NBA trade rumors: Warriors division rival reportedly shopping All-Star guard

The Kings have already made a lot of changes this year, but none are bigger than trading their best player.

The Golden State Warriors are far from the only team in their division dealing with an uncertain future. The Sacramento Kings have been the quintessential example of NBA organizational dysfunction for nearly two decades now. In the latest chapter, after reportedly firing their head coach earlier in the year to try and please star point guard De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento is now reportedly listening to trade offers for Fox prior to the deadline.

The news is far from a surprise. While the Kings have climbed in the standings since they fired head coach Mike Brown earlier this year, they are still just 24-22. Fox, who is under contract through next season, has not been receptive to Sacramento’s attempts to negotiate an extension, putting the front office in a difficult position. If they retain Fox through the end of his contract, they risk losing him for nothing in free agency. While that might be worth it if they were in title contention, the Kings seem very clearly stuck in the “no man’s land” of NBA mediocrity.

So, the Kings are listening to offers. According to The Athletic, the San Antonio Spurs are believed to be Fox’s preferred destination. However, since he is under contract through next season and does not have a no-trade clause, he lacks significant leverage to dictate where he goes.

It’s not out of the question that the Warriors could consider making a run of their own at Fox. Since his salary is less than $40 million, it would be easier to match the salaries in a deal. Furthermore, unlike other stars on the trading block, Fox is still in his 20s and conceivably in his prime.

An opportunity to acquire a star to help Steph Curry today and lead the franchise after his retirement seems like an obvious ideal situation. Of course, that’s really where the fit ends. Fox is a small point guard who has struggled on the defensive end. He would certainly give the Warriors plenty of firepower alongside Curry, but it would also create massive defensive problems. Moreover, the Dubs would likely have to deplete there wing depth even further to complete the trade.