NBA Shakeup: De’Aaron Fox Traded to Spurs in 3-Team Deal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a blockbuster three-team trade announced Sunday, the Sacramento Kings sent All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, while acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. The deal, which involves seven players and multiple draft picks, reshapes the rosters of all three franchises ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

The Spurs, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, gain Fox, an elite point guard averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and five rebounds this season. Fox, who is extension-eligible this summer, joins a young core that includes Wembanyama, the reigning Kia Rookie of the Year, and rookie Stephon Castle. The Spurs managed to retain key veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes while adding Fox without sacrificing their extensive draft capital.

Sacramento, meanwhile, receives LaVine, a two-time All-Star averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season. LaVine, who is shooting a career-best 44.6% from three-point range, will reunite with former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan and play alongside Domantas Sabonis, a perennial All-NBA candidate.

The Bulls secured multiple draft picks, including a protected 2025 first-round pick from Charlotte and a 2027 first-round pick from San Antonio. They also received Kevin Huerter from the Kings, who averaged 11.5 points this season but had been relegated to a bench role in Sacramento.

Fox’s move to San Antonio marks a significant shift for both teams. ‘Playing alongside one of the game’s best centers, a 7-foot-4 force that most defenses don’t have an answer for, would appeal to any point guard in the game,’ said ESPN’s Shams Charania, who first reported the trade. Fox’s addition is expected to accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild around Wembanyama, who is already a frontrunner for Kia Defensive Player of the Year and could receive MVP votes this season.

For LaVine, the trade represents a fresh start after months of uncertainty in Chicago. ‘Last month, my colleague reported LaVine was good with staying in Chicago after the Bulls tried for more than a year to trade him,’ noted NBA insider Marc Stein. ‘Now LaVine is Sactown-bound.’

The Kings also sent forward Kevin Huerter to the Spurs, where he will look to revive his career after a diminished role in Sacramento. San Antonio included reserves Zach Collins, Tre Jones, and Sidy Cissoko in the deal, while the Kings parted ways with Jordan McLaughlin.

The trade underscores the urgency for all three teams to position themselves for future success. With the NBA trade deadline looming, more moves could be on the horizon as teams finalize their rosters for the playoff push.