NBA Rumors: De'Aaron Fox Key to DeMar DeRozan Recruitment amid Kings' Contract Buzz
July 7, 2024
De'Aaron Fox reportedly played a key role in recruiting DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings.
Per The Athletic's Anthony Slater, DeRozan sat in on one of Fox's workouts with assistant coach Luke Loucks and "advocated" for him to sign with the Kings at lunch afterward:
"DeRozan watched De'Aaron Fox go through one of his offseason workouts with Loucks, then Fox and DeRozan went to lunch. Fox was a crucial part of the recruitment process, league sources said, and an advocate of the move. That's an important note considering Fox's own contract situation. He has two seasons left on his current deal but has opted not to sign an extension this summer, in part, because he'd like to see how the roster and future take shape."
As Slater noted, Fox's push to bring DeRozan to Sacramento comes as the point guard declined to sign an extension this offseason while he waits to see what happens with the Kings in the future. Fox has two years remaining on his current contract and will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season.
DeRozan joined the Kings on Saturday after a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls and the veteran forward will get a three-year, $74 million contract.
The 34-year-old averaged 24 points, 5.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last year and is looking to stay productive as he joins a new roster.
Sacramento has improved tremendously over the last two seasons, posting back-to-back 40+ win seasons for the first time in almost 20 years, but it is still looking to establish itself as a contender in the West. The move for DeRozan certainly makes the Kings a serious threat to the Western Conference next season.
And by signing DeRozan, the Kings could have made a strong case to Fox to sign an extension soon. The 26-year-old cornerstone of the franchise is likely much more willing to stick around in Sacramento if he believes he has a chance of winning a championship with the team.
It's not clear whether the Kings have what it takes to compete for a championship just yet, but adding DeRozan indicates that they are serious about winning now.