I was shocked when I saw this news a few hours ago and I've been sitting on it, thinking about it and trying to understand why it was done.
I think I get it now:
This is about maximization of value. Unfortunately, De'Aaron has regressed this year, and it has hurt his trade value.
I bet you Monte's initial offer was De'Aaron and there was no bite.
And unfortunately, with the great play of Davion and Haliburton, that trade value probably wasn't going to get much higher.
Tyrese's trade value, on the other hand, is sky high right now. He has loads of potential and is on a rookie contract, definitely something attractive for the pacers.
I really don't think this is so much the franchise going all in on Fox as it is maximizing trade values.
What is likely to happen now is that Fox is going to blow up and rebuild his trade value.
Now the sitting out makes more sense to me.
Fox was probably sitting out to showcase Haliburton and to actually get his ankle right.
Perhaps Monte also saw something during this time that made him want to pull the trigger not sure.
So all in all what is probably going to happen now is that the Kings are going to shoot for the play-in and Fox's value will increase.
Then as far as what will happen in the off-season is fair game. Could be that Fox is traded for a top pick or another player that fits the team more, you never know.
I really loved Hali and I think we all did that's why it feels like such a gut punch to us. He was really a great personality and competitor.
I also think what this means is that Barnes and/or Holmes will be gone by the trade deadline, so long as they get a piece that fits the team more. Holmes and Barnes value are likely pretty high right now, especially Barnes perhaps also due to the sitting out of De'Aaron.