According to recent reports, De’Aaron Fox may be leaving the Sacramento Kings soon.
That would be a major loss for the Kings and it could greatly shake up the team’s chemistry and culture.
How would it affect DeMar DeRozan and could it lead to him leaving Sacramento?
Speaking on “Run It Back,” per Legion Hoops, DeRozan admitted that it’s a complicated situation because he doesn’t want to be playing basketball for five more years.
“I’m trying to maximize the opportunity we have now to play with a great team,” DeRozan said, opening the door for him possibly leaving if a post-Fox future isn’t bright in Sacramento.
DeMar DeRozan on his future with the Kings if De’Aaron Fox is traded:
“I’m not trying to play another 5 years. I’m trying to maximize the opportunity we have now to play with a great team.”
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/NnIWKvpPw2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 30, 2025
Kings fans would have loved to hear DeRozan say that he will stick with the Kings no matter what.
Instead, he admitted that it would be hard to say goodbye to Fox, especially since he was one of the biggest contributing factors that led to him signing with the team in the summer.
DeRozan knows that his career is getting closer to retirement, and he wants to make the most of the time he has left.
If the Kings aren’t in great shape after Fox leaves, DeRozan will need to consider his options so that he ends his time in the NBA on a high note.
DeRozan’s statement makes it even more important that the Kings’ front office handle things correctly.
If they lose Fox and don’t get a great haul in exchange for him, they could soon be saying to other players like DeRozan.
They need to do well at the trade deadline or all the progress they made could be lost.
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