Why De'Aaron Fox Bypassed $165 Million Extension With Kings
Why De'Aaron Fox Bypassed $165 Million Extension With Kings
By Keith Mado October 16, 2024 13:56
Sacramento Kings point guard and franchise player De'Aaron Fox turned down a three-year, $165 million extension ahead of the 2024-25 season in hopes of a bigger payday next summer.
His decision doesn't surprise the franchise, as Fox made it clear in June that he wanted to see how the Kings managed their roster over the summer before committing. However, ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed that the team's roster didn't have much to do with it; instead, Fox's decision not to sign was more of a financial move.
"That Kings front office, their ownership, Vivek Ranadive, continues to strengthen their relationship with De'Aaron Fox, but he's bypassing this extension for a much larger one potentially down the line," Shams reported. "For Fox and his rep Rich Paul at Klutch Sports, this is essentially a contractual decision."
Monetary-wise, it makes more sense. Fox, 26, can add $165 million and three years to his current rookie-max contract this offseason. However, if the budding point guard waits a year before signing, Fox will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension next offseason.
Fox is still well in his 20s and has Father Time on his side. Increasing his value for another year wouldn't be that much of a gamble compared to an older player immediately signing a deal out of security.
If everything goes as planned for Fox, he can potentially earn $299 million by next season. Additionally, if he can make All-NBA in the 2024-25 season, he can potentially sign a four-year, $345 million supermax extension, making Fox the highest-paid player in the history of the NBA.
Fox and the Kings seem to be counting on each other to succeed. Reports say that Fox has been heavily involved in their roster changes and has made it clear that he wants to play for Sacramento.
The organization flourished with Fox as its centerpiece. Building around Fox brought the Kings back to relevance, ending the team's 16-season playoff drought alongside Domantas Sabonis in 2023. With the recent signing of DeMar DeRozan, the franchise hopes to improve its standing in the West and make it back to the playoffs this season.
Fox averaged 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists last season, leading the Kings to a 46-36 record. He's already solidified himself as one of the elite point guards in the league, but with a huge payday ahead, Fox needs to step up even further to prove that he's worth the $345 million supermax.
He's the face of the franchise, and along side Sabonis and DeRozan, the Kings might be in for a fruitful 2024-25season.
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