Only a month ago, the Kings shocked everyone by firing Mike Brown. However, it proved to be the right call, as they’ve been thriving under the new leadership of Doug Christie. But just when they began to find their stride, the Sacramento franchise faced another major crisis. Turns out, they are reportedly open to trading De’Aaron Fox, as he has not shown a willingness to commit to the team long-term! And ESPN analyst Bob Myers claimed there were always signs that this could happen.

When asked where a decision like this comes from on the Steiny & Guru Show, Myers said, “Well, it starts when he didn’t sign his extension, which was the first indicator in the offseason. That would have been my first inkling of ‘Hey, why didn’t you do that?’” Yes, Fox bypassed a 3-year $166 million ext with the Kings last summer, which was the first hint that he might want to go elsewhere. A side of public reasoning at the time was- he and his agent Rich Paul, of course, wanted a larger deal in the 2025 offseason, per ESPN.

“What human being does that in this day and age?” Myers candidly remarked, referring to the massive sum Fox left on the table. Even De’Aaron revealed why he didn’t ink the deal, saying, “It all has to do with the team, the org, where we are going. I want to make sure that we’re in a position to try and win in the future because that’s ultimately what I want to do.” Well, Fox has been on the Kings’ roster for 8 years. During his tenure, they have made it to the playoffs just once. Only to be knocked out in the first round…

It’s clear that De’Aaron Fox wants to be in a winning situation and that’s not happening in Sactown anytime soon. Even this season, they are stuck at the tenth spot in the West standings. Maybe, that’s the reason the All-Star guard is open to leaving the team. “Whatever transpired wasn’t enough to convince him to stay,” Myers added. But where could he go next?

NBA Insider reveals De’Aaron Fox’s “preferred destination” amid trade buzz

“I know I’ll make enough money regardless of where I play or what I do, I’m going to be fine.” Fox knows that he is a max contract player. Of course, he has been a top guard for years and is averaging 25.1 points and over six assists this season. But while many franchises would love to have him on their roster, the superstar seems to have a destination in mind. As per veteran insider Shams Charania, “League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De’Aaron Fox’s preferred destination.”

Yes, De’Aaron reportedly wants to team up with Victor Wembanyama and potentially form a dominant duo for years to come. Fair demand, isn’t it? But while Fox remained tight-lipped about the Spurs rumors, he confirmed having a destination in mind.

“I think everybody has a preferred destination if they’re not in the place that—or if they’re not going to be in the place where they are in the moment. I think it’s natural,” he said.

Well, De’Aaron Fox is eligible to ink a four-year $219 million deal next summer (with any team) and that number could increase to five years and $345 million if he gets the All-NBA nod this season (eligible in Sactown only). And “max via re-signing/extending: five years, $296M,” Keith Smith further clarified the final option. And he has leverage over the Kings to trade him as soon as possible because once he becomes a free agent, they will have to give him up for nothing in exchange! So, don’t be surprised if you hear about a Fox trade in the coming days, very, very soon. Which team do you think he should join?