NBA trade frenzy continues as Sacramento Kings send De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio Spurs and land Zach LaVine from Chicago Bulls

NBA trade frenzy continues as Sacramento Kings send De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio Spurs and land Zach LaVine from Chicago Bulls

The NBA trade market is on fire, and just when fans thought they had seen the biggest move with Luka Doncic heading to the Lakers, another blockbuster deal has taken center stage.

This time, the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls are making waves with a massive three-team trade that sends De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs and Zach LaVine to the Kings.

Fox Finds a New Home in San Antonio

After weeks of speculation, De’Aaron Fox is officially leaving Sacramento.

The star point guard had been the face of the franchise since being drafted in 2017, but with the Kings barely holding onto a playoff spot, it was clear that changes were coming.

Fox had made it known that he wanted out, and San Antonio was his preferred destination.

Now, he joins a young and talented Spurs squad featuring Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell.

This move signals the Spurs’ intent to build a strong core around Wembanyama, and Fox’s leadership and scoring ability should provide a huge boost.

The Full Breakdown of the Trade

This deal isn’t just about Fox and LaVine—it’s a multi-team swap that impacts several rosters.

Here’s how it all shakes out:

  • San Antonio Spurs Receive:
    • De’Aaron Fox (PG)
    • Jordan McLaughlin (PG)
  • Sacramento Kings Receive:
    • Zach LaVine (SG/SF)
    • Sidy Cissoko (G/F)
    • Three first-round picks (Charlotte’s 2025, San Antonio’s 2027, Minnesota’s 2031)
    • Three second-round picks (Chicago’s 2025, Denver’s 2028, their own 2028 pick back)
  • Chicago Bulls Receive:
    • Zach Collins (F/C)
    • Tre Jones (G)
    • Kevin Huerter (G)
    • Their own 2025 first-round pick (previously sent to San Antonio in the DeMar DeRozan deal)

This trade gives Sacramento a scoring star in LaVine, the Spurs a true floor general in Fox, and the Bulls a mix of young talent and valuable assets.

Contract Situations: The Money Behind the Moves

Fox’s contract situation was a major factor in this deal.

He has one more year left after this season, but Sacramento wasn’t confident he’d re-sign long-term.

With uncertainty surrounding their playoff chances, moving him now made sense.

Fox is currently averaging over 25 points, five rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, but he carries a hefty cap hit—$34.8 million this season, rising to $37 million in 2025-26.

On the other hand, LaVine’s contract had long been considered one of the most difficult to move.

However, he’s been putting up strong numbers this season, averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.

Still, his deal remains a concern—he’s owed $46 million next season, with a $49 million player option for 2026-27.

Playoff Implications: What’s Next for These Teams?

This trade could shake up the playoff race in both conferences.

The Kings and Bulls are both clinging to the final playoff spots, with Sacramento just ahead of Golden State and San Antonio, while Chicago is barely holding off Philadelphia.

Adding LaVine gives Sacramento a proven scorer, but losing Fox means they’ll need to adjust quickly.

As for the Spurs, pairing Fox with Wembanyama could be the start of something special.

They’re currently chasing a play-in spot, but this move might be more about long-term success than an immediate playoff push.

Trade Deadline Countdown

This deal comes just hours after the Lakers and Mavericks completed their own blockbuster, sending Luka Doncic to Los Angeles and Anthony Davis to Dallas.

With the NBA trade deadline set for Thursday, February 6, at 3:00 PM Eastern, teams still have time to make more moves.

Could more surprises be on the way? Stay tuned!

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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