wes Wilcox informed Rich Paul, Fox’s agent, that these discussions were taking place. However, the Kings are not actively shopping Fox or putting him on the trade block.
While the possibility of Fox remaining a King long-term still exists, it seems unlikely at this point. The writing has been on the wall since Mike Brown’s firing. Fox and his team are aware of the possibilities, and they’ve made it known that they have an ideal destination in mind.
Several teams are in the mix for a potential Fox trade, including the Bulls, Heat, Rockets, and Spurs. These teams could aggressively pursue Fox in the coming days. However, I believe it’s still more likely that a deal won’t get done before the trade deadline. The Kings could potentially get more in return during the offseason, and they still have Fox under contract for another year.
Why would Fox want out?
Despite the Kings’ recent success under Doug Christie, Fox may be looking at the bigger picture. He’s been through a coaching carousel in Sacramento and has experienced a lot of chaos and instability throughout his career. The firing of Mike Brown, whom Fox had a strong relationship with, without consulting him was likely a significant blow.
Additionally, Fox bore the brunt of the blame for the team’s struggles after Brown’s firing, while the front office remained silent. The organization’s recent draft choices and lack of addressing key issues may have also contributed to Fox’s potential desire to move on.
The Kings must tread carefully with this situation. Trading a homegrown star like Fox is risky, especially for a franchise that has struggled to attract and develop top talent. If they decide to make a move, they need to ensure they get the right combination of players and draft picks in return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the De’Aaron Fox trade rumors, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• The role of local media in breaking NBA news
• Potential trade destinations for De’Aaron Fox
• The Kings’ options moving forward
