De’Aaron Fox Trade Rumors Heat Up as Kings Star Eyes Spurs

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Sacramento Kings star De'Aaron Fox has emerged as one of the most sought-after players ahead of the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline, with the San Antonio Spurs reportedly his preferred destination if he is moved. Fox, who has not requested a trade, acknowledged Wednesday that he has a preferred landing spot should the Kings decide to deal him.

“For sure, I think everybody has a preferred destination,” Fox said before the Kings’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers. “I think it’s natural.” Fox, 26, turned down a contract extension with the Kings last summer and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. His reluctance to commit long-term has fueled speculation about his future, with the Spurs emerging as a likely suitor due to their max cap space and young core led by Victor Wembanyama.

The Spurs, who are outside the Play-In Tournament but have a promising foundation, could pair Fox with Wembanyama to create one of the league’s most dynamic duos. Fox’s wife, Recee, also has ties to San Antonio, adding a personal connection to the potential move. “I can’t tell them not to listen to offers or I can’t tell them to listen to offers,” Fox said of the Kings’ front office. “That’s their decision to make.”

Sacramento has reportedly fielded calls from multiple teams, including the Houston Rockets and Miami Heat, but the Spurs hold a significant advantage. San Antonio has up to nine future first-round picks and young assets like Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle to offer in a potential deal. However, Fox’s impending free agency complicates his trade value, as teams may view him as a rental unless they can secure a long-term commitment.

The Kings, meanwhile, have been exploring other trades to bolster their roster, including discussions with the Brooklyn Nets for forward Cam Johnson and the Utah Jazz for forward John Collins. Sacramento’s most consistent trade talks have centered around Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, and future draft picks, according to league sources.

Fox’s situation mirrors other high-profile trade sagas in recent years, such as Damian Lillard‘s move to the Milwaukee Bucks and James Harden‘s push to join the Phoenix Suns. While Fox has expressed a preference for San Antonio, the Kings remain in control of the situation—at least for now. “These sagas are complicated and messy,” one league executive said. “Until a deal is reached, other suitors have a chance to steal him away.”

As the trade deadline approaches, Fox’s future could trigger a domino effect across the league, with teams like the Rockets, Heat, and Nets also monitoring the situation. For now, all eyes are on Sacramento and San Antonio as the clock ticks down to Feb. 6.