Yahoo Sports' Tom Haberstroh recently pointed out that the Sacramento Kings have locked in $95 million between Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, while the San Antonio Spurs are paying Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox just $67 million combined. That discrepancy serves as an unfortunate reminder that these are two franchises are moving in very different directions.
Let’s be clear: Fox earned his extension in San Antonio and the Spurs acted quickly to lock him in for the long haul. It’s hard to argue with their timing. But when you stack that deal next to the Kings’ financial commitments for LaVine and Sabonis, it raises a serious question: which franchise is better positioned to contend?
It's hard to say that answer is clearly the Kings, as Sacramento is doubling down on last year’s shortcomings. LaVine is earning big money without a ton of winning pedigree. Sabonis, while still a strong physical presence in the post, doesn’t address the bigger defensive or spacing needs.
The Kings unfortunately aren't set up for success like the Spurs
The two almost look like overpaid rentals instead of long-term cornerstones. Meanwhile San Antonio is doing what smart franchises do: build around the long-term upside of their cornerstone star while locking in his co-star on a big but manageable deal.
This contrast is understandably frustrating for Kings fans. Paying two role players as much as one franchise pays two cornerstones is illogical unless you're in a great position to win. And so far, Sacramento hasn’t taken the steps to becoming a winner once again. That’s why Haberstroh’s comparison hits so hard. It’s a mirror held up to a team that might be stuck on an expensive treadmill.
Meanwhile, the Spurs appear to be sprinting. They invested into their current core and left room to make moves in the margins. Smart teams know you don’t win by chasing the top of the market, rather you win by being positioned to strike at the right moment with cap space and a timeline that aligns with your best players.
Fox’s extension looked bold. But with it set inside a blueprint with the hope of being a genuine contending team, it looks brilliant. That setup makes Haberstroh’sobservation cut deeper. Sacramento can still catch up, but their direction isn't particularly clear.