“I feel like being with him raises my competitive level. When you’re seeing someone as good as him in a workout, I want to live up to him,” said Keegan Murray, reflecting on his relationship with De’Aaron Fox. The sentiment rings true as Fox faces the imminent expiration of his Sacramento Kings franchise association with the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching. The team plans to move their All-Star point guard before February 6, 2025, and sources suggest the San Antonio Spurs are at the top of Fox’s desired trade destinations.

Fox has been with the Kings since 2017 and is having a monster season—25.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. But even with those numbers, Sacramento seems open to moving him.

It’s a massive decision, and it’s got everyone wondering what’s next. Kings head coach Doug Christie recently addressed the rumors, and you can tell—it’s a tricky situation.

Christie didn’t dodge the question when asked about Fox’s future. “It’s the business of basketball, and then there’s basketball,” he said. Basically, trades happen, and the team has to roll with it. But he also made it clear that, no matter what, the team is staying locked in. “This is where we come to relax. This is where we love each other,” he added, making sure to keep the focus on basketball rather than all the noise.

The Kings are still figuring things out, but if they move Fox, they’re looking for win-now players in return. That means they’re not just trying to collect draft picks—they want guys who can contribute right away.

The situation gains true significance now. During the summer, Fox refused a substantial three-year $165 million contract extension proposal from the Kings organization. Why? His future in becoming an All-NBA team member will open doors for a supermax contract worth up to $345 million.

That puts Sacramento in a tough spot. If they don’t trade him and he walks later, they could end up losing him for nothing. And let’s be real—the Kings can’t afford that. Meanwhile, the Spurs have a ton of assets to offer. With 12 first-round draft picks over the next seven years, they have the trade package that makes this deal appealing and likely.

Why De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs? Family, Wemby, and the perfect fit

Fox isn’t just picking San Antonio randomly. There are some legitimate reasons why he’s drawn to the Spurs. First, there’s Victor Wembanyama. Playing alongside a generational talent like Wemby? Yeah, that’s very appealing. But there’s also a personal side to this. Fox’s wife, Reece, is from Texas. That makes a move to the Spurs even more attractive—he’d be closer to family, and that always plays a role in big career decisions.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Fox has a “massive market,” but the Spurs are definitely at the top of his list. So now, it’s up to the Kings. Do they pull the trigger and trade Fox, or do they try to convince him to stick around and build something in Sacramento?

Doug Christie leads the team with focus, but we all know this will determine the franchise’s future direction. Fox wants the Spurs. The Spurs possess the trade pieces needed to acquire him. The franchise leadership needs to determine whether they want a fresh start without their key player or look to keep him as their focus.

One thing’s for sure—this is going to be the storyline to watch as the trade deadline gets closer. Stay tuned.