It was only a month ago that the Kings shocked everyone by firing Mike Brown. However, it proved to be the right call as they have been thriving under the new leadership of Doug Christie. But just when they were beginning to find their stride, the Sacramento franchise is facing another major crisis. Turns out, they are reportedly open to trading De’Aaron Fox as he has not shown willingness to commit to the team long term. And ESPN analyst Bob Myers claimed there were always signs that this could happen.
When asked where a decision like this comes from on the Steiny & Guru Show, Myers said, “Well, it starts when he didn’t sign his extension which was the first indicator in the offseason. That would have been my first inkling of ‘Hey why didn’t you do that?’” Yes, Fox bypassed a three-year $166 million extension with the Kings last summer, which was the first hint that he might want to go elsewhere. “What human being does that in this day and age?” Myers remarked, referring to the massive sum Fox left on the table.
Even De’Aaron revealed why he didn’t ink the deal, “It all has to do with the team, the organization, where we are going. I want to make sure that we’re in a position to try and win in the future because that’s ultimately what I want to do.” Well, Fox has been on the Kings roster for eight years. And during his tenure, they have made it to the playoffs just once. Only to be knocked out in the first round.
It’s clear that Fox wants to be in a winning situation and that’s not happening in Sac anytime soon. Even this season, they are stuck at the tenth spot in the West standings. Maybe, that’s the reason the All-Star guard is open to leaving the team. “Whatever transpired wasn’t enough to convince him to stay.” Myers added. But where could he go next?
NBA Insider reveals De’Aaron Fox’s “Preferred Destination” amid Trade Buzz
“I know I’ll make enough money regardless of where I play or what I do, I’m going to be fine.” Fox knows that he is a max contract player. Of course, he has been a top guard for years and is averaging 25.1 points and over six assists this season. But while many franchises would love to have him on their roster, the superstar seems to have a destination in mind. As per veteran insider Shams Charania, “League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De’Aaron Fox’s preferred destination.”
Jan 29, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) controls the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Yes, De’Aaron reportedly wants to team up with Victor Wembanyama and potentially form a dominant duo for years to come. While Fox remained tight lipped about the Spurs rumors, he confirmed having a destination in mind, “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.” Well, he is eligible to ink a four-year $229 million deal next summer and that number could increase to five-years $345 million if he gets the All-NBA nod this season. And he has leverage over the Kings to trade him as soon as possible because once he becomes a free agent, they will have to give him up for nothing in exchange. So, don’t be surprised if you hear about a Fox trade in the coming days. Which team do you think he should join?
The post ESPN Commentator Uses Key Evidence To Confirm De’Aaron Fox’s Fate With Kings As Crisis Hits Sacramento appeared first on EssentiallySports.