Fox Rumors Heat Up: Lakers Back Off on Reaves
De’Aaron Fox is making waves in the NBA trade rumors, with the San Antonio Spurs standing out as frontrunners while the Lakers are taking a backseat. The reason? They refuse to part ways with emerging star Austin Reaves.
The Trade Winds Starting to Blow
With news circulating early this week that the Sacramento Kings are open to moving De’Aaron Fox before the trade deadline, the Lakers seemed to be a front-runner in this high-stakes game. After all, Fox’s agent, Rich Paul, also happens to be representing superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Historically, Los Angeles has been a hotbed for big-name trades.
Insider Insights
However, things quickly took a turn when it became clear that the Lakers were not in the mix for Fox. Insider Jake Fischer (via The Stein Line) sheds light on the situation.
“Klutch has direct insight into Lakers transactions due to its representation of LeBron and AD, knowing they aren’t keen on trading Austin Reaves, who would be the centerpiece of any Fox discussions.”
The Rising Star vs. The All-Star
If De’Aaron Fox were to don the purple and gold, it would almost certainly require the Lakers to relinquish Austin Reaves. At just a year apart in age (Reaves at 26.5 and Fox at 27), Fox currently boasts a gameplay edge. Yet, the Lakers’ reluctance to part with Reaves is striking. This decision becomes clearer when considering the broader context of Reaves’ development and value.
Reaves’ Breakout Season
The Lakers are thrilled with Austin Reaves’ development under head coach J.J. Redick. This season, Reaves is enjoying a breakout year with over 18 points, 6 assists, and 1 steal per game. Behind the power duo of LeBron and AD, he’s emerged as the third option on offense. What’s more, Reaves is locked into a favorable contract, earning just $12.9 million annually with a player option worth $14.8 million in 2026-27. Meanwhile, Fox is set to hit free agency in 2026, eyeing a max deal after his current contract, which pays $35 million a year, concludes.
The Tension Between Teams
In order to land Fox, the Lakers would not only have to give up Austin Reaves but also potentially some draft capital, given the Kings’ All-Star point guard status. This stiff price tag has Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ GM, hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal in order to maintain flexibility in a crucial CBA climate.
All Eyes on Fox
Reports indicate that trading Reaves for Fox is off the table for the Lakers, as per @JakeLFischer. The overall tension between the Kings and Lakers doesn’t help the situation, especially given the heated history between these two franchises.
As the trade deadline looms, all eyes will remain fixed on Fox and what the Kings are willing to do. Stay tuned for what could be one of the most intriguing moves of the season.
Source: Jake Fischer (via The Stein Line)
William covers the sports world with passion and precision — from transfer rumors to game-changing performances. With a sharp eye for trends and a love for bold storytelling, he brings fans closer to the action, one article at a time.
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