Kings’ De’Aaron Fox discusses decision to withhold extension

Kings Point guard De’Aaron Fox had the opportunity to sign a three-year contract extension worth $165 million last offseason, but chose to postpone contract negotiations until the 2025 offseason.

Fox will be eligible for a bigger payday in 2025. His standard maximum extension at this point would likely be worth $229 million over four years. He could also qualify for a super max extension worth up to $345 million over five years if he earns an All-NBA spot this season.

While Fox’s decision to bypass an extension this year was viewed as at least somewhat financially motivated, he also made it clear in an October interview that while he enjoys playing in Sacramento, he wants to make sure the Kings commit to it , “to compete at a high level.” ” and “not just fighting for a spot in the playoffs.”

The Star Guard reiterated this stance in the latest episode of Draymond Green‘s podcast (YouTube link) when the Warriors forward asked him why he decided not to renew his contract this year.

“It just has to do with the team, the organization” Fox said (hat tip to RealGM). “Where are we going? I want to make sure we are able to win in the future because that is ultimately what I want to achieve. I know that I will make enough money, no matter where I play or what I do, I will be fine. God forbid if you knock on wood you have a career-ending injury. But other than that, I feel like I’m getting better as a player every year.

“But for me it’s a question of: Do we look like we’re getting better year after year and can compete at a high level? … If we can show that this year, sign an extension now. If not, of course I still have another year, but that’s my attitude. Will we ever be able to compete for a championship or compete at a high level for a really long time? That’s exactly where I am.

“I love the city. I love being here and raised my family here. We have the children’s grandparents here. I would like to be here and retire here. How many people can say they played for one organization their entire career? I want to be one of those chosen few, but at the end of the day I also want to win.”

After landing in the lottery in each of Fox’s first five NBA seasons, the Kings won 48 games and snapped a 16-year postseason drought in 2022-23. However, the club was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and then failed to advance out of the play-in tournament in 23/24 after winning 46 regular season games.

Sacramento’s front office showed in the offseason that it wasn’t willing to stand still and hope for internal improvements – the team went out and secured a six-time All-Star title DeMar DeRozan He received a three-year, $73.7 million contract via sign-and-trade.

However, the Kings have struggled to find wins this fall and currently have a record of 13-14, making them the No. 12 seed. They are 1.5 games behind the No. 10 Lakers for the final play-in spot, although they are just two games behind the No. 6 Suns for the last guaranteed playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference.

There is an expectation that the Kings will return to the trade market armed before the February 6th deadline Kevin Huerter, Trey Lylesand future draft picks as potential trade chips as they look to further improve their roster. Although Fox didn’t specifically call on the front office to take further action, his comments to Green suggest he certainly wouldn’t mind.

“They know I’m going to give it my all, but at the end of the day the organization has to give it everything it’s got.” Fox said. “That’s where we are right now.”

Fox’s current contract pays him about $34.8 million this season and $37.1 million next season before expiring in 2026. He cannot sign an extension this season but will be eligible for an extension again next summer.