The news out of Sacramento regarding the Kings opening up trade talks for De’Aaron Fox has been surprising and fast in progression. It’s an even more interesting turn of events considering the Kings much-improved play of late following Mike Brown’s departure and Doug Christie‘s promotion. Hold on to your seats; this new story could be more interesting than the Miami Heat-Jimmy Butler story in the coming days.
Kings Receiving Pressure from De’Aaron Fox’s Agent
Rich Paul’s Advisement to Kings to Trade De’Aaron Fox Could Quicken the Development
Only a few weeks ago, Fox spoke to Draymond Green on The Draymond Green Show regarding his future in Sacramento. His comments gave the impression he wanted to remain with the Kings long-term but that he would need to see more from the organization to keep him there. Apparently, Fox has seen all he needs to see and is searching for the nearest exit. It can’t be a coincidence that all of this hoopla comes on the heels of the team’s coaching change and the Kings ownership coming under heavy scrutiny in the last several weeks.
Sacramento is not one of the best-run franchises in the NBA, which is no secret. Therefore, it would seem that Fox’s trust has run its course. Nevertheless, the development, which has found its legs quickly, could only get quicker as Fox’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, has now advised the Kings to facilitate a trade as soon as possible. Sam Amick of The Athletic was told by his sources that Paul is mounting the pressure.
“With Fox having declined extension offers from the Kings, and with his side continuing to signal that he has no plans to sign one this summer, the source said Fox’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, 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.”
Anywhere but Sacramento
The interesting piece of Amick’s statement is the final one, ‘even if it’s not to the team of his choosing.’ Today’s NBA has more power on the player’s side than at any time in league history. Look at the circus revolving around Butler and the Heat—Jimmy will eventually get his way. Fox is no ordinary player like Butler. So, it’s intriguing to consider that he would be open to landing somewhere he doesn’t necessarily desire to be.
It’s then fair to surmise that Fox simply wants out. If the San Antonio Spurs—a rumored desired trade destination—fail to trade for the former All-Star, Fox would be content elsewhere as long as it’s elsewhere. This starkly contrasts Butler’s hard-nosed stance with Pat Riley in Miami. Speaking of Miami, the Heat are also a speculated landing spot for Fox. If that were to come to fruition, Fox paired with Bam Adebayo would usher in an instant franchise change in South Beach.
Shut Down the Beam
Suppose Fox does get traded by the February 6th deadline—all sorts of questions about the Kings future surface at that point. Fox was meant to be their franchise future. That story is closing fast, evidently. So, where does Sacramento go from here? And what does this mean for their recent turnaround under Christie? Without Fox, a playoff berth seems far, far away. No playoffs, no purple beam.
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