The hottest news right now in the NBA trade market is that All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox is available for a trade after the desire to leave the Sacramento Kings has become prevalent. After rejecting to sign a long-term extension with the Kings, Klutch Sports has informed the California-based franchise to trade Fox as soon as possible to benefit their situation.
There have been reports that the preferred destination for De’Aaron Fox is the San Antonio Spurs because a potential pairing with Victor Wembanyama would shake the Western Conference, but this is the NBA, and things can change rather quickly. Many of the league’s title contenders would relish the chance to acquire a star point guard to provide an upgrade in their backcourt and there is a lot to look out for.
As we are less than two weeks away from the February 6th trade deadline, we have prepared the six best landing spots for De’Aaron Fox and it is expected that one of these sides will acquire the franchise point guard.
Miami Heat
Potential Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: De’Aaron Fox
Sacramento Kings Receive: Terry Rozier, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2030 First-Round Pick, 2026 Second-Round Pick from the Los Angeles Lakers
The Miami Heat have been searching for their next franchise point guard ever since Kyle Lowry’s production began to decline, and now would be the perfect time considering the ugly Jimmy Butler situation going on right now. Butler has been suspended for the third time this season and the Heat will likely move on from their franchise star as soon as possible, but with a core led by Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, they need to replace the likely departing Butler (since they have lowered their asking price) with a new franchise cornerstone.
As a result, De’Aaron Fox would be a dream addition to a team that thrives in the playoffs. Fox is averaging 25.2 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds this season, proving once again why he’s one of the best two-way point guards in the NBA. His ability to push the tempo, create his own shot, and lock in defensively aligns perfectly with the Heat’s “culture.”
From Sacramento’s perspective, this trade gives them multiple promising young pieces in Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware, alongside valuable draft picks. Rozier, who is included for salary-matching purposes, is still a strong offensive weapon, putting up 11.9 points and 2.9 assists in 28.3 minutes per game this season.
Jaquez has been one of the best most surprising youngsters in the league, showing his defensive versatility and clutch shot-making, while Jovic is an intriguing long-term prospect. The Kings would lose a franchise player, but this deal helps them retool quickly with a mix of young talent and veteran production.
The biggest concern here is whether Miami is willing to part with Jaquez, who they value highly, especially given Fox’s contract (owed $34.8 million this season and escalating to $37.1 million next year). But if Pat Riley truly believes in Miami’s championship window, then this is the kind of bold move the Heat have always been known to make. Fox playing alongside Herro and Adebayo could instantly make them a top-three contender in the East.
San Antonio Spurs
Potential Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: De’Aaron Fox
Sacramento Kings Receive: Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, 2025 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2026 First-Round Pick (UTA), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC, HOU, IND, MIA) + 2031 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
The San Antonio Spurs have long been linked to De’Aaron Fox, and for good reason. According to multiple reports, Fox has a strong interest in joining the Spurs, and it’s not hard to see why—playing alongside Victor Wembanyama would create one of the most exciting duos in the NBA.
Fox’s elite speed and scoring ability (currently 26.1 PPG and 6.2 APG) would complement Wembanyama’s rim protection and inside-out scoring, forming a devastating pick-and-roll combo. The Spurs (and head coach Gregg Popovich) have also thrived with elite point guards in the past, from Tony Parker to Dejounte Murray, and Fox could be the next in line if the head coach can get back to the sidelines.
The Kings’ return in this deal would be headlined by Devin Vassell, an ascending 3-and-D wing averaging 18.4 points per game while shooting 38.9% from three. While Vassell isn’t a franchise-changing player, he’s an excellent complementary piece who fits Sacramento’s needs. The Kings would also add three first-round picks in this deal, which could be used to either draft young talent or swing for another star down the road.
The biggest question mark is whether San Antonio is willing to accelerate its rebuild. Wembanyama is just 20 years old, and the Spurs could afford to be patient rather than pushing all their assets in for Fox right now. But if the organization believes Fox is the right fit, it makes sense to act now before another team swoops in.
Houston Rockets
Potential Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: De’Aaron Fox, Keon Ellis
Sacramento Kings Receive: Reed Sheppard, Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First-Round Pick (OKC/PHX), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2028 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL/PHX)
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets have not actively pursued De’Aaron Fox so far. However, if we’ve learned anything about the NBA trade market, it’s that situations can change rapidly.
Houston is already a top-three team in the West, and adding Fox would take them to another level, giving them an explosive playmaker who can score at all three levels and set the tone defensively. Imagine a starting lineup featuring Fox, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun—that’s a team capable of making serious noise in the playoffs.
The trade package heading back to Sacramento is significant but fair. Reed Sheppard is an elite shooting prospect, Dillon Brooks brings defensive toughness, and Cam Whitmore has flashed major upside in limited minutes. Sacramento would also receive four first-round picks, ensuring they have enough assets to build for the future. While losing Fox would be a tough blow, this package keeps the Kings competitive while securing their long-term outlook.
The question for Houston is whether they want to disrupt their current chemistry. The Rockets are already 32-14, and while Fox is a fantastic player, they might prefer to let their young core develop organically rather than make a blockbuster move. Still, if the opportunity arises, Houston could shift gears and make an aggressive push for Fox before the deadline.
Los Angeles Lakers
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: De’Aaron Fox
Sacramento Kings Receive: Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Despite Lakers fans dreaming of De’Aaron Fox in purple and gold, Shams Charania has confirmed that Los Angeles is not considered a serious destination for the Kings’ star. And honestly, that makes sense. While Fox would be an ideal fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers simply don’t have the necessary assets to make this deal happen.
The proposed package includes Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and Cam Reddish, but that’s not nearly enough to move the needle for Sacramento. Reaves is a nice role player, averaging 18.4 points and 6.1 assists per game, but he’s not a franchise-altering piece.
Hachimura has been inconsistent, and Knecht—while a promising rookie—is still unproven at the NBA level. Unless the Lakers somehow add multiple future first-round picks, this deal won’t be appealing to the Kings.
The only way this happens is if Fox forces his way to L.A. and commits long-term to the Lakers, but there’s no indication he’s doing that. The Lakers will likely explore other backcourt options, such as a reunion with Lonzo Ball or a trade for Dejounte Murray. Fox, however, seems out of reach for the time being but as mentioned before, things can change.
Orlando Magic
Potential Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: De’Aaron Fox, Colby Jones
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN), 2026 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2028 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2030 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (BOS)
The Orlando Magic are a fascinating dark horse in the De’Aaron Fox sweepstakes. They already have a strong young core featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but their biggest weakness is the lack of a dynamic lead guard. Fox would immediately solve that problem, giving the Magic a proven scorer and playmaker who can also defend at a high level.
The proposed deal sends Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, and multiple first-round picks to Sacramento. Isaac remains one of the best defensive players in the league when healthy, but his injury history is a major concern. Black and Howard are promising youngsters, but neither has shown enough to be considered a cornerstone piece. For the Kings, the real value in this deal comes from the draft capital, which would allow them to control their future.
Orlando has the assets to make a deal, but are they ready to go all in? With Banchero only in his second season and Wagner still developing, the Magic might prefer to wait and see how their young core evolves before making a franchise-altering move. But if they believe Fox is the missing piece, they have the firepower to make it happen.
New Orleans Pelicans
Potential Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: De’Aaron Fox
Sacramento Kings Receive: Dejounte Murray, Jordan Hawkins, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIL), 2030 First-Round Pick (NOP)
The Pelicans are in a unique position when it comes to De’Aaron Fox. They are apparently looking to move on from their core of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but acquiring Fox might change how things are perceived. Adding him to a core of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram could make New Orleans a legitimate title contender in the West.
The trade package would send Dejounte Murray and Jordan Hawkins to Sacramento, along with two first-round picks. Murray is a solid two-way guard averaging 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, and he could fit well alongside Domantas Sabonis in the Kings’ system. Hawkins, meanwhile, is a promising young shooter who could help space the floor.
For the Pelicans, this trade makes sense if they truly believe in Fox’s ability to elevate them into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. However, it would require them to part ways with Murray, who has been solid since arriving in New Orleans. Ultimately, this decision comes down to whether the Pelicans think Fox is a true game-changer.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
