Traditionally, groups hardly ever get equal worth whereas buying and selling a star participant. Living proof: the pieces the Lakers received for Shaquille O’Neal in 2004 or the package the Nets obtained for Kevin Durant a number of years in the past.
This 12 months, the Kings are unlikely to get again a participant of De’Aaron Fox’s caliber after they commerce their franchise star, who’s reportedly available. Nevertheless, they might purchase a promising teenager with famous person potential.
In keeping with The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Kings “covet” Spurs rookie Stephon Citadel in a possible commerce with San Antonio. Amick’s report got here after it was revealed that Fox prefers a move to the Spurs and could be prepared to signal an extension with the Texas-based crew.
“The Kings are identified to covet the Spurs rookie guard who was taken fourth total out of Connecticut within the NBA Draft final June, however there may be critical skepticism in league circles that San Antonio will probably be prepared to incorporate him. If that’s in the end the case, the Kings must decide whether or not there’s a suitable pathway to doing the deal with out him.”
Brian Windhorst famous on Thursday’s version of NBA Today on ESPN that the “Spurs love Castle.” However, he mentioned he cannot foresee a state of affairs the place San Antonio agrees to half with Citadel.
“I’d be very shocked,” Windhorst mentioned of the Spurs buying and selling Citadel. “He is as untouchable as you possibly can have. Clearly, if there was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Luka Doncic on the desk, they’d contemplate it, however I do not know if De’Aaron Fox rises to that degree.”
Citadel — the frontrunner to win Rookie of the Year — is broadly thought-about a future star as a result of his defensive intangibles, athleticism and passing IQ. The UConn alum started his rookie season slowly however has exploded since being entrusted with a beginning position. In January, he averaged 14.5 factors and three.4 assists from 26.7 minutes. He has additionally proven the flexibility to thrive subsequent to a real level guard in Chris Paul.
In keeping with ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Spurs might purchase Fox by sending out Citadel, Keldon Johnson and some first-round picks. It stays to be seen in the event that they half with Citadel earlier than a whole season with the 20-year-old.
