The plate tectonics shifted once again in the NBA landscape after Saturday’s massive Luka Donic/Anthony Davis trade, as the De’Aaron Fox lava that was stewing and brewing to burst through the crust finally exploded into the atmosphere on Sunday.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Fox will go to San Antonio while Zach LaVine will head to Sacramento.
San Antonio will also receive Jordan McLaughlin.
Sacramento will also receive Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks and three second-round picks.
Chicago receives Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and their 2025 pick.
De’Aaron Fox is in the prime of his career at 27 years old. He’s averaged at least 20 points in each of the last six seasons with four of those over 25 points. Fox is not just a hucker and a chucker, though, as he dishes around 6 assists per game while racking up steals on defense. Fox is not the most adept shooter from beyond the arc, converting 32% from downtown this season, but he did drain 36% last season.
His greatest asset, though, is his road runner speed. He’s a blur in transition and stresses defenses in the half-court. It will be interesting to see how he operates with Victor Wembanyama. With Domantas Sabonis in Sacramento, the Kings led the league in handoffs while being 26th in pick and rolls. San Antonio is 30th in pick and rolls and 15th in handoffs.
Whatever method the Spurs choose, the Fox/Wembanyama combo should be a deadly one, causing headaches for opposing defenses and opening up opportunities for the periphery players.
The addition of Fox will send Chris Paul to a reserve role. There is always the chance that Paul and Fox could start together, but I think San Antonio wants to keep Stephon Castle in the starting lineup.
In Sacramento, Zach LaVine will slide right into the shooting guard slot. Malik Monk will likely handle point guard duties.
This is an interesting trade because the Kings were playing excellent defense with Doug Christie early on, but have really struggled recently. Over the last 10 games, the Kings have been 28th in defensive rating. It looks like they decided to stop banging their heads against the wall and accentuate their strength, which is to get buckets.
Chicago sheds the LaVine contract, which has $46 million and $49 million left over the next two seasons. Zach Collins has one year left at $18 million, Tre Jones is off the books after this season and Kevin Huerter has one more year at $18 million.
LaVine did not play in the last two games with Chicago and the starting lineup for the Bulls was Lonzo Ball, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic.
