De'Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings are on a fast track toward a sudden end to a fruitful partnership. Less than two years after Fox helped the organization end a 17-year postseason drought, the All-NBA point guard is reportedly pushing for a trade.
Despite the hasty spread of trade rumors surrounding Fox's seemingly inevitable departure, however, there's one person who doesn't know what the fuss is all about: Him.
Fox, 27, is in his eighth season with an organization that has watched in awe as he's climbed their all-time list in rapid order. He's currently fourth in franchise history in career points, assists, and three-point field goals made, as well as second in steals.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Fox's ascension of the all-time statistical leaders could come to an end sooner than later, as he's officially requested a trade.
"League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De'Aaron Fox's preferred destination." 😲 @ShamsCharania with the latest on the Sacramento Kings being open to trade De'Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/O63Xh0m4wm
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025
As that rumor took hold in NBA circles, Fox offered Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee a seven-word response to the direct question of whether or not he requested a trade:
"No. You would know if I did."
Fox elaborated, making it clear that any potential interest in trading him is based on Sacramento's desire rather than his own:
“That’s their decision to make. I can’t tell them not to listen to offers or I can’t tell them to listen to offers."
It's entirely possible that Fox is saving face to avoid condemnation among fans for wanting out, but he's now officially stated that he did not request a trade.
De'Aaron Fox on if he requested a trade: "No. You would know if I did."
The Kings have been in fine form since Doug Christie took over as the interim head coach. They're 24-22 on the season, but that record is contextualized by a 13-19 start that's since been masked by an 11-3 stretch over the past 14 games.
That stretch includes wins over the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies—all of which are on pace for home-court advantage during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
This would seemingly imply that Fox and the Kings are trending toward a second postseason appearance in three years. Sacramento is already in line to qualify for the Play-In Tournament and sits just 2.0 games back of the No. 6 seed.
Fox has played a starring role during that time, producing three 30-point games, including a 30-point and seven-assist effort in the Kings' most recent outing.
Despite the clear improvement on the team chemistry side of things, the rumor mill has implied that Fox and the Kings are headed toward separation. One can only hope that Fox was telling the truth during his interview with Biderman.
If he was, then it's fair to question why Sacramento would be considering such a path forward when the team is playing at a remarkably high level.
Yes, Fox will enter unrestricted free agency in 2026 and could thus leave of his own accord. The Kings aren't exactly accustomed to winning more than they lose, however, which makes giving up prematurely on a player who has provided them with their greatest success in well over a decade questionable at best.
Perhaps Fox is just telling the media what will make the locker room situation easier to manage, but if he truly hasn't requested a trade, the Kings are welcoming controversy into their home.