Rival NBA execs believe the Kings are open to trading De'Aaron Fox
De’Aaron Fox was popping up in plenty of trade rumors over the last month, with Ben Simmons and Domantas Sabonis mentioned as possible incoming options for the Sacramento Kings.
However, a lot of that talk fizzled out after The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that the Kings have no plans to trade Fox, choosing instead to build around he and Tyrese Haliburton moving forward.
Well, it turns out that rival NBA executives aren't buying that the Kings will hold onto Fox.
"Numerous competing teams continue to believe that Sacramento is willing to part with De’Aaron Fox despite the Kings’ stated preference, conveyed via The Athletic, to build around Tyrese Haliburton and Fox," writes longtime NBA insider Marc Stein on his Substack.
It's possible that the Kings leaked that info about wanting to build around Fox and Haliburton for leverage in trade negotiations.
This season, Fox is averaging 21.0 points, 5.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, while shooting 45.8% from the field, 24.8% from three and 74.4% from the free-throw line. The 24-year-old has missed some time recently due to an ankle injury, so it's possible he has played his last game with the Kings.
The New York Knicks are one team that has expressed interest in Fox, reports ESPN's Brian Windhorst discussed on The Hoop Collective podcast.
Sacramento may be the most interesting team to watch as the Feb. 10 deadline approaches. If they are open to moving Fox, he could be the biggest name who gets dealt prior to Thursday. Plus, the Kings are reportedly open to trading Richaun Holmes, Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield too.