De’Aaron “Austin Reaves Sr.” Fox

[gunks]

I'll stick to my "trade him for a haul but don't trade him to trade him" stance...

BUT

One of my biggest gripes with Fox has been his lack of resiliency over the past few seasons. Things start to get ugly with a losing streak and his play and attitude tanks for a month at a time.

I'm curious to see how his mental holds up now that we have Christie as our HC, because Doug has brought the DAWG up to levels unheard of with this franchise during our 7 game run. So far Fox seems very engaged and bought in. We haven't really seen him do his "float around for a few quarters and then turn it on" thing either.

A focused, motivated Fox (who doesn't go whining to Draymond Green of all people about "Team vision") is no longer a trade piece.

 

[SacTownKid]

I mean there's no reason to trade him

At this point Monte needs to let this season roll on. Which is what a season after a major change oriented offseason should have always been. You have to give it at least a full year then reassess in the summer. Let the games that matter be the guide. Monte pulled the coaching change in case of emergency cord, let it ride.

 

[whitechocolate]

He's been loyal through tough times and led us to winning basketball again. He's one of the best players in Sacramento history. He wants to win here. So let's win with him.

 

[Joshyjosh31]

Fox is made for pushing the ball. He doesn’t hog the ball and dribble endlessly. I know our backcourt is packed and he will get paid but I apologize for wanting to flip him for a wing.

Our backcourt isn’t packed haha we have monk, Carter, and Ellis that’s a good backcourt not a packed one. You don’t trade your best player cause there’s decent players behind him this is madness. Imagine Orlando trading Paolo for a guard because they have franz and Issac

 

[Jdbraver137]

Our backcourt isn’t packed haha we have monk, Carter, and Ellis that’s a good backcourt not a packed one. You don’t trade your best player cause there’s decent players behind him this is madness. Imagine Orlando trading Paolo for a guard because they have franz and Issac

Agree to disagree. Don’t know what you are watching.

 

[fansinceday1]

This is the blurb under fox’s name on my “score” app. He’s listed as number 1 of players available going into the trade deadline.

“Fox has a semi-reasonable $37-million cap hit for 2025-26, and super-agent Rich Paul has a knack for getting his clients exactly what they want. Combine that with the Kings' non-existent title chances, and you've got a freshly turned 27-year-old All-Star-caliber player whose future is poised to outshine the dimming light of the beam in Sacramento.”

this is my betting app. If Vegas thinks Fox is as good as gone I’d say he’s probably gone. IMO, it’s 65% he’s gone. Just a gut feeling.

 

[funkykingston]

I'll stick to my "trade him for a haul but don't trade him to trade him" stance...

BUT

One of my biggest gripes with Fox has been his lack of resiliency over the past few seasons. Things start to get ugly with a losing streak and his play and attitude tanks for a month at a time.

I'm curious to see how his mental holds up now that we have Christie as our HC, because Doug has brought the DAWG up to levels unheard of with this franchise during our 7 game run. So far Fox seems very engaged and bought in. We haven't really seen him do his "float around for a few quarters and then turn it on" thing either.

A focused, motivated Fox (who doesn't go whining to Draymond Green of all people about "Team vision") is no longer a trade piece.

This has been my stance too. Fox has wanted to be here and has been amazing as a King. If he wants to stay, great. But if he wants out, you trade him when his value is high and before you lose leverage.

That said, it means I have to disagree with your last statement. A focused, motivated Fox SHOULDN'T be a trade piece, but if he wants out, you get the best deal you can before he applies pressure and all the other teams lower their offers.

 

[Rob-The-Great]

Trade um. Go get Zion and bring me a championship. Great win tho. Clutch fts. But I like monk at pg and Ellis at the 2 better honestly. With Carter grooming in the works

 

[Tetsujin]

Trade um. Go get Zion and bring me a championship. Great win tho. Clutch fts. But I like monk at pg and Ellis at the 2 better honestly. With Carter grooming in the works

Dude whose camp has been actively campaigning for him to get moved to a larger market pretty much since the moment he was drafted who is also amongst the worst shooters in the league, terrible at defense, has shown a questionable devotion to the game at best, and above all else a walking injury risk pretty much unseen since Greg Oden is going to put this team over the top? If you think the spacing on offense is bad now, wait till Zion is actively occupying the same space Sabonis thrives in for the four games a season when he’s healthy enough to play and not sulking because of baby momma drama.

 

[sactowndog]

This has been my stance too. Fox has wanted to be here and has been amazing as a King. If he wants to stay, great. But if he wants out, you trade him when his value is high and before you lose leverage.

That said, it means I have to disagree with your last statement. A focused, motivated Fox SHOULDN'T be a trade piece, but if he wants out, you get the best deal you can before he applies pressure and all the other teams lower their offers.

ultimately I think you have to move one of Fox or Monk. Both are NBA starting Caliber point guards. If you don’t move one you will likely lose one.

 

[sactowndog]

I know everyone on Kings.com wants Thompson but I don’t think he is the best fit for the Kings. Jabari Smith Jr. is a much better fit.

he is 6’ 10 with a 7’ 1” Wingspan versus 6’ 8” and 6’ 10” wingspan for Keegan

he shoots ~.360 from 3 the last 2 years

he has a 105.9 net rating on defense.

to me the trade that makes us the best team we can be and provides positional versatility is the following;

sac out: Fox, Len, (can add Sheppard)
Sac In: Smith Jr., Jonathon Isaac, PHX 2027 1st

Houston out: Smith, Van Vleet, (Sheppard)
Houston in: Fox, Cole Anthony

Orlando out: Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony
Orlando in: Van Vleet, Alex Len.

I love this trade with or without Sheppard. The positional versatility this brings is immense:

Want to close a game big and with offense
Domas, Smith, Keegan, Deebo, Monk.

Up 10 and need to close out last 5 minutes
Domas, Smith, Keegan, Ellis, Monk

Need a stop to win a game where you can switch everything
Isaac, Smith, Keegan, Ellis, Carter.

having that kind of positional versatility wins you playoff games.

 

[midtowner]

ultimately I think you have to move one of Fox or Monk. Both are NBA starting Caliber point guards. If you don’t move one you will likely lose one.

Toronto made it work. And Jabari Smith Jr. is not a needle mover. He’s good, but he’s going to want a boat load of money soon. And he might be the 3rd best PF on his team behind Eason and Amen.

 

[The_Jamal]

I know everyone on Kings.com wants Thompson but I don’t think he is the best fit for the Kings. Jabari Smith Jr. is a much better fit.

he is 6’ 10 with a 7’ 1” Wingspan versus 6’ 8” and 6’ 10” wingspan for Keegan

he shoots ~.360 from 3 the last 2 years

he has a 105.9 net rating on defense.

to me the trade that makes us the best team we can be and provides positional versatility is the following;

sac out: Fox, Len, (can add Sheppard)
Sac In: Smith Jr., Jonathon Isaac, PHX 2027 1st

Houston out: Smith, Van Vleet, (Sheppard)
Houston in: Fox, Cole Anthony

Orlando out: Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony
Orlando in: Van Vleet, Alex Len.

I love this trade with or without Sheppard. The positional versatility this brings is immense:

Want to close a game big and with offense
Domas, Smith, Keegan, Deebo, Monk.

Up 10 and need to close out last 5 minutes
Domas, Smith, Keegan, Ellis, Monk

Need a stop to win a game where you can switch everything
Isaac, Smith, Keegan, Ellis, Carter.

having that kind of positional versatility wins you playoff games.

I think the HOU offer is Jabari-Reed-Salary+2-3 FRP. Depending how desperate the situation with Fox gets and what else is out there, I wouldn't be "horrified" at that, although would be lack-luster to me.

Edit: I just read your "trade proposal" Good god man, you have the nerve to critique Monte for everything he does when THAT's what your Fox return would be??

 

[whitechocolate]

I do not understand what is going on around here. Trading Fox would a huge loss. And for what, back ups for Sabonis, Murray, and DeRozan. We don't need to give up a star for that. Fox and Monk together is a lot of talent. Having a loaded back court is one of our greatest strengths. If we were down to Monk, Ellis, Carter, and Huerter, we'd be dying to get somebody like Fox. Digging a big hole to fill a couple small holes is ludicrous. So let's hold onto Fox, Monk, Ellis, Carter, Sabonis, Murray, DeRozan; while everybody else + picks can be used to get what this team needs most. I believe in the talent we have. I think we make the Play Offs this year, and next. If we do that, and hold onto the key guys I mentioned, why would Fox want to leave? I think we should prioritize treating the team like a family over a business as much as is reasonable and possible. Commitment goes both ways. If we do things right, I don't worry about Fox deciding to leave.

 

[sactowndog]

Toronto made it work. And Jabari Smith Jr. is not a needle mover. He’s good, but he’s going to want a boat load of money soon. And he might be the 3rd best PF on his team behind Eason and Amen.

Neither shoot close to Smith from 3.

 

[twslam07]

I think the HOU offer is Jabari-Reed-Salary+2-3 FRP. Depending how desperate the situation with Fox gets and what else is out there, I wouldn't be "horrified" at that, although would be lack-luster to me.

Edit: I just read your "trade proposal" Good god man, you have the nerve to critique Monte for everything he does when THAT's what your Fox return would be??

I’d really hope we push for Eason instead of Smith (especially if Thompson is not on the table).

• Eason is much more impactful today compared to Smith (advanced impact stats show Eason is wayyy better too)
• Eason is an elite defender today who can guard multiple positions at a very high level, switch 1-5, protect the rim, and rebound at a great rate.
• I think Eason’s offensive potential may be higher than Smith’s as well. Eason seems much more comfortable handling and passing the rock and seems more competent attacking defenses with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t seem to be as good of a shooter as Smith, but he’s still decent and I could see him settling in between 35-37% consistently. I’d take that considering the other attributes he brings to the table.
• Eason has terrific size/length at PF as well. 8’11.5” standing reach and 7’2” wingspan. He’s also very strong and is not as susceptible to being bullied down low by bigger PFs.
  

Losing Fox would suck but getting a 23 year old “near perfect” complement at PF next to Sabonis would be a good consolation prize especially considering how difficult it is to acquire a player of Eason’s archetype.

 

[sactowndog]

I think the HOU offer is Jabari-Reed-Salary+2-3 FRP. Depending how desperate the situation with Fox gets and what else is out there, I wouldn't be "horrified" at that, although would be lack-luster to me.

Edit: I just read your "trade proposal" Good god man, you have the nerve to critique Monte for everything he does when THAT's what your Fox return would be??

Jabari and Reed was essentially my trade so not sure why you are complaining. I would take 1 pick that was PHX in 07 versus multiple Rocket picks in the 20’s.

Jabari and Reed salary wise don’t come close to actually working. You have to add Van Vleet to get to a trade that works. So really the question is to whom do you route Van Vleet that gets you value for his 40M in salary. I thought getting Isaac for Van Vleet was pretty genius. Van Vleet we can’t fit on our books. Isaac gives us a switchable back up center whom can block shots. We don’t have a player like him and if he is only free for the play-offs to check Holmgren or Davis when Sabonis is out that is still a win.

if you have a better option to route VanVleet I am all ears!

 

[sactowndog]

I’d really hope we push for Eason instead of Smith (especially if Thompson is not on the table).

• Eason is much more impactful today compared to Smith (advanced impact stats show Eason is wayyy better too)
• Eason is an elite defender today who can guard multiple positions at a very high level, switch 1-5, protect the rim, and rebound at a great rate.
• I think Eason’s offensive potential may be higher than Smith’s as well. Eason seems much more comfortable handling and passing the rock and seems more competent attacking defenses with the ball in his hands. He doesn’t seem to be as good of a shooter as Smith, but he’s still decent and I could see him settling in between 35-37% consistently. I’d take that considering the other attributes he brings to the table.
• Eason has terrific size/length at PF as well. 8’11.5” standing reach and 7’2” wingspan. He’s also very strong and is not as susceptible to being bullied down low by bigger PFs.

Losing Fox would suck but getting a 23 year old “near perfect” complement at PF next to Sabonis would be a good consolation prize especially considering how difficult it is to acquire a player of Eason’s archetype.

Eason shoots 31.2% from 3 and 74.1% from the line. He can’t shoot the 3. The Monk Sabonis pick and roll is going to see Eason’s defender standing in the lane.

compare it to Smith who shoots this year 35.4% from 3 and 85.7% from the line. Not to mention Smith is close to Eason on Defense. The player we want is Smith not Eason. The near perfect complement to Sabonis is Smith not Eason.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

I’d really hope we push for Eason instead of Smith (especially if Thompson is not on the table).

Not going to argue about Eason. If we were to send Fox to Houston, Eason should absolutely be in the deal. But if somehow none of their top three are in the deal, then BOTH Eason and Smith have to be in the deal, as well as a ton of picks, and you only do it after you've shopped Fox to every other team in the league and can't get a better deal than that.

 

[sactowndog]

I do not understand what is going on around here. Trading Fox would a huge loss. And for what, back ups for Sabonis, Murray, and DeRozan. We don't need to give up a star for that. Fox and Monk together is a lot of talent. Having a loaded back court is one of our greatest strengths. If we were down to Monk, Ellis, Carter, and Huerter, we'd be dying to get somebody like Fox. Digging a big hole to fill a couple small holes is ludicrous. So let's hold onto Fox, Monk, Ellis, Carter, Sabonis, Murray, DeRozan; while everybody else + picks can be used to get what this team needs most. I believe in the talent we have. I think we make the Play Offs this year, and next. If we do that, and hold onto the key guys I mentioned, why would Fox want to leave? I think we should prioritize treating the team like a family over a business as much as is reasonable and possible. Commitment goes both ways. If we do things right, I don't worry about Fox deciding to leave.

No we are talking for a long term starting 4. Two wings of Smith and Murray ( if Houston would do it) would position us for success the next 10 years.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I do not understand what is going on around here. Trading Fox would a huge loss. And for what, back ups for Sabonis, Murray, and DeRozan. We don't need to give up a star for that. Fox and Monk together is a lot of talent. Having a loaded back court is one of our greatest strengths. If we were down to Monk, Ellis, Carter, and Huerter, we'd be dying to get somebody like Fox. Digging a big hole to fill a couple small holes is ludicrous...

 

[sactowndog]

Not going to argue about Eason. If we were to send Fox to Houston, Eason should absolutely be in the deal. But if somehow none of their top three are in the deal, then BOTH Eason and Smith have to be in the deal, as well as a ton of picks, and you only do it after you've shopped Fox to every other team in the league and can't get a better deal than that.

not going to happen. First off it’s not doable in the trade machine and roster slots…. Second Houston will maybe trade one but not both.

To make any trade work: two players have to in the deal. 1) your choice of forwards: Smith, Thompson or Eason . 2) Fred Van Vleet.

We really want nor can we take Van Vleets 40M salary on our books. So to whom do you route him and want do you get or give to send him there? In many cases you are giving an Utah compensation to take on salary. Routing him to Orlando (who shot 15% from 3) for Isaac is the best option I can find. Having Isaac as a small ball center and a switchable center when you need to close off a game a reasonable option that fills a need.

happy to see a deal that actually works in the trade machine that has both Smith and Eason. Then if you can do it show me the rotation. Then if you have done all that you can tell me how you think you get Houston to agree.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

not going to happen. First off it’s not doable in the trade machine and roster slots….
Second Houston will maybe trade one but not both.

I have a 2024 Ferrari. Runs great. I don't really want to sell it. My buddy tells me that Houston is really interested in buying it anyway, but they don't want to pay more than $30K.

The point is that Eason and Smith is still not enough value for Fox. Not really close.

To make any trade work: two players have to in the deal. 1) your choice of forwards: Smith, Thompson or Eason . 2) Fred Van Vleet.

We really want nor can we take Van Vleets 40M salary on our books. So to whom do you route him and want do you get or give to send him there? In many cases you are giving an Utah compensation to take on salary. Routing him to Orlando (who shot 15% from 3) for Isaac is the best option I can find. Having Isaac as a small ball center and a switchable center when you need to close off a game a reasonable option that fills a need.

I don't think Van Vleet would be the "salary" component in a Fox-to-Houston trade. Doesn't matter to me if they have $70M+ committed to PGs, that's not my problem. If they can find somewhere else to send him, more power to them.

happy to see a deal that actually works in the trade machine that has both Smith and Eason. Then if you can do it show me the rotation.

Easy:

Houston trades: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, picks
Sacramento trades: De'Aaron Fox, Doug McDermott

You can go ahead and check. It works. Our salary goes down by $1.2M, which gives us a bit more breathing room at the apron.

Our rotation:
Monk/Carter
DeRozan/Ellis
Murray/Brooks
Smith/Eason
Sabonis/Lyles

Now, in this situation I'd be interested in flipping Brooks because he just really cheeses me off as a human being, but that's neither here nor there. The trade works. I still think we get the bad end of it unless the picks turn out very good. If you give up the best player in the trade, you lose the trade, that's the general rule. Fox is the best player in the trade. We are turning a star into three good rotation players. You can guarantee that ESPN and the national media would call this a great trade for Houston, say that we got fleeced once again. And we probably would be getting fleeced.

Then if you have done all that you can tell me how you think you get Houston to agree.

"Hi Houston? It's Sacramento. If you want our all-star PG, you have to give us fair value in return. Thanks, bye!" They don't get to buy our brand-new Ferrari for $30K. If I recall correctly, the entire premise here is not that we want to SELL Fox, the premise is that Houston wants to BUY Fox. Just because we as a fan base have two+ decades of Arco Syndrome cluttering up our mental health doesn't mean we have to just give up and sell low on a player we don't even necessarily have to trade.

 

[sactowndog]

I have a 2024 Ferrari. Runs great. I don't really want to sell it. My buddy tells me that Houston is really interested in buying it anyway, but they don't want to pay more than $30K.

The point is that Eason and Smith is still not enough value for Fox. Not really close.



I don't think Van Vleet would be the "salary" component in a Fox-to-Houston trade. Doesn't matter to me if they have $70M+ committed to PGs, that's not my problem. If they can find somewhere else to send him, more power to them.



Easy:

Houston trades: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, picks
Sacramento trades: De'Aaron Fox, Doug McDermott

You can go ahead and check. It works. Our salary goes down by $1.2M, which gives us a bit more breathing room at the apron.

Our rotation:
Monk/Carter
DeRozan/Ellis
Murray/Brooks
Smith/Eason
Sabonis/Lyles

Now, in this situation I'd be interested in flipping Brooks because he just really cheeses me off as a human being, but that's neither here nor there. The trade works. I still think we get the bad end of it unless the picks turn out very good. If you give up the best player in the trade, you lose the trade, that's the general rule. Fox is the best player in the trade. We are turning a star into three good rotation players. You can guarantee that ESPN and the national media would call this a great trade for Houston, say that we got fleeced once again. And we probably would be getting fleeced.



"Hi Houston? It's Sacramento. If you want our all-star PG, you have to give us fair value in return. Thanks, bye!" They don't get to buy our brand-new Ferrari for $30K. If I recall correctly, the entire premise here is not that we want to SELL Fox, the premise is that Houston wants to BUY Fox. Just because we as a fan base have two+ decades of Arco Syndrome cluttering up our mental health doesn't mean we have to just give up and sell low on a player we don't even necessarily have to trade.

okay and in your trade Houston has what left for forwards? You can propose but if you are going to go unrealistic why not go for Giannis while you are at it.

and the premise is:
A) Fox and Monk are an overlap versus complementary
B) Fox is represented by Klutch and is a significant flight risk to a major market.
C) the Kings biggest needs are power forward and back up center.

when Fox walks for nothing we will have gotten the worst of it. At that point I cancel buying any tickets until Monte is fired.

lastly Fox was an all star one year and won’t be one this year.

 

[upinsmoke]

okay and in your trade Houston has what left for forwards? You can propose but if you are going to go unrealistic why not go for Giannis while you are at it.

and the premise is:
A) Fox and Monk are an overlap versus complementary
B) Fox is represented by Klutch and is a significant flight risk to a major market.
C) the Kings biggest needs are power forward and back up center.

when Fox walks for nothing we will have gotten the worst of it. At that point I cancel buying any tickets until Monte is fired.

lastly Fox was an all star one year and won’t be one this year.

Did i miss the part where we have to trade with Houston? Also THEY are getting the best player why would we concern ourselves with their roster construction? You keep shopping Fox around until you find the right one or he signs a team friendly deal if he can get a team to give him a super max via free agency good for him but it shouldn't be us.

 

[Joshyjosh31]

Jabari, Eason, Brooks and picks for Fox

Come on man

 

[Joshyjosh31]

okay and in your trade Houston has what left for forwards? You can propose but if you are going to go unrealistic why not go for Giannis while you are at it.

and the premise is:
A) Fox and Monk are an overlap versus complementary
B) Fox is represented by Klutch and is a significant flight risk to a major market.
C) the Kings biggest needs are power forward and back up center.

when Fox walks for nothing we will have gotten the worst of it. At that point I cancel buying any tickets until Monte is fired.

lastly Fox was an all star one year and won’t be one this year.

Some think Fox is AD and would get that type of package back when he can barley make an all star. And also somehow he won’t have a list further diluting whatever package we’d get, they’re in for a rude awakening

 

[upinsmoke]

Some think Fox is AD and would get that type of package back when he can barley make an all star. And also somehow he won’t have a list further diluting whatever package we’d get, they’re in for a rude awakening

Fox wants us to think there are teams out there tripping over themselves for a chance to supermax him.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

No team but us can give him a super max which is officially known as the designated veteran player extension:

In order to qualify as a designated veteran player, a player must have:

1. 7 or 8 years of service in the league
2. Never changed teams except via trade or assignment via amnesty waiver

In addition, they must have distinguished themselves as one of the top players in the league via one of three ways:

Been named to the All-NBA first, second or third team in immediately preceding season or in two of last three seasons
or:
Defensive Player of the Year
or:
NBA MVP in one of last three seasons

Designated veteran players who fit the preceding criteria can receive extensions for four years if they have 2 years left on their existing deals, and five years if they have one year left on their existing deals.

This extension pays 35% of a team's salary cap. The max salary for a player with 7-9 years of service is otherwise 30%.

He will be eligible after 10 years of service for 35% by any team in the league but that is I think the 2027 season (not exactly sure if it is 10 years or entering the 10th year).

 

[Capt. Factorial]

okay and in your trade Houston has what left for forwards?

They have Amen and Cam and they can try to flip FVV for something. I don't care what their roster looks like, they're the ones chasing after Fox.

You can propose but if you are going to go unrealistic why not go for Giannis while you are at it.

Please, please don't try to put a Smith/Eason package on par with Giannis. Please. I'm begging you.

when Fox walks for nothing we will have gotten the worst of it. At that point I cancel buying any tickets until Monte is fired.

You've got the 2025 trade deadline for a trade, and the 2025 offseason for a trade or an extension, and the 2026 trade deadline for a trade, and pre-free-agency 2026 for an extension, and free agency in 2026 for a max deal and even failing all of that the near certainty of a sign-and-trade before you need to worry about Fox leaving for nothing. Don't doom spiral into imagining yourself canceling your tickets just because some of us think it's a really bad idea to sell him off at pennies on the dollar now.