“Nothing lasts forever.” A hard truth, yet it keeps everyone going. But in the NBA, “forever” depends on a player’s bond with his franchise. Take Stephen Curry—16 seasons, still the Warriors’ heartbeat. Then there was De’Aaron Fox, eight years deep with the Kings, their undisputed leader. But things changed when Sacramento fired head coach Mike Brown. Suddenly, blame found Fox. Speculation swirled, whispers grew louder, and before long—the team sent him away.

Amidst the heartbreak, Swipa has started his journey alongside Victor Wembanyama at the San Antonio Spurs. But with Zach LaVine now turning into the face of the Kings, GM Monte McNair has to face the reality of the team’s weaknesses and strengths. Meanwhile, he’s sending strong messages for the future that doesn’t have De’Aaron Fox anymore.

What has McNair done everything possible to support Mike Brown and De’Aaron Fox in the past? And how will he address Zach LaVine’s challenges with wing defenders? Speaking to the media, the Kings GM Monte McNair didn’t dodge the truth. “We’ve had a lot of success,” he said. Three straight winning seasons after “15, 16, or without.” But success isn’t enough. “We haven’t won enough.” Expectations rose after the playoffs, and now? “That all falls on me.” His job is simple—get them back. “That’s what I keep trying to do.” And, how well is he doing his task? “Up to you guys.” The GM leaves the verdict to the audience and media.

Meanwhile, another question came up. Does trading Fox feel like a step back from the vision, or does it still align with the Kings GM’s plan for the team’s future? Monte McNair admitted the journey was “certainly not linear.” After 2023, the plan was for the core to grow, but “obviously, we’ve gone in a different direction.” Still, Zach LaVine is “an incredible player,” and the team has talent. The West is brutal, but they’re fighting. On the bright side, for the first time, McNair holds “plus first-round picks” and “very high-value picks” alongside a “really good player.” More chances, more moves, and more ways to build the future.

Surely, the Kings’ front office played their cards well and pushed themselves to get the Chicago Bulls’ $215 million star Zach LaVine. But for De’Aaron Fox, this separation was more than just a trade. He had dreams of ending his career in Sacramento where it all began. Sadly, that won’t be happening unless, of course, the team brings him back in the future.

De’Aaron Fox confesses heartbreak following the reality of his unfulfilled dream

De’Aaron Fox is no longer a King. Traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a multi-team deal, his seven and a half years in Sacramento came to an end. It wasn’t easy. Fox left the only NBA home he’d known, and his emotional farewell to Sacramento and its fans spoke volumes. A new chapter begins, but the memories stay. “I can’t quite find the words to express what I want to say, but thank you,” Fox wrote on Instagram.

He continued: “Coming in as a 19-year-old kid and leaving as a 27-year-old man, I’m grateful I got to spend the beginning of my young adulthood here. The love for the city is unmatched. To the fans—y’all deserve the best. I wanted to end my career here and never expected it would end this way, but I’ll always be grateful for your support. Thank you for the love you’ve showed me and my family. Sacramento will always hold a special place in my heart.”

It’s safe to say, this goodbye wasn’t easy. Fox wanted to end his career where he started everything. However, things don’t always go as planned, right? And this is the NBA and unpredictable is its other name. Meanwhile, the Kings GM needs to figure out what he’s envisioning next for the team. He has the depth, strength, and talent to utilize. So, if it’s not now, then when?