• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

NBA Trade Deadline Heats Up: Kings Open Trade Talks for De’Aaron Fox

The Kings are exploring offers for their All-Star point guard over a week from the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

Jan 27, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) reacts during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Less than two years after leading the Kings to their first playoff berth in 16 seasons, De’Aaron Fox may be on his way out of Sacramento.

The Kings have opened up trade talks for Fox, who drafted him with the No. 5 pick in 2017, with just over a week left until the Feb. 6 trade deadline, according to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania. Multiple reports have indicated the All-Star point guard already has a preferred destination.

According to The Athletic, a marriage between Fox and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio is the likely outcome. It’s worth noting that Fox’s wife, Recee, grew up in San Antonio.

Other interested teams will reportedly be discouraged from trading for Fox, who will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Fox is in the fourth season of a five-year, $163 million maximum rookie extension he signed in 2020. His $34.8 million salary this season is still relatively light for a player of his ability.

But Fox turned down a three-year, $165 million maximum extension late last year to aim for a larger deal this offseason, which could have been a five-year, $345 million supermax deal if he stayed in Sacramento and made an All-NBA team. However, it was unlikely Fox would qualify for an All-NBA team, partially because the 24–22 Kings sit at 10th in the West. Instead, he will be eligible for a four-year extension worth $229 million.

If he chooses to wait through next season and become an unrestricted free agent, Fox can either sign a five-year, $296 million extension with a team that has his rights or a four-year, $219 million deal with another team, according to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks.

Last month, Sacramento fired head coach Mike Brown, who won Coach of the Year with the team in 2023. Brown had been publicly critical of the lack of effort given by his star guard.

A Jimmy Butler Update

On the other side of the country, the Heat have been unable to trade away disgruntled star Jimmy Butler. On Monday, Miami handed an indefinite suspension to Butler after he walked out of the team’s shootaround ahead of a game against the Magic.

It’s the third time in a month that Butler has been suspended. The first was for seven games and the second was for two. But the Heat have struggled to find a deal for Butler as Phoenix, his desired destination, has been unable to convince Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday that the Heat have lowered their asking price for Butler. The Warriors are now reportedly in the mix to try to trade for the six-time All-Star, according to Yahoo Sports NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
Scott Foster

NBA Refs Testing Earpieces in Preseason Games

The technology won’t be used in the regular season yet.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.

Connor McDavid Signs Short-Term Deal, Eyeing Oilers’ Cup Window

The three-time Most Valuable Player signs for below his market value.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
October 1, 2025

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.