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[Saba Sports News] Matt Moore of Action Network reports that rival executives are closely monitoring De’Aaron Fox’s situation with the Sacramento Kings.
According to Moore, Fox recently turned down a $165 million extension offer from the Kings, and his representation by Klutch Sports—known for its dramatic negotiations—has added fuel to the speculation.
Fox, 26, was drafted fifth overall by Sacramento in 2017 and has long seemed destined to be a franchise cornerstone. The 2023 All-Star and All-NBA guard has shown unwavering loyalty to the Kings through years of ups and downs.
He played a pivotal role in their breakout 2022-23 season, where Sacramento snapped a 16-year playoff drought, won 48 games, and claimed their first division title in two decades.
However, the Kings have faltered since that Cinderella run, missing the playoffs last year and currently sitting at 9-12 (12th in the Western Conference). Fox’s decision to decline the extension may have been financially motivated, as Moore notes.
If Fox earns another All-NBA nod this season, he would become eligible for a supermax extension, a key tool for small-market teams to retain their stars.
Fox is making a strong case for that distinction, averaging a career-high 27.5 points along with 5.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game this season. But rival teams are banking on Sacramento’s continued struggles, which could pressure the Kings into exploring trade options before the deadline.
While Fox remains a central figure for the Kings, the next two months could determine whether he stays a lifer or becomes one of the most sought-after trade targets in the league.