Kings trade De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs to get Zach LaVine: Instant reaction, analysis

The Sacramento Kings moved on from De’Aaron Fox on Feb. 2. It was just one day after the stunning Luka Doncic trade, but fans knew this one was coming. Fox has been in the rumors for a while. The rumblings started when he turned down an extension and things escalated quickly after his agent informed the franchise he would not re-sign with them.

The Spurs have the best young superstar in the NBA and just paired him with an All-Star point guard. San Antonio desperately needed someone capable of scoring out of ball screens, and Kings fans know Fox can get buckets. Chris Paul was a fine stopgap option at point guard, but the Spurs needed a long-term solution. The now-former Sacramento star wanted to pair with Victor Wembanyama, and he got his wish.

The Kings got multiple pieces in the package in return for the 27-year-old. Here is a closer look at the trade with some instant reactions and analysis.

Kings get haul back in 3-team De’Aaron Fox trade with Spurs and Bulls

Moving on from a star player is never easy, but Sacramento had no choice. Fox told the organization that he planned to leave when he can become a free agent in 2026. The Kings moved on quickly to maximize their return.

The Kings got Zach LaVine in the deal along with three first-round picks. The two-time All-Star is an elite scorer and spent multilpe years playing with DeRozan in Chicago.

Shams Charania reported the full trade details, which fans can see below.

Kings fans are disappointed not to land Stephon Castle from the Spurs, but LaVine keeps them relevant.

Fox went from the fifth overall pick in 2017 to a star in Sacramento. He has averaged over 21 points per game for six straight years and was an All-Star in 2023. The Kings enjoyed his seven-plus seasons as their offensive engine. Sacramento snapped a long playoff drought but never won a playoff series. It was just time to break up.

This was a disappointing end. The Kings did not pursue Luka Doncic in the 2018 draft because they viewed De'Aaron Fox as their point guard and lead ball-handler. They traded Tyrese Haliburton to keep the keys with Fox. Fans would love to have Luka or Haliburton, but it was not meant to be. Now, even Fox is gone.

Can the Kings contend with Sabonis, DeRozan, and LaVine? They will certainly try. LaVine has been outstanding this season and is one of the best scorers in the NBA. Sacramento should get buckets, but making the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference will not be easy.

The Sacramento Kings have several decisions to make ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Are they done making moves? Fans will learn the answers soon, but this was a needed first step. Now, it is all about trying to build and maximizing the post-Fox era.