The Sacramento Kings have entered what The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater have designated as a danger zone with regards to their future with De’Aaron Fox. Like many other stars in this era, the freshly minted 27-year-old is putting the pressure on the Kings’ front office to put together a bonafide championship contender. To that point, though they’ve made big swings with their roster moves, Sacramento hasn’t had much to show for it.
Last season, their inability to handle business led to them missing the playoffs. This season, keeping their focus against less talented teams isn’t the issue, but individual and collective decline. Now, the Kings have become encumbered under the weight of their own crown. After an offseason that saw co-owner Vivek Ranadive proudly declare that other teams were not like them, their hubris is on the verge of looking foolish.
All hope isn’t lost. Even if they aren’t able to shore up a couple of their holes by the trade deadline, Sacramento could always have a strong second half. After all, they have plenty of talented players, just ones who don’t fit together quite right. With that being said, if Fox’s days with the Kings are numbered, it makes sense to at least consider which team would be best off making a trade for the former fifth overall pick.
Kings Star De’Aaron Fox’s Finest Trade Fits
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are the most natural fit for Fox.
His no-nonsense disposition and tireless work ethic are exactly what Heat Culture is all about. Though his defense hasn’t always been consistent, tenacity at that end is another tenet of their team’s philosophy. Furthermore, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is known more for his work with the clipboard than players, but his basketball IQ should enhance Fox’s defensive capabilities. Fox had the highest steal average last season but could become even better under Spoelstra.
Fox’s Kentucky connection also plays a part in his fit. In college, Fox with teammates with Bam Adebayo, who was selected nine picks after him in the 2017 NBA Draft. Tyler Herro didn’t join the Wildcats until Fox and Adebayo were in the NBA but he was one of their former stars as well. If the Heat can get the Kings to include Malik Monk —another former Kentucky player —in the deal, Miami might become the southern version of the Nova Knicks.
What really makes this trade work is the reality that the Heat are open to moving Jimmy Butler. Though he’s arguably even better than Fox, his contract situation has been a thorny issue. If this the route they choose, it might behoove the Kings to trade for Butler before he hears offers in free agency though.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are in a complex situation.
On the one hand, they recognize that Stephen Curry is in the twilight of his career, prompting them to look ahead towards the future. On the other hand, the players that they consider future cornerstones don’t seem polished enough to help Curry win another championship. This has led to a stare down of sorts and who the Warriors be unflinchingly loyal to at this juncture.
Even the most staunch Jonathan Kuminga supporter has to concede that Curry should be the priority though. The Congolese forward may have a bright future, especially if his team unchains him. Nonetheless, Golden State wouldn’t have been the golden standard without their two-time MVP. If that’s the case, the Warriors should consider trading Kuminga to the Kings as part of a package for Fox.
Fox does play the same position as Curry nominally, but he’s the fire to his ice. While Fox burns teams with his speed, Curry freezes them with the fear of his three-ball. As a result, their skillsets should complement each other well. Fox’s firepower is also worth mentioning. He’s among the top go-to scorers in the NBA, averaging 25.2 points per game over the past five seasons.
Dennis Schroder also heading to the Kings in this deal makes the move even more feasible.
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