Kings’ early-season struggles hint at massive move that would shock fans | Sporting News

The Sacramento Kings, weirdly, had one of the biggest offseasons in 2024. Never seen as a premier trade or free agent destination, the Kings were able to work a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs to land six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in River City.

In 2023, the Kings made a surprise run to the playoffs following a 48-win season. Last year, they regressed to 46 wins and lost in the Play-In Tournament. Not content with that result, the Kings built a big three this summer of DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis with the hopes of making it, at the very least, to the second round for the first time since 2004.

Currently, Sacramento is 8-10 and 12th in the Western Conference with the very real possibility of missing out on even a Play-In spot. It’s not due to Fox’s effort, as he is having a career year, averaging 28.1 points, 5.7 assists and 1.7 steals. 

Fox only has one full season left on his contract after this campaign, and the expectation is that he will re-sign with the Kings. However, he has made it very clear that he wants to contend, and this failed iteration of Sacramento basketball is not making it likely that he will stick around. 

“Obviously, the way that the West is going, we have to continue to get better as players and as a team, as an organization,” he told The Athletic before the start of the season regarding his future with the team. “And, I mean, I’m not saying I’m not staying or that I am staying. But I would love to be here, and I want to make sure that we’re competing at a high level.”

Since getting drafted in 2017, Fox’s Kings have always been in a state of rebuilding. Depending on how this season goes, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he demands a trade. As an All-Star and All-NBA point guard, the Kings will have suitors lined up out the door for Fox, but with Sabonis and DeRozan both locked down long-term, the Kings won’t be eager to restart their never-ending rebuild once again.

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