The San Antonio Spurs and star guard De’Aaron Fox have reached an agreement on a four-year, $229 million max extension, his agent told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Fox was set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer and now is locked in long-term with the team that traded for him at this past February’s trade deadline.

The 27-year-old was eligible for a contract extension with the Sacramento Kings – his former team – last summer, but instead bypassed an extension that would’ve added $165 million and three years to his current, rookie-max contract. Fox signed a five-year deal worth $163 million in 2020, weeks after Sacramento drafted Tyrese Haliburton with the No. 12 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Fox appeared in just 62 games last season, averaging 23.5 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Fox played in 17 games with the Spurs post-trade deadline and averaged 19.7 points per game before undergoing season-ending finger surgery in mid-March.

With Fox locked up long-term in San Antonio, the Spurs have a capable running mate next to superstar big man Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs have missed the playoffs in each of the last six seasons. However, there is a strong reason to believe this could be the year the franchise makes the jump into playoff contention.

The Spurs moved up in May’s draft lottery and used the No. 2 overall pick to select point guard Dylan Harper. It’s very possible with Fox and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle in place that Harper could come off the bench to begin his rookie season. Regardless, the Spurs have a star guard locked up long-term and another future star in Harper waiting in the wings.

The San Antonio Spurs have landed De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade. As part of the deal, Zach LaVine is headed from the Chicago Bulls to the Sacramento Kings.

The trade also sends Jordan McLaughlin to the Spurs. Sacramento, in exchange, receives Sidy Cissoko and six total draft picks – three firsts and three seconds. The Chicago Bulls come away with Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter and the rights to their previously top-10 protected 2025 first-round pick, which was held by San Antonio.

The Kings’ incoming first-round picks are the 2025 Charlotte Hornets pick (top-14 protected), the 2027 Spurs pick (unprotected), and the 2031 Minnesota Timberwolves pick (unprotected). Additionally, the Kings will receive the Hornets’ 2025 second-round pick, the Nuggets’ 2028 second-rounder, and the rights to their own 2028 second-round pick.

The Spurs’ acquisition of Fox is a big move. Victor Wembanyama, last season’s Rookie of the Year, is making his way toward superstardom. He’ll be making his first All-Star appearance later this month, is one of the top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year, and will likely get MVP votes as well.

Fox, averaging 25 points, 6.1 assists, and five rebounds per game this season, is eligible for an extension this summer. Now in his eighth season, he’s ready for the change of scenery with the Spurs.

LaVine also gets a fresh start – in some ways. He’s joining Sacramento, where he’ll team up again with former Bulls teammate DeMar DeRozan and play alongside Domantas Sabonis, a consistent All-NBA candidate.

LaVine, now in his 11th NBA season, is averaging 24.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He’s on track to match these numbers for the fifth time, with a career average of 20.7 points per game. He’s also setting career highs for shooting efficiency, hitting 44.6% from three-point range and 51.1% overall.

After reports last week revealed Fox wanted to leave the Kings for the Spurs, he now getting his wish to join San Antonio.

The Sacramento Kings are expected to begin discussing a possible De’Aaron Fox trade as the Feb. 6 deadline approaches.

The All-Star point guard is in the final year of his contract and is set to enter free agency in the summer of 2026.

Fox, an All-NBA selection in 2022-23, is expected to have many suitors, but sources believe he has a preferred destination in mind before hitting free agency. As per Kings reporter James Ham, the Spurs are thought to be the likely destination.

Throughout the league, San Antonio has been widely considered the likely landing spot for Fox, particularly with the potential of being paired alongside Victor Wembanyama.

It was reported last month that his agent, Rich Paul, met with Kings general manager Monte McNair and assistant GM Wes Wilcox to discuss the point guard’s future.

After Fox declined extension offers from Sacramento and his camp made it clear that he has no interest in signing one this summer, Paul recently told the franchise it would be best to move him sooner rather than later, even if the trade is not his preferred destination.

Paul is expected to entertain calls from any teams showing interest in Fox and keep the options open for where he might land. While his relationship with Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis is well-known, that’s not his top choice. The Heat, Rockets, Magic and Clippers have been known to show interest in Fox in the past.

Since firing coach Mike Brown and promoting Doug Christie to interim coach on Dec. 27, the Kings have won 11 of their last 15 games and seem ready to pursue the best deal before making their final decision.

In both October and December, Fox made it clear that he wouldn’t sign a long-term deal with Sacramento unless the team was capable of “competing at a high level” rather than just “fighting for a playoff spot.” Despite their recent improvement, the Kings currently sit at the tenth seed in the Western Conference, still fitting into the latter category.

Mike Brown was named head coach of the Sacramento Kings in May 2022. Two years later, he had coached the team to their first two winning seasons in nearly 20 years and won the first unanimous NBA Coach of the Year ever. The Kings signed him to a rich contract extension in 2024, and for good reason.

With that resume, it would be easy to assume that he had earned a little grace. The performance of his Kings, though, heightened expectations – and they would not easily be let down.

Following a mildly disappointing 2023-24 season that culminated in a loss in the play-in tournament, the Kings started out the 2024-25 season in turbulent and underwhelming fashion.

They returned home in early December sitting at 13-13, finally starting to gain some traction after a three-game win streak. Then they lost all five games of the homestand, continuing to break down late in games, with Brown turning in significant criticism of the team’s play in the ensuing press conferences.

On Dec. 27, Brown was fired – to shock and ire that echoed around the league.

“I’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired because I got fired by the same person,” said Michael Malone, current head coach of the Denver Nuggets, summing the move up as, “No balls. No class.” Malone was fired by the Kings in 2015 barely a quarter of the way through his second season.

The person he’s referring to? Kings owner Vivek Ranadive.

While other rumors have pointed to rifts with prominent players, such as De’Aaron Fox, the players and people surrounding the situation have denied conflict. “You can ask anybody in this organization: me and Mike have never even had an argument,” Fox told ESPN. “We could disagree with something. We talked about it and it was gone.”

Ranadive, though, has both the final say on coaching and a penchant for switching it up. In his 12 years of ownership, the team has cycled through eight coaches, including current interim head coach Doug Christie.

Ranadive was reportedly very upset over the Kings’ offense declining in Brown’s second season, despite their defense improving significantly. He was visibly frustrated over the course of the Kings’ losing homestand, and his was the final stamp of approval on Brown’s firing.

The story, again, is complex. Players were reportedly frustrated with Brown’s stern press conferences, and Christie had longtime supporters in the Kings front office.

Regardless, the firing made waves across the league as Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau joined Malone in expressing their shock.

“If you look at the job that he did and the turnaround that he had,” said Carlisle, “It’s just really hard to believe that this decision was made.”

“I won’t be here 50 years as the head coach of the Sacramento Kings, although I’d love it,” said Brown following his first season with the team. “So for me, if something was to end for me, as long as I can look in the mirror and I can honestly tell myself that I tried to do the best I could for this team, then I’m gonna be OK with it.”

Brown likely won’t be out of a job for long. The Kings’ contender status under Christie, though, remains to be seen.

Star combo guard Tyrese Haliburton, the number 12 overall pick out of Iowa State in the 2020 NBA draft, received promising news yesterday about his left knee injury, via MRI. The Sacramento Kings star has no ligament damage whatsoever, and the franchise can breathe a sigh of relief about the team’s cornerstone.

Haliburton injured his leg during Sunday’s 112-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks, and the team feared the worst. Haliburton was under noticeable distress and needed help getting to the locker room. Coach Luke Walton echoed this sentiment on Sunday. “They’re working on it, so it’s not like we’re trying not to get the information out there,” Walton said. “We’re not hiding anything, but whenever that information all comes in and the powers that be communicate it out, that information will be sent out to you and that will happen when it happens. I can’t give you an exact time.”

Haliburton will sadly be forced to miss the conclusion of this season, but nothing more. In his absence, veteran guard Delon Wright will take his place and De’Aaron Fox should return on Friday as well. Haliburton is also expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of next year.

The Kings weren’t close to the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference anyway, so the offseason will simply start early for the young star. In his rookie season, the combo guard averaged  13 points per game, along with 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals. He flashed elite shot-making and playmaking skills, traits that will only improve as he plays more, and gets a better team around him. Interestingly enough for Haliburton, his stats have inflated since teammate Fox was sidelined due to the league’s safety and health protocols. Since Haliburton has become the primary ball handler and distributor for the Kings, he’s averaging 18.5 points and nine assists. This stat line is comparable to players like Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry and Ja Morant, and shows a potential future trajectory for Haliburton.

Although the rookie’s season is over a bit early, Kings fans are surely happy that he escaped without major injury. Haliburton figures to play a huge role in Sacramento’s future.

With just a three-game slate tonight, it will be critical to craft the perfect lineup. It will also be more difficult to find value plays. Of the three games, the Raptors-Bucks matchup has the highest projected point total (235.5) followed by the Nets-Lakers (232) and the Heat-Kings (226.5). All three games have close spreads, so stars should play heavy minutes. Although the Heat-Kings have the lowest implied total of the three games, that is the game that I’m targeting the most. Not only are many of the players in that matchup undervalued, but each team is also dealing with some key injuries. That will open up opportunities for the rest of the players on those two teams.  

Check out the top plays at each of the five main positions.

Point Guard

De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings (DK: $8,500) Vs. MIA

Fox has been on an absolute tare recently. He is scorching hot and hasn’t failed to score at least 19 points in each of the Kings’ games in February. The electrifying and speedy point guard is averaging 28.6 points, 2.3 triples, 8.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over seven games this month. That equates to just over 48 DraftKings points per contest. Over that same span, Fox is shooting 50 percent from the field and converting 77 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe. He is showing no signs of slowing down and although the lineup around him is being shuffled by head coach Luke Walton, Fox’s upside remains extremely high.  

Other Options: James Harden, Dennis Schroder, Kendrick Nunn

Shooting Guard

Tyler Herro, Miami Heat (DK: $5,900) @ SAC

Although Herro is coming off his worst shooting night of the season, he still managed to produce a second consecutive outing with 43.3 fantasy points due to season highs in rebounds (15) and blocks (3). Over his last two games, Herro has swatted five shots — the most in any two-game span of his short career. In his last two games, Herro has played a whopping 40 minutes per game, producing 19.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 blocks, and 0.5 steals. He will continue to see plenty of minutes and get tons of touches with Goran Dragic still nursing an injury. It doesn’t hurt that the Kings rank dead-last in the league at defending shooting guards and allow more fantasy points per game than any other team in the league to the position. Fire up Herro with confidence. He’s in for a stellar night.

Other Options: Fred VanVleet, Tyrese Haliburton, Donte DiVincenzo

Small Forward

Buddy Hield, Sacramento Kings (DK: $6,600) Vs. MIA

I like LeBron James a lot tonight with Anthony Davis sidelined. I also like Jimmy Butler, who is coming off of back-to-back triple doubles. However, you have to save some cap space for some of the other studs on tonight’s slate. And with Richaun Holmes and Harrison Barnes ruled out, Hield is going to be asked to shoulder a heavy load on offense. Plus, Miami is allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing shooting guards, which is Held’s primary position. Hield has attempted at least eight three pointers in each of his last 11 games. And on Monday, he converted six-of-nine shots from beyond the arc. Expect the sharpshooter to continue to fire away in what should be a tightly contested matchup.

Other Options: LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, Joe Harris

Power Forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (DK: $10,900) Vs. TOR

The Greek Freak has been simply unstoppable this season, particularly over his last four games. The reigning back-to-back MVP is averaging 33.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks over that span. He has gone for at least 65 DK points in each of those contests, averaging a ridiculous 70.9 fantasy points per game. Just two days ago against these same Raptors, Antetokounmpo posted 34 points (11-20 from the field and 10-14 from the line), two triples, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and two blocks. He contributes in literally every single category. It also doesn’t hurt that he will want revenge after the Raptors defeated the Bucks 124-113 on Tuesday. If I had to pick one stud on tonight’s slate, it would be Giannis, who is playing in the game with the highest implied total.

Other Options: Pascal Siakam, Kyle Kuzma, Kelly Olynyk

Center

Chris Boucher, Toronto Raptors (DK: $6,300) @ MIL

With Kyle Lowry considered questionable for tonight’s outing, Boucher may be asked to take on a larger role on offense. Even if Lowry suits up, the big man has been playing valuable minutes recently, finishing with 34.5 fantasy points in 30 minutes against the Bucks earlier this week. Over his last six outings, Boucher has three double-doubles and is averaging 34.9 fantasy points per game over that stretch. He has also blocked five shots in two of those games. His shot blocking ability makes him a strong upside play and his price tag is reasonable. The Bucks aren’t great at defending opposing centers, ranking in the bottom half of the league. Look for Boucher to build on his momentum and provide a solid return on your investment.  

Other Options: Montrezl Harrell, Marvin Bagley III, Hassan Whiteside

Check out the top NBA DFS plays on DraftKings at each of the main five positions.

Point Guard

De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings (DK: $9,000) vs. ORL

Fox is one of the most polarizing point guards in the NBA. That being said, he is also one of the best point guards in the league. Tonight, the young guard faces a depleted Magic backcourt that ranks sixth in overall fantasy points allowed, fifth in points allowed to opposing point guards, and 20th in defensive efficiency on a back-t0-back at home. Those numbers alone are quite enticing, however, the Kings have been playing some of their best ball all season. This team truly looks to be a competitive roster in the Western Conference. The Kings have won four of their last five games and are beating some solid squads. Fox already has three double-double in the month of February and should absolutely keep it going in this enticing matchup.

Other Options: Trae Young, LaMelo Ball, Elfrid Payton

Shooting Guard

Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls  (DK: $9,200) vs. LAC

Lavine is the most expensive player at the shooting guard position, but it is for good reason. Lavine is coming off a game in which he produced a whopping 64.8 fantasy points. The stud guard finishing with 46 points, seven boards, four assists and a block. Although his price tag is quite high, the Clippers should be without Paul George. This should make things a bit easier on offense for Lavine. Nonetheless, the Bulls’ offense will run through Lavine. Expect at least 20 shots and 50-plus fantasy points.

Other Options: Khris Middleton, Tyrese Haliburton, Coby White

Small Forward

Kyle Anderson, Memphis Grizzlies (DK: $6,000) @ LAL

Anderson is a solid player at a deep small forward position on tonight’s slate. Although there are plenty of high-risk, high-reward options at this position, I would take the 30-plus points that Anderson practically guarantees at this price. After a long stint in which Anderson failed to score 20 points, the winger has dropped 20 points in two of his previous three outings. He appears to be full of confidence as he is taking 13-14 shots from the field in each of his last three games. During that stint, he is shooting just about 60 percent from the field. Anderson also made six three-pointers in his last outing. The Lakers are not considered an easy matchup, considering they rank No. 1 in defensive efficiency, but they do turn the ball over at a high rate. And Anderson is a pretty solid defender. Look for him to pile up defensive stats and continue to shoot the ball.

Other Options: Kawhi Leonard, Rui Hachimura, Tim Hardaway Jr.

Power Forward

John Collins, Atlanta Hawks ($7,700) vs. SAS

Collins may be slightly underpriced considering his immense upside. He is coming off a stellar performance against the Mavericks in which he scored over 30 points. Expect him to fill the stat sheet tonight as he’s been playing over 35 minutes per game lately. The Spurs are an interesting matchup: they rank 11th in defensive efficiency but allow the 12th-most overall fantasy points to opponents. Collins should have an easy time on the offensive side of the courts against the Spurs’ big men.

Other Options: Jayson Tatum, Paul Millsap, Isaiah Stewart

Center

Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz (DK: 7,500) vs. MIL

Gobert is perhaps the safest option at center and is the best cash-game play on tonight’s slate.  You can basically lock in a double-double for Gobert against a Bucks team that struggles defending opposing big men. Although there are plenty of reasons to love Gobert, there are also a lot of reasons not to roster some of the alternatives. Trust your gut and let Gobert put up 50 fantasy points for you.

Other Options: Nikola Jokic, Tristan Thompson, Cody Zeller

Check out the top NBA DFS plays on DraftKings at each of the main five positions.

Point Guard

De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings (DK: $8,800) Vs. PHI

Fox has not been getting enough love lately, despite his incredibly productive play. Playing for one of the fastest paced offenses in the league, Fox has a massive usage rate as the main ball handler for the Kings. He has produced at least 47 fantasy points in four of his last five games. On Saturday, the shifty point guard dropped 36 points, seven assists and four rebounds in the Kings’ close loss to the Clippers. The Sixers have a decent defensive presence, however, Philadelphia lacks a true point guard who is fast enough to stay on Fox. Look for the young guard to have another huge night for the Kings. He is a great contrarian play at a deep position.

Other Options: Stephen Curry, Deion Wright, Cole Anthony

Shooting Guard

Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz (DK: $8,100) Vs. BOS

Although Mitchell has struggled with his field goal percentage, that doesn’t hurt you when you are playing Daily Fantasy Sports on DraftKings. Yes, his turnovers are a negative, but overall, the veteran guard has been fantastic for the Jazz. Mitchell was one rebound shy of producing a triple-double on Sunday. He finished with 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds for a whopping 57.8 DK points. Although his price tag is increasing, there is good reason for that. Since this game is expected to be very close, Mitchell will get plenty of playing time. If Mike Conley sits, he becomes an even stronger option.

Other Options: James Harden, Gary Trent Jr., Duncan Robinson

Small Forward

Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers (DK: $8,400) @ SAC

Both the Sixers and Kings are capable offensively, which means this is going to be a high scoring affair. Simmons has triple-double upside but can also tank your lineup considering his price tag. He isn’t the most trustworthy player on tonight’s slate, but he might be the most versatile. Over his last three games, Simmons is averaging 17.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks. He has been a beast and is able to contribute in every single category except three pointers.

Other Options: Jerami Grant, Kelly Oubre, R.J. Barrett

Power Forward

Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons (DK: $5,000) Vs. BKN

Griffin is a very sneaky play against a strong Brooklyn Nets team. Although the Nets are likely to be Eastern Conference finalists, their defense leaves a lot to be desired. Considering the Pistons recently traded Derrick Rose to the Knicks, there could be more touches and scoring opportunities available for Griffin. The former Clipper has struggled to score recently, however, he could be Detroit’s best chance against a stacked Nets team. Although Griffin is a very volatile player, I think his upside makes him worth rostering on this seven-game slate.

Other Options: Harrison Barnes, Robert Covington, Marvin Bagley III

Center

DeAndre Jordan, Brooklyn Nets (DK: $4,600) @ DET

Jordan has produced at least 20 DK points in seven of his last eight outings. He has been very consistent, however, he has failed to produce 30 DK points during that stretch as well. Ever since the Nets traded Jarret Allen to the Cavs, Jordan has seen more minutes as the team’s best shot blocking presence in the middle. Against a Pistons team that doesn’t have a lot of length, look for Jordan to produce a double-double.

Other Options: Steven Adams, Mason Plumlee, Mitchell Robinson

One of the NBA’s smaller market teams has made some sneakily good free agent signings over the weekend to an already promising, young roster.

The Sacramento Kings not only re-signed forward Harrison Barnes (four-years, $85 million), but also have added center Dewayne Dedmon (three-years, $41 million), forward Trevor Ariza (two-years, $25 million), and guard Cory Joseph (three-years, $37 million).

The Kings are coming off a season where they finished with a record of 39-43, good for ninth in the Western Conference. The Kings, who have not made the NBA playoffs since 2006, will be looking to break a 13 season postseason drought during the 2019/2020 NBA Season. With the additions that the Kings have made, it is hard to see them missing the playoffs once again.

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Barnes, 27, averaged 16.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Kings. Barnes also shot 42% from the field and 40% from three-point range.

Dedmon, 29, is coming off a season for the Atlanta Hawks where he averaged 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on 49% shooting, including a stellar 38% from three-point range, a surprise considering Dedmon is a center. Dedmon moves well for a center, fitting in with the Kings fast-paced offensive system.

Ariza, 34, spent time with both the Pheonix Suns and the Washington Wizards last season. Ariza is one of the best 3-and-D players in basketball. Ariza averaged 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while with the Wizards.

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Joseph, 27, averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 assists per game for the Pacers last season, serving as the backup point guard to Darren Collison. Joseph is expected to have a similar role with the Kings, serving as the backup point guard to De’Aaron Fox.

These additions add on to an already impressive young core for the Kings. Led by Fox, the Kings also bolster Marvin Bagley III, Buddy Hield, Bogan Bogdanovic, and Harry Giles. Look out Western Conference because there is a new, young contender in town.

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Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes will decline his $25.1 million player option and become an unrestricted free agent, Barnes’ agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, told ESPN earlier today.

This move comes as a little bit of a surprise, mostly considering that it seems rather unlikely Barnes would command a salary close to $25 million on the open market. The best guess for this move might be that Barnes values signing a multi-year contract over short-term dollar value.

Even with small forward being one of the most coveted positions for teams to acquire long-term talent across the NBA, Barnes averaged just 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 42% shooting between his time with the Kings and the Dallas Mavericks last season. Barnes Player Efficiency Rating of 12.81 does not particularly excite teams either, ranking outside the top 150 among all players. Barnes shooting did improve after being traded to the Kings, shooting 45.5% on field goals including 40.8% from three-point range in 28 games, but it is still skeptical to believe a team would offer Barnes more than $15 million per season.

The former 7th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft out of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill is reportedly open to re-signing with the Kings on a multi-year contract.  Both the Kings and Barnes enjoyed a successful partnership last season as the 27-year-old showed some flashes of the consistency he displayed on offense when Barnes used to play for the Golden State Warriors. Sacramento hopes to lock down the veteran wing to a multi-year contract so that Barnes can be a veteran scorer/leader in the young Kings locker room that features players like De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, Buddy Hield, and Bogdan Bogdanovic among others.

The Kings might also benefit if Barnes sign elsewhere as it would give the Kings a total of $60 million in cap space to spend on extensions and potentially some free agents this summer to further along with their roster from a fringe playoff team to a contender in the wide-open Western Conference.

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The Kentucky Wildcats routed the Arizona State Sun Devils 115-69 in the Bahamas on Monday night, and in doing so, De’Aaron Fox made history.

De’Aaron Fox Record Second Triple-Double In Kentucky History In 115-69 Rout

The freshman point guard posted the second triple-double in Kentucky history by scoring 14 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and adding 10 assists. Chris Mills had the only previous triple-double in UK history in 1988.

“I didn’t even know how long it’s been,” Fox said, “but it felt good. Honestly, it may be my most efficient game shooting-wise. So that’s what I feel good about.”