On Tuesday, the news swept through social media like a tidal wave: De’Aaron Fox wants out. ESPN was first to the story and was immediately followed by every major outlet, all using similar language. “Open talks,” was how ESPN put it. “Listening to trade offers,” was in the second paragraph of The Athletic’s story—language a source close to the situation used when Sports Illustrated inquired.
Fox has not demanded a trade, a source says. Fox has indicated through his representative, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, that he will not sign a long-term extension with the Sacramento Kings. Functionally, it carries the same weight. If Fox, who is eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension this summer, isn’t interested in a new deal, Sacramento can’t afford to lose him for nothing.
