It is officially the NBA trade rumor season. One rumor that has been gaining noise recently is that De’Aaron Fox could be on the move. One possible destination is the Miami Heat. The Heat, currently navigating uncertainties surrounding Jimmy Butler‘s future, could definitely make noise by acquiring Fox from the Kings. Fox and Heat center Bam Adebayo have a long connection from their 2016-17 season playing for Kentucky. If either Fox or Butler puts up enough of a fuss to be traded, a reunion could be possible. A Fox trade to the Heat would make big waves throughout the league. Let’s look at the Heat and Kings trade rumors and see what a trade would mean.
Could The Kings And Heat Trade Stars?
De’Aaron Fox Kings Trade Chances
Fox is averaging 26.3 points, five rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game so far this season. He has been the franchise cornerstone for the Kings for years, and they will do everything in their power to keep him. However, the Kings’ bad start and internal turmoil, including the firing of head coach Mike Brown, have sparked Fox trade rumors.
The Athletic reported that Fox and his agent have not yet asked for a trade, but they are monitoring what is going on with the Kings before deciding what to do. This is not what the Kings want to hear while they are navigating through rough waters.
If Fox does end up asking out, the Miami Heat will likely be on his list of preferred trade destinations. Not only does it seem like every player wants to play in Miami, but Fox’s connection with Adebayo could be key in bringing validity to any Kings trade rumors.
Is The Jimmy Butler Trade Really Not Happening?
Trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler have been louder this season than they ever have before in Miami. Heat President Pat Riley has now publicly denied any plans to trade Butler, but we’ve seen executives say one thing and do another countless times. A Butler trade could help Miami get rid of the cloud that has been looming over their team over the last few weeks.
If Butler does force his way out, Riley and the Heat will not be happy. So, instead of sending him to one of his preferred trade destinations, could they try to ship him to Sacramento? It certainly would be poetic.
A Fox Trade To The Heat Is A Longshot
Fox being traded to the Heat is likely not going to happen. Miami has made it clear that they don’t want to take part in a Butler trade, while Sacramento definitely doesn’t want to lose their franchise star in a trade.
Pairing Fox with Adebayo in Miami is definitely intriguing. Getting Fox would put Miami’s core more in line age-wise, and would allow them to continue to contend for championships in the Eastern Conference.
The Kings however are probably not that interested in Butler. Butler would likely not want to re-sign in Sacramento, and trading for him on a one year rental just doesn’t make sense. If the Kings are forced to trade Fox they will be looking for packages a lot more enticing than one surrounding Butler.
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