Countdown Begins! Why De’Aaron Fox Requests a Trade: Should the Spurs Pursue Him?

The landscape of the NBA continues to shift as news breaks that De’Aaron Fox, the face of the Sacramento Kings, is reportedly looking for a change of scenery. According to recent reports by ESPN's Shams Charania, Fox’s agent, Rich Paul, has informed the Kings that it is time to move on before the February 6 trade deadline. The Kings, in turn, are expected to begin trade discussions with teams interested in Fox. The question on everyone’s mind is: why is Fox looking to leave Sacramento, and is it a good move for the San Antonio Spurs to make a play for him?

The Catalyst: Money and Opportunity

Though the Kings have been playing much better lately with their revamped coaching staff, the underlying cause of Fox’s trade request appears to be rooted in contract negotiations and a desire for financial security. Fox has played his entire career in Sacramento, and after eight seasons in the league, he is eligible for an extension. However, Fox is seeking a massive payday—something in the range of a super-max contract if he were to make an All-NBA team this season. The Kings, however, have not been willing to offer Fox that kind of deal, instead offering him a three-year, $165 million extension in November, which was swiftly rejected.

The Kings are hesitant to offer Fox a maximum contract, especially considering his inconsistencies in performance. Fox’s current contract pays him $34.85 million this season, and his contract jumps to $37.1 million next season. However, his performance has not been consistent enough to justify a super-max contract, and his up-and-down play this season has raised doubts among some executives about his long-term value.

De’Aaron Fox’s Performance This Season

Fox’s talent is undeniable, and his early performances this season were electrifying. At the beginning of the year, he was putting up career-high numbers, with back-to-back 60+ point games, including 60 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves and 49 points against the Utah Jazz. His high-efficiency scoring was one of the league’s most intriguing stories, as he managed to score 28.9 points per game with impressive shooting splits in the first 17 games.

However, after that hot start, Fox has had some notable dips in his performance. Over the past 27 games, his numbers have fallen, as he’s averaging just 22.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, with shooting percentages that have dropped significantly—43.8% from the field and 30.4% from three. The consistency that Fox showed at the beginning of the season has been missing, and this has likely contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Kings.

Fox has shown flashes of his potential, but he has yet to prove that he can be the true cornerstone player for a winning team. His inability to deliver at a consistent level has made the Kings front office question whether he is worth the massive payday he is seeking. The lack of a reliable jump shot and his struggles with turnovers are also points of concern for potential suitors.

The Contract Situation

Fox is due to be a free agent in 2026, which adds an extra layer of complexity to any trade talks. Teams that might be interested in acquiring him are cautious about committing significant assets for a player who will soon be able to test the free agent market. Fox’s agent, Rich Paul, has already made it clear that Fox has a list of teams he prefers to play for, and the Kings’ hands may be tied in terms of where they can trade him, given the pressure to not only get fair value but also to meet Fox’s contract expectations.

One of the reasons for Fox’s trade request seems to be his desire for a larger role on a team that is poised to compete for a championship. While the Kings are improving, their championship window remains uncertain. Fox may believe that moving to a more competitive team could elevate his career and allow him to play alongside other elite talents.

Why the San Antonio Spurs Might Be a Perfect Fit

The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as one of the primary teams linked to Fox in trade rumors. The Spurs, who are in the midst of a rebuild, have one of the most exciting young players in the league in Victor Wembanyama, and adding a player like Fox could provide the perfect complement to Wembanyama’s skills. Fox is a dynamic guard who can attack the basket and score in bunches, which would take some pressure off Wembanyama and allow the Spurs’ young star to develop in a more balanced environment.

Fox would be an ideal fit for the Spurs’ system, which has traditionally emphasized teamwork and defense, though their current roster may need a few tweaks to become competitive. While the Spurs already have young guards like Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Tre Jones, bringing in Fox could push them into playoff contention much sooner than expected. His scoring ability and playmaking skills would mesh well with Wembanyama, giving the Spurs an exciting backcourt pairing for the future.

However, a trade for Fox may come with some sacrifices for the Spurs. They could be forced to part with one of their young guards, and while Vassell has shown potential, it may be a necessary move to bring in a proven playmaker like Fox. In addition, giving up assets for Fox could be a risky move, as it would come down to whether or not Fox is truly the player to help lead the Spurs back to contention in the near future.

What the Kings Stand to Gain

If the Kings trade Fox, they will be looking to continue their push for a competitive team while addressing the imbalance in their roster. With Sabonis emerging as a legitimate star and the Kings solidifying their position as a playoff team, the Kings may look to bring in other pieces that fit better with their future plans. They may also look to free up space for other potential moves, such as acquiring veteran players or another star who can help lead them into a more consistent winning cycle.

Fox has been the face of the franchise for years, but the time may be right for the Kings to move on and pursue a different direction. Sacramento has struggled for much of the 21st century and has only made the playoffs once since 2006. While Fox is undeniably talented, the Kings may feel that they are better served moving on and starting fresh with a more well-rounded roster.

The Big Questions

The situation with Fox raises several important questions. Firstly, will he be traded before the deadline, and if so, what teams will be in the running? Secondly, does Fox deserve a max contract, or is his inconsistency too much of a red flag? Lastly, should the Spurs make a play for Fox, or is he too risky an investment given his past struggles with consistency and fit?

These are questions that the Kings and potential suitors alike will need to consider as they navigate the trade deadline. If Fox moves on from Sacramento, he may find the change of scenery he needs to finally unlock his full potential, or he may struggle to find consistency on a new team. For the Spurs, the opportunity to pair Fox with Wembanyama is tantalizing, but they will need to weigh the risks of making such a bold move.