Kings are intentionally sabotaging Spurs chance to acquire De’Aaron Fox

After several close losses that were punctuated by a blowout, it's clear that the San Antonio Spurs need trade help to improve their roster. One option is Sacramento Kings star guard De'Aaron Fox, who the Spurs have been linked to.

However, since firing coach Mike Brown, the Kings have won five straight games and have put themselves back in play-in tournament position. That won't change the fact that they face an uphill battle to make the playoffs or that Fox will still become a free agent after next season, but it may make an impact.

There have even been rumors that the Kings may pursue Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Cam Johnson or Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma to try and improve their chances of making the playoffs. All of which hurt the Spurs' chances of acquiring Fox.

That could qualify as self-sabotage since they could be giving up assets used towards a rebuild instead of trading Fox to the highest bidder, which might include the San Antonio Spurs. It's not like the Kings are likely to make the postseason and go on a deep playoff run. Therefore, acquiring Johnson or Kuzma may only be delaying the inevitable.

Kings are standing in the way of potential De'Aaron Fox trade to Spurs

With the Kings on a hot streak, it will likely delay their decision to trade Fox. And with the trade deadline a month away, they may try to hold onto him until the summer, at the very least.

That would give them more time to try and get their act together, but if they ultimately fail to make the playoffs, then it may cost them in the long run. If Sacramento were to trade him this season, they should be able to command top dollar with him having one of the best seasons of his career.

That might mean receiving a trade package from the Spurs consisting of Stephon Castle, Tre Jones, Keldon Johnson, and two first-round picks. Getting three rotation players, including Castle, who has a lot of untapped potential, and two first-round picks is a good haul for a team that seems to be headed for a rebuild or at least a retooling.

The Kings not playing ball would hurt the Spurs, who can't seem to put together a stretch of strong play due to injuries and inconsistency. There are other trade options for San Antonio, but Fox is currently the best available player on the trade market, which makes sense for them. With any luck, the hot Kings will come back down to earth and come to the negotiating table ahead of the trade deadline.