Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox confirmed on Tuesday that recent reports about a potential trade package involving the San Antonio Spurs were accurate, acknowledging that multiple concerns he had previously voiced about the team’s direction have now been validated by organizational moves.
Speaking to reporters after practice, Fox addressed speculation surrounding the Spurs’ pursuit of a trade package centered on their young backcourt duo — often referred to internally as the “Slash Bros” — and admitted that the franchise’s recent actions have confirmed fears he expressed privately during the offseason about Sacramento’s commitment to building around him.
While Fox stopped short of confirming any specific trade talks, he acknowledged that the Kings’ front office had explored options that would have moved him in exchange for Spurs assets, including draft capital and the development of San Antonio’s promising guards.
“Yeah, I heard the rumors,” Fox said. “And to be honest, some of the things that came out… They weren’t surprising. I’ve had concerns about where we’re headed, and seeing those reports made it clear I wasn’t overreacting.”
The guard emphasized that he remains focused on his role in Sacramento but did not deny that the uncertainty had weighed on him personally and professionally.
“I desire to be here. I want to win here. But when your name starts showing up in those kinds of conversations, it’s hard not to take it personally,” Fox added. “It makes you question everything — your role, your future, whether the people making decisions witness you as part of the plan.”
Fox’s comments approach amid ongoing scrutiny of the Kings’ front office decisions under general manager Monte McNair, particularly regarding the team’s failure to advance beyond the play-in tournament despite a strong regular season in 2023-24. Sacramento finished ninth in the Western Conference with a 46-36 record but lost in the play-in to the Golden State Warriors.
The Spurs, meanwhile, have been actively rebuilding around their young core, including guards Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham, who have been referred to by some analysts as the “Slash Bros” due to their athleticism and slashing playstyles. San Antonio holds multiple future draft picks, including protected selections from Atlanta and Chicago, which have made them a frequent subject in trade speculation.
Fox, a three-time All-Star and All-NBA selection, has averaged over 25 points per game in each of the last three seasons and remains under contract with the Kings through the 2026-27 season, with a player option for 2027-28.
While no trade materialized, the confirmation of internal discussions has added to the growing unease among Kings fans and analysts about the franchise’s long-term strategy. Sacramento has not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2006.
As of now, Fox says he is preparing for the upcoming season with a renewed focus on leadership and accountability.
“I can’t control what happens in those back-room conversations,” he said. “But I can control how I show up every day, how I lead this team, and how I respond when my name gets dragged into stuff like this. That’s on me.”
The Kings open training camp in early October, with Fox expected to remain the franchise’s cornerstone unless unforeseen developments arise.
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