Amick: De’Aaron Fox requests trade
- Thread starter Tetsujin
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Not sitting on a bench. And until you know he won't be sitting on a bench you don't touch that salary.
And Sabonis immediately elevated the play of the team when he arrived. He may not be a 1A, but he's an incredible piece (in my opinion, likely the most important player on the team) and he just keeps getting better. He's been my favorite since he arrived.
And Sabonis immediately elevated the play of the team when he arrived. He may not be a 1A, but he's an incredible piece (in my opinion, likely the most important player on the team) and he just keeps getting better. He's been my favorite since he arrived.
Perhaps you're right, but I suspect that the Spurs are an organization, much like the Miami Heat, that prizes its culture above all else. It's how it sets itself apart from other small market franchises and how it cultivates success in spite of its lack of market advantages. Decisions made within the scope of that culture can lead to drafting a player like Wemby (with some lottery luck, of course), and can also lead to sustained success once a player like Wemby laces them up for your franchise. The Kings rarely operate this way, and since Vivek purchased the team, it's mostly been short-term thinking that ultimately squanders what talent the franchise does acquire. Things have shifted a bit with Monte at the helm, and I hope he continues to seek maximum value for the Kings trade assets.
This is so disappointing to me. Fox quickly became a favorite for me. I still believe that if Fox got the same whistle as SGA he would be just as much of a superstar. It’s a lot easier to play offense when the defender can’t really guard you without getting called for a foul.
I don’t doubt that has played some part in Fox seeing greener grass. The SAC whistle is really bad. Just looks at DDR’s FT attempts. He’s on pace to shoot almost 160 less FTs this season or something at the current pace.
As other have mentioned, Fox also was left out to dry by our front office after the Brown firing while they were happy to watch him take all of the heat for it.
Houston and Pels are the only teams that I’ve seen brought up that have any players I’d be interested in getting back for Fox. Otherwise, it feels like we are getting the raw end of the deal… at least in the short term.
I don’t doubt that has played some part in Fox seeing greener grass. The SAC whistle is really bad. Just looks at DDR’s FT attempts. He’s on pace to shoot almost 160 less FTs this season or something at the current pace.
As other have mentioned, Fox also was left out to dry by our front office after the Brown firing while they were happy to watch him take all of the heat for it.
Houston and Pels are the only teams that I’ve seen brought up that have any players I’d be interested in getting back for Fox. Otherwise, it feels like we are getting the raw end of the deal… at least in the short term.
Sadly, it's the nature of sports media these days. They're not getting any info from the front office and had to rely on agents for scoops. Peddling the agent talk points in return for info has become the norm. Even Woj was doing it earlier. It's the name of the game. Hope they have the self awareness to realize it.
No clue. I guess the NBA finds SGA marketable? I’ve seen him and Chet in commercials. Young team with a lot of talent to be a powerhouse in the league for years?
I don’t know the reasoning but there is a clear difference in the whistle SGA gets and Fox gets. I actually find OKC fun as a team to watch as a whole but I can’t stand watching how SGA is officiated.
I don’t know the reasoning but there is a clear difference in the whistle SGA gets and Fox gets. I actually find OKC fun as a team to watch as a whole but I can’t stand watching how SGA is officiated.
As someone not from or familiar with Sacramento media (and I don’t have Twitter or anything else), the only two podcasts I found and have listened to are D&M and Matt George/Locked On so those are the two I’ve listened to the past 2.5 years.
Is Matt George not really plugged in? Is D&M the only media worth really listening to?
Is Matt George not really plugged in? Is D&M the only media worth really listening to?
So after listening to all the talking heads, reading Amick's tweet, Recee's tweets, understanding the extension situation, etc., I think this is likely what went down...
This story line seems to fit all the narratives we're hearing. If this is in fact what happened, Recee's tweets would be correct. Fox did not request a trade and it was initially Monte who brought the offer to Rich Pau. Rich Paul saying it would be "wise" to trade him sooner if they want to move on from Fox seems more financially motivated (meaning Fox makes more money resigning with the Kings or being moved sooner so he can be extended for more money) and less about Fox actually wanting to be traded away from SAC. Fox has been plenty vocal about liking Sacramento so that fits into this entire narrative as well.
Maybe I'm giving Rich Paul too much credit, but I feel like his message back to Monte is that he needs to either be planning on...
That scenario doesn't seem completely unsalvageable in terms of keeping Fox a King long term, but Monte is in turbulent waters at the moment, and he needs to be very careful navigating this situation.
Having said that, let's pivot to what I enjoy most...trade ideas
If it's a foregone conclusion behind the scenes that Fox needs to be traded at the deadline and that Vivek's goal is to still try and compete today (which I would be shocked if Vivek would be okay with tearing it down at this point), how about this trade idea...
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BKN GETS: Tre Jones, Trey Lyles, Chris Duarte, 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (Least Favorable - Top 6 Protected), & 2029 SAS 1st (Top 6 Protected)
BKN GIVES: Cam Johnson & Day'Ron Sharpe
WHY FOR BKN? The Nets get two 1st round picks for their win now vet in Johnson and don't have to worry about taking on any longer term salary (e.g., Huerter). All of the contracts coming back are expiring which gives them even more cap space to throw around during the 2025 offseason.
PG - Russell / Jones / Melton
SG - Thomas / Johnson / Duarte
SF - Williams / Whitehead / Lewis
PF - Simmons / Wilson / Watford
C - Claxton / Clowney / Lyles
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CHI GETS: Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, Chris Paul, Jeremy Sochan, & Future CHI 1st (Top 10 Protected in '26 & Top 8 Protected in '27/'28; otherwise, 2028 CHI 2nd)
CHI GIVES: Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Chris Duarte, & Torey Craig
WHY FOR CHI? The Bulls lean into their rebuild by moving on from LaVine and also get out from underneath Williams contract (something they are rumored of wanting to do). In exchange they get their protected CHI 1st returned back (which puts them at ease while they tank) and also add Sochan as a young piece to add to their assets. They could also look to potentially flip guys like Barnes, Huerter, Collins, and/or Paul for some minor assets if any competing teams would be interested in acquiring them for a playoff run. This also sets them up to have substantial cap space during the 2026 offseason since Vucevic, Barnes, Huerter, Collins, Ball, Paul, White, Dosonmu & J. Carter could all be off the books.
PG - White / Ball / Carter / Paul (flipped for an asset)
SG - Dosonmu / Huerter / Terry
SF - Giddey / Barnes / Horton-Tucker
PF - Buzelis / Sochan / Phillips
C - Vucevic / Smith / Collins
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SAS GETS: De'Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, & Torey Craig
SAS GIVES: Harrison Barnes, Zach Collins, Chris Paul, Tre Jones, Jeremy Sochan, Future CHI 1st (Top 10 Protected in '26 & Top 8 Protected in '27/'28; otherwise, 2028 CHI 2nd), 2025 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (Least Favorable - Top 6 Protected), 2029 SAS 1st (Top 6 Protected), & 2031 SAC Pick Swap
WHY FOR SAS? The Spurs land both Fox and DeRozan while keeping a lot of their coveted young guys (Castle, Vassell, etc.). Fox gives them an excellent 2nd option next to Wemby and DeRozan was loved in San Antonio during his time there. He gives them another shot creator that can help Wemby out.
PG - Fox / Castle
SG - Vassell / Branham / Wesley
SF - Champagnie / Johnson / Cissoko
PF - DeRozan / Craig
C - Wemby / Bassey / Mamu
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SAC GETS: Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, Patrick Williams, Day'Ron Sharpe, 2025 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), & 2031 SAC Pick Swap
SAC GIVES: De'Aaron Fox, Demar DeRozan, Kevin Huerter, & Trey Lyles
WHY FOR SAC? LaVine has been excellent on the offensive side of the ball and gives us someone who can help replace Fox as a go-to option . In fact, he might be producing at a higher offensive level than Fox currently...
O-VPM: LaVine = 32nd / Fox = 33rd
O-EPM: LaVine = 37th / Fox = 44th
O-DARKO: LaVine = 36th / Fox = 13th
O-LEBRON: LaVine = 56th / Fox = 34th
PTS Per 36 min: LaVine = 25.3 / Fox = 24.4
TS%: LaVine = .637 / Fox = .566
2P%: LaVine = .560 / Fox = .536
3P%: LaVine = .446 / Fox = .324
FT%: LaVine = .797 / Fox = .826
AST Per 36 min: LaVine = 4.8 / Fox = 6.0
AST to TO: LaVine = 1.6 / Fox = 2.1
Johnson & Williams give us much needed size, length, athleticism, defense, and shooting at the wing/forward spot, and Sharpe gives us an upgrade at backup C. We also get two unprotected 1st round picks that have increased lottery odds since we'd be taking the more favorable pick between ATL & SAS, and we also cancel the 2031 Pick Swap in case we need to tear it down later (or if SAS is a perennial contender by then).
After this trade, Sabonis would have excellent shooters all around him (Monk, Ellis, LaVine, Johnson, Murray, Williams). Not to mention that Sabonis is basically leading the league in 3P%. Our floor would be incredibly well spaced allowing guys like Monk, LaVine, Sabonis, etc. to attack the paint. The main issue will likely continue to be defense as a team starting Monk, LaVine, and Sabonis is not going to be super effective stopping folks, but we do have a great collection of defenders to round out the rotation in Ellis, Carter, Johnson, Murray, & Williams. And who knows? If Carter develops enough, perhaps he takes over the starting PG role for Monk down the road which would give us an excellent PG/SG defender next to LaVine in the starting unit.
PG - Monk / Carter / McLaughlin
SG - LaVine / Ellis / Jones
SF - Johnson / McDermott / Crowder
PF - Murray / Williams
C - Sabonis / Sharpe / Len
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- Monte has not been shopping Fox this trade deadline. He was of the mindset that he would keep Fox for the rest of the season and look to upgrade the roster at the deadline (thus making SAC a more attractive location for Fox to resign long term). This is why we've been popping up frequently in Cam Johnson, John Collins, etc. trade talks.
- An undisclosed team called up Monte and made a very attractive offer for Fox, but they wanted assurances that Fox would be open to resigning/extending with them (similar to the Anunoby and Siakam situation).
- Monte reached out to Rich Paul letting him know they have a trade offer for Fox and asking if Fox would be open to resigning/extending with that team
- Rich Paul and/or Fox signal to Monte that they would not be open to resigning/extending with the team that made the offer
- Rich Paul then starts to leak that Monte is actively exploring trades for Fox and that we're open for business so that the teams/locations that Fox would be open to resigning/extending with are aware and can jump in and make offers.
- Rich Paul also mentions that it would be wise for Monte to move Fox now if they do want to move on from him so it makes it easier for Fox to sign an extension with his new team and ultimately make more money
This story line seems to fit all the narratives we're hearing. If this is in fact what happened, Recee's tweets would be correct. Fox did not request a trade and it was initially Monte who brought the offer to Rich Pau. Rich Paul saying it would be "wise" to trade him sooner if they want to move on from Fox seems more financially motivated (meaning Fox makes more money resigning with the Kings or being moved sooner so he can be extended for more money) and less about Fox actually wanting to be traded away from SAC. Fox has been plenty vocal about liking Sacramento so that fits into this entire narrative as well.
Maybe I'm giving Rich Paul too much credit, but I feel like his message back to Monte is that he needs to either be planning on...
- Improving the team at the deadline with the goal of resigning Fox long term which gives Fox the two things he wants (more money and a competitive, winning team)
- Moving Fox quickly so that Fox still get his money with a new team via an extension
That scenario doesn't seem completely unsalvageable in terms of keeping Fox a King long term, but Monte is in turbulent waters at the moment, and he needs to be very careful navigating this situation.
Having said that, let's pivot to what I enjoy most...trade ideas
If it's a foregone conclusion behind the scenes that Fox needs to be traded at the deadline and that Vivek's goal is to still try and compete today (which I would be shocked if Vivek would be okay with tearing it down at this point), how about this trade idea...
------------------------------
BKN GETS: Tre Jones, Trey Lyles, Chris Duarte, 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (Least Favorable - Top 6 Protected), & 2029 SAS 1st (Top 6 Protected)
BKN GIVES: Cam Johnson & Day'Ron Sharpe
WHY FOR BKN? The Nets get two 1st round picks for their win now vet in Johnson and don't have to worry about taking on any longer term salary (e.g., Huerter). All of the contracts coming back are expiring which gives them even more cap space to throw around during the 2025 offseason.
PG - Russell / Jones / Melton
SG - Thomas / Johnson / Duarte
SF - Williams / Whitehead / Lewis
PF - Simmons / Wilson / Watford
C - Claxton / Clowney / Lyles
------------------------------
CHI GETS: Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Zach Collins, Chris Paul, Jeremy Sochan, & Future CHI 1st (Top 10 Protected in '26 & Top 8 Protected in '27/'28; otherwise, 2028 CHI 2nd)
CHI GIVES: Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, Chris Duarte, & Torey Craig
WHY FOR CHI? The Bulls lean into their rebuild by moving on from LaVine and also get out from underneath Williams contract (something they are rumored of wanting to do). In exchange they get their protected CHI 1st returned back (which puts them at ease while they tank) and also add Sochan as a young piece to add to their assets. They could also look to potentially flip guys like Barnes, Huerter, Collins, and/or Paul for some minor assets if any competing teams would be interested in acquiring them for a playoff run. This also sets them up to have substantial cap space during the 2026 offseason since Vucevic, Barnes, Huerter, Collins, Ball, Paul, White, Dosonmu & J. Carter could all be off the books.
PG - White / Ball / Carter / Paul (flipped for an asset)
SG - Dosonmu / Huerter / Terry
SF - Giddey / Barnes / Horton-Tucker
PF - Buzelis / Sochan / Phillips
C - Vucevic / Smith / Collins
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SAS GETS: De'Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, & Torey Craig
SAS GIVES: Harrison Barnes, Zach Collins, Chris Paul, Tre Jones, Jeremy Sochan, Future CHI 1st (Top 10 Protected in '26 & Top 8 Protected in '27/'28; otherwise, 2028 CHI 2nd), 2025 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (Least Favorable - Top 6 Protected), 2029 SAS 1st (Top 6 Protected), & 2031 SAC Pick Swap
WHY FOR SAS? The Spurs land both Fox and DeRozan while keeping a lot of their coveted young guys (Castle, Vassell, etc.). Fox gives them an excellent 2nd option next to Wemby and DeRozan was loved in San Antonio during his time there. He gives them another shot creator that can help Wemby out.
PG - Fox / Castle
SG - Vassell / Branham / Wesley
SF - Champagnie / Johnson / Cissoko
PF - DeRozan / Craig
C - Wemby / Bassey / Mamu
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SAC GETS: Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, Patrick Williams, Day'Ron Sharpe, 2025 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), 2027 ATL/SAS 1st (More Favorable), & 2031 SAC Pick Swap
SAC GIVES: De'Aaron Fox, Demar DeRozan, Kevin Huerter, & Trey Lyles
WHY FOR SAC? LaVine has been excellent on the offensive side of the ball and gives us someone who can help replace Fox as a go-to option . In fact, he might be producing at a higher offensive level than Fox currently...
O-VPM: LaVine = 32nd / Fox = 33rd
O-EPM: LaVine = 37th / Fox = 44th
O-DARKO: LaVine = 36th / Fox = 13th
O-LEBRON: LaVine = 56th / Fox = 34th
PTS Per 36 min: LaVine = 25.3 / Fox = 24.4
TS%: LaVine = .637 / Fox = .566
2P%: LaVine = .560 / Fox = .536
3P%: LaVine = .446 / Fox = .324
FT%: LaVine = .797 / Fox = .826
AST Per 36 min: LaVine = 4.8 / Fox = 6.0
AST to TO: LaVine = 1.6 / Fox = 2.1
Johnson & Williams give us much needed size, length, athleticism, defense, and shooting at the wing/forward spot, and Sharpe gives us an upgrade at backup C. We also get two unprotected 1st round picks that have increased lottery odds since we'd be taking the more favorable pick between ATL & SAS, and we also cancel the 2031 Pick Swap in case we need to tear it down later (or if SAS is a perennial contender by then).
After this trade, Sabonis would have excellent shooters all around him (Monk, Ellis, LaVine, Johnson, Murray, Williams). Not to mention that Sabonis is basically leading the league in 3P%. Our floor would be incredibly well spaced allowing guys like Monk, LaVine, Sabonis, etc. to attack the paint. The main issue will likely continue to be defense as a team starting Monk, LaVine, and Sabonis is not going to be super effective stopping folks, but we do have a great collection of defenders to round out the rotation in Ellis, Carter, Johnson, Murray, & Williams. And who knows? If Carter develops enough, perhaps he takes over the starting PG role for Monk down the road which would give us an excellent PG/SG defender next to LaVine in the starting unit.
PG - Monk / Carter / McLaughlin
SG - LaVine / Ellis / Jones
SF - Johnson / McDermott / Crowder
PF - Murray / Williams
C - Sabonis / Sharpe / Len
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I do think your theory all holds together given the statements we see from Klutch that he would sign with either SA or Sac. You can argue he is still focused on Sac because of the additional money in the contract, but I don't believe Klutch ever said he's not resigning and wants a trade. Now, they have very likely said improve the team.... which is very likely the first step in getting him moved (how MUCH do we need to improve to make you happy). That's where I feel like this is the classic Klutch slow roll into a formal trade demand in the offseason.
Rich Paul becomes richer if Fox extends at a higher rate in the off season. He hitches onto the Wemby gravy train via Fox and lucrative endorsement deals starts flowing in. NBA will do most of the legwork by hyping up the new Wemby & Fox combo and the refs would cheerfully oblige. Serious money is to be made. Last year, he tried to make Ice Trae to Spurs work. Now, he gets a second chance.
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