UPDATE: ESPN’s Shams Charania is reporting that the Kings are expected to open up trade talks involving De’Aaron Fox, despite the team having won 11 of its last 14 games. The trade deadline is less than two weeks away.
A hectic month for the Kings took another turn on Friday, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that the franchise would be parting ways with head coach Mike Brown.
Despite Sacramento’s disappointing 13-18 record, the news comes as a major shock. Brown has the fourth-highest winning percentage (.549) in the franchise’s nearly eighty-year history, having won Coach of the Year just two seasons ago. Now, with the coaching staff in flux, it remains to be seen if the Kings will continue to make changes.
If there is another move for the front office to make, a trade of De’Aaron Fox appears most likely. Rumors involving the point guard have ramped up over the past few weeks, with several realistic destinations emerging. All-Stars in their prime don’t grow on trees, so it would likely take a massive haul to acquire the 27-year-old. Still, it’s a player’s league, so any trade request might force Sacramento’s hand. Here are three teams that make the most sense for Fox, including what a potential deal might mean for their postseason chances:
Houston Rockets
Make Playoffs (-1400), Win Conference (+2200)
The Rockets have been an early-season success, racing out to a 20-9 record through two months of play. Yet, for as good as head coach Ime Udoka’s squad been, it’s hard to take them seriously as a title contender. As currently constructed, the team simply has too many mouths to feed. The bench is stocked with high-caliber prospects and capable veterans, yet the lineup lacks a true ‘alpha’ that can take over a game. Cashing in some chips on a high-level scorer would put Houston on par with the best of the Western Conference.
By the time February’s trade deadline passes, don’t be shocked if Fox, a southeast Texas native, returns home. Armed with a boatload of prospects and draft capital, Houston an edge over most teams in any bidding war. A possible package might include third-overall pick Reed Sheppard, promising forward Cam Whitmore, and veterans on expiring contracts such as Steven Adams and Jae’Sean Tate. That combination of players, plus a few first-round picks, would elevate the Rockets into the realm of true contenders without taking much away from their on-court talent. Currently at 22-to-one odds to win the title, this number might look like a steal in a few months.
San Antonio Spurs
Make Playoffs (+450), Win Conference (+25000)
The Fox sweepstakes might turn into an old fashioned Texas shootout. The Rockets and Spurs are on slightly different timelines, but the latter should be aggressive in finding a running mate for Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio is already a fringe playoff contender, ranking 11th in the Western Conference with a 15-15 record. A move for an elite talent would make the team formidable this season while raising their ceiling for years to come.
It would hurt Spurs fans to part with guard Stephon Castle, as the UConn product is an early candidate for Rookie of the Year. However, any package going back to Sacramento would have to include premier young talent. Trading the 20-year-old, along with some draft picks and a sizeable contract like Zach Collins, could entice the Kings. Swinging a blockbuster deal might not be enough to turn this group into a contender, but there are few teams that can defend a Wembanyama-Fox pick and roll. Currently sitting at better than four-to-one odds to reach the postseason, San Antonio is one All-Star away from dark horse status.
Los Angeles Lakers
Make Playoffs (-145), Win Conference (+1700)
Other franchises might have more draft selections and cap space, but the Lakers will always be a trade destination for disgruntled stars. Skeptics will call Fox another Photoshop jersey pipe dream, a la Chris Paul and Damian Lillard. However, it’s not unrealistic to assume Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul might try to force his client to the bright lights of Los Angeles. If a move does happen, a trio of Fox, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis would have a strong argument as the most dangerous Big Three in the association.
With or without Klutch-induced pressure, the Lakers have a few assets that might entice the Kings. Any package would have to start with rookie sharpshooter Dalton Knecht. The Tennessee alum has shown flashes of greatness, including a 37-point outing against the Jazz in November. Other pieces to consider are young guards Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino, along with versatile forward Rui Hachimura. Sacramento would likely prefer to deal with any other team, but they might not have much of a choice if Fox forces their hand. Long-term, this could be the ideal player to lead Los Angeles into the post-LeBron era. In the short-term, they’d have the perfect combination of experience and talent to reach the NBA Finals.
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