The De’Aaron Fox chapter in Sacramento has closed, but the Kings are welcoming a new star guard. Fox is heading to the San Antonio Spurs in a big three-team trade that brings Zach LaVine to Sacramento from the Chicago Bulls. This deal has been confirmed by multiple sources, with ESPN breaking the news first.
Sacramento is not just getting LaVine; they’re also receiving three first-round picks from the Spurs, plus a few second-round picks and wing Sidy Cissoko. The picks include a 2025 selection from the Hornets, a 2027 pick from the Spurs, and another from the Timberwolves for 2031. They will also get the Bulls’ second-round pick for 2025 and their own for 2028.
The Bulls are making moves too. In return for LaVine, they’re getting forward Zach Collins, guard Tre Jones, and their own 2025 first-round pick back from the Spurs, along with Kevin Huerter from the Kings. The Spurs will also receive guard Jordan McLaughlin from Sacramento.
Fox, 27, signed a five-year deal worth $163 million with Sacramento in 2021 but still has one year left on his contract. The Kings opted to move on from Fox, especially after it became clear he wouldn’t sign another extension. He joins a Spurs team that features Victor Wembanyama, the top pick in this year’s draft and a rising star. San Antonio is currently 12th in the Western Conference, sitting just two games out of the final play-in spot.
Drafted fifth overall in 2017, Fox spent eight seasons with the Kings. He was named an All-Star and was part of the All-NBA Third Team for the 2022-2023 season. Throughout his time in Sacramento, Fox averaged 21.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. He also led the league in steals last season.
As for LaVine, he’s having a solid year, averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The two-time All-Star is in the middle of a five-year, $215 million contract. LaVine reuniting with former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan in Sacramento could spark the Kings’ playoff hopes. The team is currently vying for a spot in the postseason, sitting at 24-24 and in 10th place in the Western Conference.
The trading winds are blowing strongly for the Bulls, indicating a shift towards rebuilding. With a record of 21-29, they are also in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, but this trade positions them for future draft picks, particularly with the expected emergence of top prospect Cooper Flagg from Duke in the 2025 draft.
