As the trade buzz around De’Aaron Fox picks up, Bam Adebayo could be the Miami Heat’s top recruiter when it comes to acquiring the Sacramento Kings star.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Kings are listening to offers for Fox ahead fo the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Fox declined an extension with the team last summer, and the relationship between him and the organization has taken a hit. The Kings, likely anticipating that Fox isn’t long for Sacramento, have seen the writing on the wall.
When it comes to where Fox will end up, most NBA insiders have pointed to the San Antonio Spurs as his preferred destination. Fox, a Texas native, could form a dynamic pick-and-roll partnership with Victor Wembanyama.
Miami is on Fox's list
But Yahoo’s Vincent Goodwill reported Wednesday that the Heat and Houston Rockets are on Fox’s list of second-tier options behind San Antonio.
De’Aaron Fox list is led by the Spurs but also includes Houston and Miami (not Portland as I said in video, just misspoke)
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 30, 2025
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Enter Bam.
Fox and Adebayo's relationship
Not only did Adebayo and Fox play on the same Kentucky team together, but their relationship also extends off the court. Adebayo recently told the Miami Herald that he was a groomsman in Fox’s wedding.
“That’s my man,” Adebayo said. “That’s my college roommate. Our relationship, for me, I think is very solid. I was in his wedding, I was a groomsman. That just shows the level of respect. That just shows the level of respect and obviously the bond that we have.”
Fox could thrive in Miami. Between the chance to play for a stable franchise and iconic coach in Erik Spoelstra, along with pairing up with one of his best friends in the league, it seems like a great fit.
Getting a deal done, obviously, is the bigger question. The Heat have only one first-round pick available to trade, compared to the Spurs, who have nine tradeable first-round picks.
It’s unclear what else the Heat’s offer would include, but they could explore trading Jimmy Butler for assets that can be sent to Sacramento in a multi-team deal for Fox.
If the Heat front office can somehow figure out a way to land Fox, they don’t need to worry about his fit. Adebayo can make sure of that.