Another blockbuster trade has shaken up the NBA this weekend as the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs finalize a three-team deal involving star players De'Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine. Confirmed on February 2, 2025, this deal not only has potential playoff ramifications for the teams involved, but it also reflects the changing dynamics of the league.
Under the terms of the trade, De'Aaron Fox makes his way from the Kings to the Spurs, where he will join forces with the highly-touted rookie Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine will be headed to the Kings from the Bulls, as both teams look to bolster their rosters with significant talent.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the full details of the trade broke down as follows: San Antonio will receive De'Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin from Sacramento. The Kings, on the other hand, will receive LaVine along with Sidy Cissoko and several draft picks: three first-round picks, including the Hornets' 2025 selection, the Spurs' 2027 pick, and the Timberwolves' 2031 choice. They will also get three second-round picks from the Bulls and Nuggets, along with their own 2028 pick. Chicago will bring back Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and will also reclaim their 2025 first-round draft pick.
The 27-year-old De'Aaron Fox, averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and 5 rebounds this season, was seen as reluctant to extend his contract with the Kings, which paved the way for the Spurs to secure him as part of the deal. Pairing him with Wembanyama, who averages 24.6 points and 10.9 rebounds, presents quite the exciting prospect for Spurs fans.
“Fox will pair up with French star Victor Wembanyama on the Spurs,” Charania reported.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine’s move to the Kings is poised to reignite his career. The 29-year-old sharpshooter has averaged 24 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season and will reunite with former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan, adding firepower to Sacramento's ambitions of making their second playoff appearance in 19 seasons.
“LaVine looks to revive his career alongside DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis,” Charania noted, highlighting the potential the Kings possess with this new trio backing them.
With this transaction, Chicago is clearly initiating a rebuilding phase. They relinquished LaVine yet reclaimed their own first-round pick from the Spurs and acquired several players from San Antonio, indicating plans for the future. With Nikola Vucevic possibly next on the trading block, the Bulls are gearing for significant changes.
Assessing the current standings, the Bulls sit at 21-29, tied for the 10th position within the Eastern Conference, having seen their dynamic shift post-trade. Meanwhile, Sacramento also finds themselves at 24-24, also clinging to the 10th spot, seeking to rise up the rankings as the season progresses. San Antonio is positioned at 21-25, but the addition of Fox could change their fortunes as well.
The Kings and Spurs have made aggressive moves to chase playoff contention, and both teams have positioned themselves well with ample draft picks remaining as leverage for future maneuvering.
The timing of this deal is part of what makes it noteworthy, coming shortly after another headline-grabbing trade: Luka Doncic’s transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers. The league is undergoing serious shifts, and this trade is the latest evidence of the relentless activity.
Moving forward, this trade not only signifies immediate changes for the teams involved but sets the stage for rippling effects across the league. With significant talent exchanges and draft picks at stake, the future of the NBA is, without question, bright and unpredictable.