The Sacramento Kings’ 2023-24 season has unfolded in stark contrast to their expectations, raising questions about the future of their star point guard, De’Aaron Fox. Their current 13-17 record, placing them 12th in the Western Conference, represents a significant decline from their third-place finish the previous season. A recent four-game losing streak and a 4-6 record in their last ten games highlight their struggles. This downturn has prompted speculation regarding Fox’s future in Sacramento, with his agent reportedly assessing the situation and rival teams monitoring developments. The Kings’ inability to build upon their recent success has created an uncertain atmosphere, potentially leading to a significant roster shakeup.
Conversely, the Houston Rockets are experiencing a resurgence, boasting a 20-9 record and holding the second seed in the Western Conference. Their recent performance, including a three-game win streak and a 7-3 record in their last ten games, signifies a remarkable turnaround from their previous struggles. Projected to win 56 games, the Rockets’ rebuild appears to be bearing fruit. However, the absence of a true superstar on their roster has fueled rumors of potential trades, with the team possessing a wealth of assets to facilitate a deal. This creates an intriguing scenario where the Rockets’ ascending trajectory could intersect with the Kings’ declining fortunes.
A potential trade involving De’Aaron Fox to the Houston Rockets presents both opportunities and challenges. The Rockets’ most obvious trade asset, Jalen Green, is effectively untradeable until next July due to his recent contract extension and the complexities of the league’s collective bargaining agreement. However, the Rockets could structure a deal around Fred VanVleet’s contract, offering the Kings immediate salary cap relief next season if they decline VanVleet’s team option. Supplementing the package with draft picks acquired from the Brooklyn Nets or Phoenix Suns, along with promising young players like Cam Whitmore or Reed Sheppard, could entice the Kings.
De’Aaron Fox’s All-Star caliber performance this season, averaging 26.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, makes him a highly desirable acquisition. However, his 33.3% three-point shooting percentage, while consistent with his career average, raises concerns about his fit within the Rockets’ offensive scheme. The Rockets’ two cornerstone players, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, are both non-shooters, potentially creating spacing issues with the addition of another perimeter player who isn’t a consistent threat from beyond the arc. This would require significant improvement from players like Jabari Smith Jr. to alleviate potential congestion in the paint.
The financial implications of acquiring Fox are also significant. His current salary of $34.85 million, escalating to $37.096 million in 2025-2026, necessitates a long-term commitment from the Rockets. Before investing substantial assets, the Rockets would need to be confident in securing a veteran extension with Fox, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026-2027. This adds another layer of complexity to a potential trade, requiring careful consideration of both the on-court fit and the long-term financial impact.
The potential trade scenario involving De’Aaron Fox and the Houston Rockets remains a fluid situation. The Kings’ ongoing struggles, coupled with the Rockets’ surprising success and abundance of trade assets, create a compelling narrative for a potential deal. However, the complexities of salary matching, roster fit, and long-term financial commitments require careful consideration from both teams. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the Kings decide to reshape their roster and if the Rockets are willing to make a significant investment in acquiring a player of Fox’s caliber.
