De’Aaron Fox Perfects Star Player Trade Request, Keeps Good Relations!

Buzz circulated rapidly on social media on Tuesday: De’Aaron Fox is seeking a way out. ESPN broke the news, quickly echoed by major news platforms, all echoing a similar sentiment. ESPN described the situation as “Open talks,” while The Athletic mentioned, “Listening to trade offers,” a phrase a close source used when speaking with Sports Illustrated.

While Fox hasn’t explicitly demanded a trade, he has, through his agent Rich Paul from Klutch Sports, signaled his unwillingness to sign a long-term extension with the Sacramento Kings. This stance essentially has the same implications. With Fox eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension this summer, Sacramento is positioned where they cannot afford to lose him for nothing.

“It’s their decision,” Fox stated to the Sacramento Bee on Wednesday. “I can’t tell them not to consider offers nor can I tell them to consider them.”

This situation mirrors a previous incident from January 2019 when Anthony Davis informed the New Orleans Pelicans of his preference for a trade over signing an extension, leading to his eventual transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers that summer. In 2020, Davis inked a five-year, $190 million contract with the Lakers.

Fox’s decision, although significant, is hardly shocking. He declined a three-year, $165 million extension last fall, aiming for a potentially larger deal this summer after a season where he averaged 26.6 points. Such a deal could extend to five years and $345 million should he earn an All-NBA selection.

Since then, the dynamics within the Kings have shifted. Head coach Mike Brown was dismissed months after receiving a long-term contract. The team’s performance, starting the season at 13–19, has somewhat improved under interim coach Doug Christie with an 11–5 record since his appointment, though they face a potential play-in tournament battle to reach the playoffs.

The positive atmosphere from a 48-win 2022–23 season now feels distant.

Fox is acutely aware of these changes. Despite opportunities to leverage recent successes, Sacramento has struggled. DeMar DeRozan, despite his impressive stats, hasn’t translated those into wins. The team has explored acquiring a solid three-and-D wing to bolster their defense—considering players like Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges—but to no avail.

Some deficiencies stem from decisions beyond the front office’s control, yet some responsibility still lies with them.

At 27, Fox is at a crucial juncture in his career. He has participated in only one postseason series. Without a clear path to contention, the Kings struggle to match the appeal of other teams like the San Antonio Spurs, where he could complement Victor Wembanyama, or the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, where he could reunite with former college teammate Bam Adebayo.

Fox hasn’t demanded a trade; rather, he’s informing a regressing team of his unwillingness to sign an extension, indirectly doing Sacramento a favor.

The Kings aren’t pressured to trade Fox immediately. Early signs suggest they’re not rushing, as they are already receiving inquiries. The most strategic move might be to wait until spring to consider offers, particularly from teams like the Rockets, who are keen to evaluate their playoff capabilities, or the Spurs, who may present a compelling offer.

Moreover, it’s not entirely clear what Sacramento seeks in return for Fox. The team is not looking to rebuild, as indicated by sources close to SI. They aim to stay competitive, prioritizing players over draft capital, though they are unlikely to receive equivalent value for Fox immediately, waiting might allow for more creative deal-making.

Rushing a trade would be unwise. Despite the drama, Fox continues to perform robustly, contrasting with Jimmy Butler’s contentious situation in Miami. Fox maintains a professional attitude, focusing solely on his performance and team success.

“Every day I step on the court, I do my job. That’s always been my approach,” Fox explained. “I don’t worry about anything else. I just aim to play my best and help us win.”

Christie added, “Basketball is a business. This court is our sanctuary. This is where we come to relax, to bond, to support each other. I’ve been traded before. It’s part of the job. But this court, this is our sanctuary, and that’s how we treat it every time we play.”

For Kings fans, this situation is deeply disheartening, especially as it seemed like the team was on the brink of resurgence less than two years ago with Fox, Sabonis, Kevin Huerter, and Keegan Murray as core players. Without Fox, another rebuild seems likely.

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