De'Aaron Fox's contract decision prompts questions about long-term plans

Sacramento Kings star De’Aaron Fox is choosing to forgo a contract extension this year, a decision that is sure to raise questions about Fox’s future.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Fox and his representation from Klutch Sports are bypassing a three-year, $165 million extension and aim at signing a larger deal next summer.

By declining an extension, De'Aaron Fox will become the subject of trade speculation.

But rival teams are sure to monitor the situation in Sacramento. Fox is slated to become a free agent in 2026 on his current deal and has been eligible to sign a three-year extension before the start of the 2024-25 regular season. 

By waiting for next season, Fox can become eligible for a four-year, $229 million maximum extension. If he makes an All-NBA team this season, he will be eligible to sign a five-year, $345 million “supermax” extension with the Kings.

While Fox’s decision doesn’t suggest that he is unhappy in Sacramento, star scorers like Fox are always in high demand. Should the Kings falter this season, rival front offices will want to know if they could potentially convince Fox to ask for a trade.

It might sound unfair to the Kings, but this is how these things go, just as fanbases wondered about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future before he signed an extension in 2023.

The Heat have bridged a working relationship with Klutch Sports this season, including signing client Alec Burks and working with Klutch to secure a jersey patch partnership.

Adding Fox, who averaged 26.6 points per game last season, would mark the Heat’s biggest acquisition since trading for Jimmy Butler in 2019 and open their championship window.

Of course, this is all speculation – and early speculation at that. But until Fox signs a new deal, teams hungry for a star will be watching that situation closely.