De’Aaron Fox trade rumors intensify as Kings weigh offers

Sacramento Kings field trade offers for De’Aaron Fox as NBA teams show strong interest.

De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images

By Hayu Andini and Widya Lestari

Two days have passed since De’Aaron Fox became the most high-profile young star on the NBA trade market, as the Sacramento Kings officially started fielding offers for the 27-year-old guard. Fox, a former All-Star, has expressed concerns about his long-term future with the Kings, a key factor driving the team’s decision to explore potential deals ahead of the February 6 trade deadline.

According to league sources, interest in Fox has been overwhelming, with more than half of the NBA’s teams inquiring about a possible trade. The possibility of Fox being moved—and his eight-year tenure in Sacramento coming to an end—has never been more real.

Spurs emerge as Fox’s preferred destination

Among the many suitors, the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a team to watch. League insiders confirm that Fox has a strong preference for joining the Spurs, a scenario that would pair him with rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. However, significant hurdles remain before a deal can materialize.

One of the biggest questions in the negotiations is whether San Antonio would be willing to include rookie guard Stephon Castle in a trade package. The Kings highly covet Castle, who was selected fourth overall in last year’s NBA Draft out of Connecticut. However, sources indicate there is considerable skepticism that the Spurs would be willing to part with him. If Castle remains off the table, Sacramento will need to determine whether there’s another viable path to completing a deal.

While the Spurs (20-24) have struggled recently, losing eight of their last 10 games, they have shown clear progress from last season’s 22-win campaign. Veteran point guard Chris Paul, who joined the team on a one-year, $11 million contract in July, has played a key role in that development. Given Paul’s leadership and impact, the Spurs may prefer to integrate Fox into their roster in the offseason rather than disrupt the team’s chemistry midseason.

Fox, who has turned down multiple extension offers from the Kings, has one year remaining on his contract, worth $37 million. The Spurs have the advantage of knowing that Fox would likely sign an extension with them, making them a strong candidate to land him.

Other teams consider Fox as a rental

While San Antonio appears to be Fox’s preferred landing spot, the Kings are also fielding offers from teams that may view him as a short-term rental rather than a long-term piece. The challenge for Sacramento is that such teams are unlikely to offer a return package as valuable as what the Spurs could provide.

According to league sources, frustration has been building within the Kings' locker room over the timing of this trade speculation. Several players have voiced concerns that the situation is becoming an unnecessary distraction.

Sacramento (24-23) is currently tied with the Golden State Warriors for 10th place in the Western Conference. The Kings lost to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, falling 117-104 despite the absence of Joel Embiid and Paul George. The loss was particularly disappointing given that the Sixers had won 11 of their previous 15 games under interim coach Doug Christie.

Kings rule out interest in Jimmy Butler

While the Kings are actively exploring ways to reshape their roster, one name that will not be joining them is Jimmy Butler. League sources confirm that Sacramento has no interest in acquiring the disgruntled Miami Heat star, who is currently serving an indefinite suspension while Heat officials attempt to trade him.

With the Fox situation already causing uncertainty within the organization, the Kings are focused on finding a resolution that positions them for long-term success rather than making a short-term gamble.

Fox’s future remains uncertain

Fox has been vocal about his aspirations, making it clear that he wants to compete at a high level rather than simply fight for a playoff spot.

“I want to make sure that we’re in that position to be competing and competing at a high level for a long time, not just fighting for a playoff spot,” Fox said in October. “Obviously, the way that the West is going, we have to continue to get better as players and as a team, as an organization. And, I mean, I’m not saying I’m not staying or that I am staying. But I would love to be here, and I want to make sure that we’re competing at a high level.”

Fox also emphasized the importance of continued growth for the Kings.

“We don’t want to have our peak season being two years ago and just making the playoffs. We want to continue to build on that and just continue to try to change this culture. I think it’s changed already, but you want to build a championship culture, and you have to be able to do those things before you even get to the top. … I definitely feel like we have the talent to [contend]. But now, it’s, ‘Can we execute that plan?’”

As the trade deadline approaches, the Kings must decide whether to trade their star guard now or risk losing him for less in the future. With the Spurs leading the chase and other teams weighing their options, Fox’s next move remains one of the biggest storylines in the NBA.