Earlier this week, it was reported that the Sacramento Kings are listening to trade offers for De'Aaron Fox. Although the Kings looked rejuvenated after the firing of Mike Brown, they're sitting in 10th place in the Western Conference and will be looking to move the needle before the deadline.
Many teams will be in the trade market for the 27-year-old who is currently averaging 25.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. According to reports, the Kings are in "win-now" mode, meaning finding a suitable trade partner might be difficult. Let's take a look at some possible swaps.
NBA Trades 3) San Antonio Spurs
According to reports, De'Aaron Fox's preferred destination is the San Antonio Spurs:
"League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De'Aaron Fox's preferred destination." 😲 @ShamsCharania with the latest on the Sacramento Kings being open to trade De'Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/O63Xh0m4wm
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025
For Fox, this would be a great fit. Pairing alonside Victor Wembanyama would allow Fox's passing game to flourish, while also allowing him to take a dominant offensive role on a San Antonio squad thin with scorers.
In Fox's career, he has benefited from playing alongside a dominant big man. With Sabonis, Fox has averaged 25.6 points and 6.0 assists per game. Without him, just 18.9 points and 6.2 assists per game. With Wembanyama looking like he will dominate the NBA for the next decade, De'Aaron has a clear incentive to take his talents to San Antonio.
While this move may work for Fox, it is among the worst options for the Sacramento Kings. The Spurs won't be able to offer many "win-now" pieces for the Kings, and the deal would likely revolve around draft capital. Here's what a possible deal would look like:
NBA Trades 2) Houston Rockets
If the Kings are unconcerned with satisfying Fox's desires, the Rockets are the most logical trade partner.
Houston has many players the Kings would be after, but their young prospects—like Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun—are likely off the table. Fred VanVleet could be an alluring target for the Kings, who would be looking for a replacement point guard.
The Rockets also have plenty of valuable pieces that they can't find minutes for. Cam Whitmore, Jae'Sean Tate, Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard could all be alluring pieces alongside VanVleet.
The Rockets have one of the best young rosters in the NBA and currently sit in 2nd place in the Western Conference. While they have been formidable this season, they are still a true all-star away from championship contention. Fox could be that player.
Here's what a beneficial trade for both parties could entail:
NBA Trades 1) Orlando Magic
As one of the most promising young squads in the NBA, De'Aaron Fox is the point guard the Magic need to contend for a title.
Alongside Jalen Suggs, De'Aaron Fox would help form one of the most ferocious defensive fronts in the NBA. Fox would also assist Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in fully realizing their superstar potential. This move would be a home run for Orlando.
Although the Rockets certainly pose more of the "win-now" pieces that Sacramento is looking for, Orlando offers the second-best return. Their young pieces of Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva, Cole Anthony, and Moritz Wagner round out one of the best -supporting casts in the league, and Orlando would likely be willing to give away depth for star power.
The Kings, lacking depth, could bolster their roster with Orlando's valuable pieces and revolve their scheme around Domantas Sabonis. In terms of this being a "win-now" trade for the Kings, I would put it more in the category of "winning in a couple of years." However, it could still be a great move for Sacramento.