The Sacramento Kings are reportedly finalizing a significant trade that will send their star guard, De'Aaron Fox, to the San Antonio Spurs. The multiteam deal also involves the Chicago Bulls, who are set to trade Zach LaVine to the Kings. ESPN's Shams Charania reported the details of this trade on Sunday. This transaction marks a pivotal moment for all teams involved as they seek to optimize their rosters for the current season and beyond.
De'Aaron Fox, who has spent his entire career with the Sacramento Kings, ranks fourth in career points in the franchise's history. The 27-year-old is having an impressive season, averaging over 25 points per game, along with five rebounds and 6.2 assists. Despite his contributions on the court, Fox has not expressed a willingness to commit long-term to Sacramento, prompting the Kings to explore trade options for their franchise star last week. Fox has one more year remaining on his contract after this season.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine, the longest-tenured player on the Chicago Bulls' roster, is heading to Sacramento. LaVine was initially traded to Chicago by Minnesota before the 2017-18 season. This year, he is experiencing a resurgence, with averages of 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Notably, LaVine is shooting career-high percentages of 51.1% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. He is owed $46 million next year and holds a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
The Kings have been striving to return to playoff contention since falling short in the final play-in game last year. Sacramento's rocky start this season led to the dismissal of head coach Mike Brown in December. However, hopes are high that acquiring LaVine can help reinvigorate the team. LaVine previously played a crucial role in breaking the Kings' 16-year playoff drought during the 2022-23 season, earning All-NBA honors.
Details regarding other teams involved in this multiteam deal remain unspecified at this time. However, the trade represents a strategic move by all parties involved to reshape their futures and improve their standings in the league.
Leave a Reply