The hoops community has been buzzing ever since De’Aaron Fox became available on the trade block. Of course, many franchises could use his talent to make an instant leap to title contention. The Lakers are one of those teams. However, veteran insider Shams Charania recently reported, “I’m told the Lakers are not part of that destination of choice for De’Aaron Fox, potentially.” Yes, the All-Star guard seems to have no interest in moving to LA. But why?

Turns out, it might be because of Rob Pelinka’s reluctance to trade Austin Reaves!

As per insider Jake Fischer, “Among the reasons why the Lakers are not Fox’s preferred destination… Klutch knows, as sources tell The Stein Line, that the Lakers have zero intention of parting with Sacramento’s presumed top target in any Fox discussions: Austin Reaves.”

Obviously, Klutch Sports has strong ties with the LA franchise because they also represent LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Sure, Bronny too. And it is believed the Kings would’ve wanted a trade package involving AR in exchange for their star guard. However, Reaves has become a key part of the roster and is their most consistent player after LBJ and AD. Showing tremendous growth each season, he has upped his averages to 18.2 points and over 6 assists. He is a major reason they are ranked fifth in the West standings!

Moreover, Austin Reaves seems to be a key part of JJ Redick’s long-term plan. During a recent interview, Anthony Davis had revealed, “He (JJ) actually told us a couple of days ago, that it’s on me, Bron, and AR to get everybody involved right.”

So, it makes sense why the Lakers do not want to trade Austin, even if it leads to missing out on a star like De’Aaron Fox. Meanwhile, Fox’s situation in Sacramento might be more complex than everyone initially expected!

Kings reportedly made ‘first move’ to put De’Aaron Fox in the trade market

Until now, many believed that Fox was on the trade block because he did not want to commit to the Kings for the long term, and he was the one who initiated the request. After all, he left a three-year $166 million extension on the table last summer.

However, the latest reports portray a different story. As per Fischer, “It’s the Kings, according to the league sources, who first approached De’Aaron Fox’s Klutch Sports representation about putting the All-Star guard on the trade market with immediate effect. Sacramento sent word to some interested teams as early as last week that it was open to such overtures. That’s the flipped switch in Sactown.”

Yes, the Sacramento franchise reportedly initiated this fallout, potentially fearing that they might eventually lose Fox in free agency and get nothing in return. So, it’s a better option to cash in now while multiple franchises are ready to give up valuable assets to acquire a superstar like Fox. When Fox was asked if he was the one who requested the trade, he responded, “No. You would know if I did.” So, the story adds up.

Whatever the reason, the bottom line is that Fox might be out of Sacramento soon and LA will most likely not be the place he will be moving to. San Antonio Spurs has emerged as his preferred destination! Where do you think he should go?