The three best trade destinations for Sacramento Kings star De’Aaron Fox are the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, and San Antonio Spurs.
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly open to trade offers for Fox, as the team hovers around NBA Play-in Tournament contention. Fox, 27, has one-plus years remaining on a five-year, $163 million deal with the Kings.
A 2022-23 NBA All-Star, Fox is averaging 25.2 points, 6.2 assists, five rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game this season, while shooting 46.8/32.4/82.6. Over the past five seasons, Fox has averaged 25.1 points per game.
Here are three ideal trade destinations for Fox.
3. Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are enjoying a breakout season, yet they seem to lack that extra spark needed for a deep playoff run. Fox could provide that boost.
The left-handed point guard excels in isolation, can shoot off the dribble, and is an adept facilitator. He is among the most versatile guards in the NBA. Fox would quickly become Houston’s primary scorer, alleviating some pressure on Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, who would shift to supporting roles.
In Houston, Fox would find a familiar setup, similar to his role in Sacramento. He would assume the offensive leadership alongside an All-Star-caliber frontcourt player (Sengun with the Rockets and Domantas Sabonis with the Kings), complemented by several capable scorers.
However, the Rockets may hesitate to make such a significant trade before the February 6 deadline, preferring to evaluate their current roster, which boasts a 32-14 record, before making any drastic changes.
2. Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz have had a rollercoaster ride, trading away stars like Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, only to acquire players like John Collins and extend Lauri Markkanen. The team seems uncertain about its direction. Acquiring Fox could signal a commitment to becoming a consistent playoff contender.
Markkanen has emerged as a strong scoring big man, but his average of 19.7 points per game this season reflects a decline. He alone cannot elevate the Jazz into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. Another high-level scorer is essential. The Jazz possess a wealth of promising young players and draft picks to facilitate a trade of this magnitude.
Utah could offer Collin Sexton, Taylor Hendricks (the No. 9 pick in the 2023 draft), Drew Eubanks, and first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2029 to Sacramento for Fox and a second-round pick. This deal could provide the Kings with valuable assets while giving the Jazz a crucial piece for their future.
The pairing of Fox and Markkanen could establish a strong foundation for the Jazz, who are in desperate need of clarity. Fox would take on the role of the team’s primary scorer, allowing Markkanen to operate with less defensive pressure. Alongside them, emerging talents like Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, along with promising wings such as Johnny Juzang and Isaiah Collier, would create a balanced offensive structure. This duo of versatile scorers could pave the way for the Jazz’s contention in the years ahead.
Nevertheless, the timing may not favor the Jazz in acquiring Fox right now. Despite their struggles, they may prefer to finish the season, possibly secure a top-three draft pick, and then make moves aimed at immediate improvement in the offseason. Additionally, any team trading with the Jazz would likely require their 2025 first-round pick to be included, regardless of the number of first-rounders offered.
If Fox remains in Sacramento past the trade deadline, Utah could still emerge as a prime candidate for his services. Meanwhile …
1. San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a potential landing spot for Fox, and the fit could be ideal. Victor Wembanyama is already a star, and he requires a partner who can share the scoring load. Fox could serve as that long-term floor general for the Spurs.
Fox’s ability to score in multiple ways aligns perfectly with Wembanyama’s skill set, potentially transforming a mid-level Spurs offense into an elite one.
Although the Spurs have struggled in recent years, they are now competing for a playoff spot and have the potential to make a significant leap forward. To achieve that, they will need an impactful veteran like Fox, who would not face the same scoring demands as he does with the Kings.
San Antonio could offer Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, Blake Wesley, and first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 to Sacramento for Fox. This trade would provide the Kings with valuable draft capital and immediate contributors, depending on any other trades they might pursue.
Fox stands out as one of the premier players in the league and is still under 30. His career trajectory aligns closely with that of the Spurs, making this potential trade a promising opportunity for both parties.
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