Kings in ‘Danger Zone’ as Spurs Eye All-Star Point Guard De’Aaron Fox

The Sacramento Kings are currently facing a challenging season, sitting below the Play-In line with a 13-15 record. As one of only four teams in the Western Conference with a sub-.500 record, the Kings’ aspirations for a successful season are quickly slipping away. Despite a major offseason move to bring DeMar DeRozan to Sacramento alongside All-Stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the team has struggled to meet expectations. Defensive weaknesses and poor 3-point shooting continue to haunt the Kings, leaving them in a precarious position.

Now, reports suggest that De’Aaron Fox—the cornerstone of the Kings’ future—may be growing restless, and his future in Sacramento is increasingly uncertain. According to The Athletic, the Kings have entered a “danger zone” regarding Fox’s long-term commitment to the franchise, with questions swirling about whether the team can surround him with the pieces necessary to contend for championships.

De’Aaron Fox’s Future with the Kings in Question

According to NBA insiders Sam Amick and Anthony Slater, Rich Paul, Fox’s agent, recently visited Sacramento to meet with the Kings’ front office. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the franchise’s long-term plan and assess whether it aligns with Fox’s ambition to compete for championships year after year. While Fox has not formally requested a trade, his and his agent’s discussions suggest that they are closely monitoring the situation, which could soon lead to a trade request if the Kings continue to underperform.

A key indication of Fox’s dissatisfaction came earlier this year when he declined a three-year, $165 million contract extension from the Kings. His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, which means that next season, the Kings will face a critical decision: trade Fox to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing, or hope for improvement and lock him down long-term.

Kings’ Dilemma: To Trade or Not to Trade

With the trade deadline looming, the Kings find themselves in a difficult position. If they do not make significant strides to improve their roster, they risk watching Fox leave for free or demand a trade. According to reports, rival teams are closely monitoring the Kings’ situation, and Fox’s potential availability has already drawn interest from several franchises around the league. One team that could be a serious suitor is the San Antonio Spurs, who are reportedly positioning themselves to pursue Fox as a potential partner for their young star Victor Wembanyama.

San Antonio Spurs Positioning for De’Aaron Fox

The idea of pairing Fox with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio has excited many around the NBA. Fox, now 27 years old, is having another stellar season, averaging at least 26 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. His blend of speed, playmaking, and scoring ability makes him a highly coveted asset, especially for teams looking to make a push for a championship.

The San Antonio Spurs are in a unique position to make a move for Fox, especially considering their cap flexibility moving forward. With Wembanyama and rookie Stephon Castle still on their rookie contracts in 2026, the Spurs have the financial leverage to sign Fox outright in the summer of that year. This could give the Spurs a competitive edge in the pursuit of Fox if he becomes available.

For the Kings, the Spurs’ interest in Fox adds another layer of urgency. The Spurs are not the only team keeping an eye on Fox, and they likely won’t be alone in making a push for him if he requests a trade. As a talented point guard who has proven his worth on both ends of the court, Fox would immediately bolster any team in need of a dynamic playmaker and scorer.

Fox’s Trade Value and Potential Suitors

Fox’s stellar play this season has solidified his status as one of the top point guards in the league. Along with his scoring and playmaking ability, Fox has become one of the most effective defenders in the backcourt, making him a valuable asset for any contender looking to improve. If the Kings are unable to turn things around and Fox decides he wants to compete at a higher level, the market for his services could be very robust.

Aside from the San Antonio Spurs, other teams with championship aspirations are sure to circle back to the Kings as trade talks heat up. Fox’s leadership, skills, and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations make him an ideal target for any team looking to solidify their backcourt for the future.

What’s Next for the Sacramento Kings?

As the 2023-24 NBA season progresses, the Sacramento Kings face an uphill battle to salvage their season. They will need to show significant improvement on both sides of the ball if they want to convince De’Aaron Fox that they can build a legitimate championship-contending team around him.

The Kings’ front office must decide whether to make bold moves before the trade deadline to improve their roster or risk losing Fox’s commitment in the long run. The looming specter of a potential trade request could become a defining moment in the history of the franchise.

The Kings are in the danger zone, and with the San Antonio Spurs positioning themselves as a potential destination for Fox, the pressure is mounting. Will the Kings be able to turn things around and keep their superstar happy, or will they face the difficult decision of trading one of their most talented players in the coming months?

Only time will tell, but for now, all eyes are on Sacramento as the Fox situation continues to unfold.