Current NBA Trade Value of De Aaron Fox
De Aaron Fox remains one of the most tradeable guards in the NBA due to his elite scoring and playmaking. His trade value is anchored by a max-level contract extension signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2022, which runs through the 2027-28 season with a player option for 2028-29. Fox averaged 26.6 points and 5.1 assists per game in the 2023-24 regular season, ranking in the top 10 in scoring among point guards. His trade value increases because he is a young, high-usage ball-handler who can serve as a primary offensive option, a profile that most NBA teams covet for a playoff push. Recent trade rumors have linked him to the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and New York Knicks, with analysts noting that a package centered around a first-round pick plus a young rotation player would likely be required to move him. His value is further supported by his defensive metrics, where he has shown improvement in on-ball pressure and steal rate over the past two seasons, as tracked on advanced stat platforms like ESPN's NBA player page.
The Sacramento Kings' front office has publicly stated that they are not actively shopping Fox, but the market has consistently rated him as a top-15 trade candidate in the league. His trade value is comparable to other high-usage guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton at their respective trade peaks. The Kings' decision to retain Harrison Barnes and Keegan Murray while building around Fox underscores his centrality to their long-term plan, which raises the cost for any acquiring team. In a hypothetical trade, Fox's value would likely include a protected first-round pick, a young promising player, and potentially a secondary asset, given his remaining contract length and upside. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement and salary cap rules also influence his trade value, as any deal must balance matching salaries within a 125% plus $100,000 range, making a pure salary dump difficult.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
Fox's current contract is a 5-year, $163 million supermax extension signed in 2022, which includes a full no-trade clause that he can veto after the 2024-25 season. This financial structure directly impacts his trade value because any team acquiring him must absorb a significant salary commitment for multiple years. His annual salary for the 2024-25 season is approximately $32.7 million, placing him among the top 25 highest-paid players in the league. The no-trade clause gives Fox personal control over any potential move, which means trade discussions must involve his approval, adding a layer of complexity that can lower a team's willingness to offer a top-tier package. From a cap perspective, Fox's contract occupies roughly 28% of the Sacramento Kings' salary cap, which is near the luxury tax threshold, limiting the Kings' flexibility to absorb additional salary in a return package.
The financial implications of a Fox trade extend beyond the Kings to the acquiring team's luxury tax situation. A team like the Phoenix Suns, who already have a high payroll, would face a substantial luxury tax bill if they absorbed Fox's contract, which could depress the value of the assets they offer. Conversely, a team under the tax apron, such as the Toronto Raptors or San Antonio Spurs, might have more cap space to offer but would likely need to include multiple draft picks to make the salaries match. The NBA's second apron rules further restrict teams from using certain salary-matching maneuvers, which can complicate trade negotiations involving max-level contracts. Fox's contract also features a guaranteed 2024-25 salary that is fully guaranteed, meaning any trading team assumes immediate financial risk if he underperforms or gets injured, which is a standard risk assessment in NBA trade valuations.