The NBA witnessed a significant shake-up as De'Aaron Fox was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the San Antonio Spurs, with Zach LaVine moving from the Chicago Bulls to Sacramento as part of the multi-team deal finalized on Sunday night, February 3, 2025.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the trade is framed as one of the most consequential moves for the teams involved. The Kings not only let go of their star point guard, Fox, but they also received another star player, LaVine, along with several future draft picks. The complete breakdown of the trade is as follows: the Spurs acquired Fox and Jordan McLaughlin, the Kings received LaVine and Sidy Cissoko, plus three future first-round picks and three future second-round picks, and the Bulls got Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and their own 2025 first-round pick back.
Fox, who was drafted fifth overall by the Kings in 2017, had averaged 25.0 points per game alongside 6.1 assists and 5.0 rebounds this season. He gained notoriety for leading Sacramento to its first playoff appearance in 17 years during the 2022-23 season. Though he enjoyed strong performances, concerns about his future with Sacramento began to loom. Fox struggled to sign extensions to his contract, and following the firing of NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown, trade discussions started heating up.
LaVine, on the other hand, has also had his ups and downs, particularly due to injuries affecting his participation. He averaged 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during the 2024-25 season with Chicago prior to the trade. The six-season ending injuries, including two surgeries to his knee, have marred his time as a primary scorer for the Bulls, but his scoring capabilities and improved efficiency during his tenure have made him one of the more enticing options for the Kings.
The Kings bold move to bring LaVine to Sacramento stems from their desire to build upon what they viewed as past potential, attempting to form what they hope will be a new dynamic duo with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, also formerly of the Bulls. Sacramento's front office aims to retool the roster effectively, with LaVine's scoring ability poised to fill the void left by Fox's departure.
Looking at the Spurs, the acquisition of Fox speaks to their efforts to develop around young superstar Victor Wembanyama. With Wembanyama's shooting and rebounding prowess, alongside Fox’s speed and ball control, fans and analysts alike expect the Spurs to create opportunities and push for playoff contention.
The Bulls, often considered the center of trade discussions leading up to this deal, are signaling their intent to move on from their previous core after struggling to make any substantial playoff runs. By trading LaVine, the team can pivot toward rebuilding and potentially enhancing their draft stock. They managed to reacquire their own 2025 draft pick previously dealt away, which indicates their aspiration to locate budding talent for their restructured roster.
Trading away established stars is not without its risks, and critics of both the Kings and Bulls have questioned whether moving on from key players is the right choice. The Kings, now positioned similarly to the Bulls from previous years, hope to find success with LaVine. Still, they inherit his big contract, which will not become less burdensome within the confines of the salary cap.
This deal is not just about the players involved but also drafts, as the Kings have wisely opted for future picks, including three first-rounders as part of the agreement. The Kings received the 2025 Hornets’ first-round pick, which may not convey, and the unprotected picks from the Spurs and Timberwolves for 2027 and 2031, respectively. Sacramento's approach will set the stage for their decision-making over the next few years.
With these trades involving Fox, LaVine, and the supportive players moving from team to team, the dynamics of the Western Conference are poised for change. Will the Kings find renewed vigor with LaVine at the helm? Can Foster carry the Spurs back to playoff glory? For the Bulls, will this rebuild lead to brighter days? Each franchise now stands at significant crossroads with hope resting on their respective futures.