The San Antonio Spurs have their superstar in Victor Wembanyama and are searching for the pieces to build a contending roster around him. They need a second star and are looking for a long-term answer at point guard. Chris Paul has been a fine stopgap, but San Antonio may have just found the answer to both problems.
Shams Charania reported on Tuesday that the Kings are putting De’Aaron Fox on the trade market ahead of the deadline. He quickly mentioned that the All-Star guard had a destination in mind, and it became clear the place is the Spurs. Multiple sources confirmed it, but the Kings have him under contract through 2026.
Fox is signed with Klutch Sports, and fans know his agent Rich Paul is no stranger to getting his clients to their preferred destinations. The Kings will struggle to get a larger return from anyone other than the Spurs thanks to the Paul.
Kings have virtually no choice but to send De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs
Rich Paul’s messaging is clear. He declined an extension in Sacramento (subscription required) and told the Kings they would be wise to move him as soon as possible.
The agent will send similar messages to teams looking to acquire him. Fox won’t sign a new contract beyond the 2025-26 season because he wants to get the All-Star point guard to San Antonio. Franchises won't give up a massive return for a season and a half of Fox.
Fox averages 25.2 points, 6.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 37.2 minutes per game this year. He is shooting 46.8 percent from the field but struggles to consistently make jumpers. Victor Wembanyama will do wonders to cover for his defensive shortcomings, and the Spurs have plenty to offer to acquire an All-Star point guard in his prime.
Fox and Wemby could be the next standout star duo in the NBA. The Kings certainly do not want to send their star to a conference rival, but Rich Paul is not leaving them with many options. He helped LeBron James get to several destinations with the stars he wanted, including bringing Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. Paul is setting the deck to make it happen again with Fox heading to the Alamo to make the Spurs a title contender again.
The San Antonio Spurs quickly became the favorites to land De’Aaron Fox. They can thank his agent and Wemby. Many of the best players in the world will want to join the Spurs' young superstar. Fox and Paul are trying to force the point guard there, and the Kings may have no other options before the Feb. 6 deadline. It seems likely, but never count out a surprise.