The San Antonio Spurs are expected to scour the trade market for upgrades ahead of the deadline. Two potential trade targets could be Sacramento Kings star guard De'Aaron Fox and Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
Sources: De’Aaron Fox’s agent, Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul, met with the Kings front office before Thursday’s game to discuss the uncertain road ahead.
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The Kings haven't been nearly as good as expected, and that has seemingly increased the chances the Kings may be forced to trade him. Meanwhile, the Heat have been stuck near the bottom of the East standings and could decide to move on from Butler.
If either becomes available, then the Spurs should be the first to make an offer to the Kings for Fox, who can become an unrestricted free agent after next season. Butler will become a free agent after this season, and but he would make for an awkward fit in San Antonio given that they already have several non-shooters in the rotation.
Given a choice between the two, the Spurs need a long-term solution at point guard. While they have Chris Paul, who has been a perfect fit, it shouldn't preclude them from acquiring another guard during the season.
NBA Rumors: Can the San Antonio Spurs trade for Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox?
The Spurs have plenty of draft picks and players that they can throw at the Kings to try and entice them to give up arguably their best player. The most likely trade package would include Keldon Johnson and at least three first-round picks. However, the Kings would probably want some combination of Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Stephon Castle.
The Spurs would almost certainly prefer to give up picks and filler rather than give up on some of their core. If push came to shove, Castle would be the most likely of the three. But the Spurs may opt to hold off on a trade altogether, given that if Fox isn't moved by the trade deadline, he may be more affordable this summer.
The Spurs could have three firsts in the loaded 2025 NBA draft, and that might be more appealing the closer it gets to the draft. Especially if the Kings come to the realization that Fox won't re-sign with them. In that case, taking what they can get for Fox would make sense.
In the meantime, the Kings can try to make up ground in the standings. Ironically, the Spurs could indirectly help get Fox out of Sacramento. The Spurs are three games ahead of the Kings in the Western Conference standings for 9th place.
With the Spurs now fully healthy, they could go on a run and make it harder for the Kings to get back into the playoff race. If they are still in 12th place come late January, then they may have to strongly consider moving on from Fox. If that happens, then according to this report, the Spurs could trade for him.