In the stillness of a late-night gym session at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, De’Aaron Fox was hard at work, his focus undeterred by the hours, as he lifted weights alone. It was a quiet ritual of self-discipline that punctuated a major shift in his basketball career: the transition from the Sacramento Kings to the San Antonio Spurs, a move born from deep personal and professional reflections. This moment of solitary training, so far from the world of media hype, seemed a fitting metaphor for the weight Fox had been carrying—the weight of a world that had once been his, but that he now needed to shed to embrace a new beginning.
Fox had spent much of his career in Sacramento, but it was a journey marked by ups and downs, punctuated by change. Despite his deep connection to the Kings, his loyalty to the franchise, and his desire to remain in Sacramento, Fox found himself facing a decision that would alter the course of his career. The firing of Coach Mike Brown—someone Fox had fought for and lobbied to keep—became the catalyst for his eventual departure. For Fox, the Kings’ inability to create stability, combined with persistent turnover at the head coach position, was a tipping point. He had warned the organization about the impact of constantly changing coaches and, when Brown was let go in December, Fox knew his time with Sacramento was drawing to a close.
The Coach-Player Relationship: A Source of Tension and Appreciation
Fox’s relationship with Mike Brown was one of mutual respect, even in moments of tension. Despite some players within the locker room pushing for Brown’s firing, Fox remained steadfast in his support for the coach. He had seen the positive impact Brown had on his development, from his All-Star rise to his clutch performances. The partnership between player and coach seemed strong, even as it faltered in the face of Sacramento’s midseason struggles.
When Brown publicly criticized Fox after a loss to Detroit, the weight of that criticism hung heavy. Yet Fox did not take it personally. He understood that tough love was part of the business, a sentiment that would continue to resonate as he moved on from Sacramento. The coach’s words were not indicative of a rift but rather a reflection of the high standards both he and Fox held themselves to. Fox continued to stay in touch with Brown regularly, even as rumors swirled that he had been behind the coach’s firing. Despite the public narrative, Fox stood firm in his belief that the organization did not have his back during the coach’s dismissal, a sentiment that echoed louder than the rumors.
Fox’s final year in Sacramento was marred by frustration, culminating in a clear desire for change. When Brown was fired, Fox knew his path was no longer aligned with Sacramento’s future. It wasn’t about asking for a trade—it was about ensuring he had the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and for him, that meant a change of scenery.
A Note In Support of Mike Brown
Mike Brown’s tenure as head coach of the Sacramento Kings was transformational no matter the end record, and the endorsement he received from fellow NBA coaches after his firing speaks volumes about his impact on the league. Brown’s leadership, which helped the Kings break an 18-year playoff drought and earn recognition for his tactical acumen, left a lasting impression across the NBA. His ability to develop players, instill discipline, and foster a winning culture stood out.
The praise he garnered from coaches like Denver’s Michael Malone and Golden State’s Steve Kerr—two figures with deep ties to Brown—spoke to the high regard in which he was held. Malone, who coached Brown during their time together in Sacramento, criticized the Kings’ decision to fire Brown, calling it a move devoid of “class” and lacking the backbone to support a coach who had just led the team to a resurgence. Kerr, who had worked closely with Brown for six years as an assistant in Golden State, echoed this sentiment, marveling at how Brown had revived the Kings’ fortunes and underscoring the improbability of such a turnaround considering the franchise’s history.
These endorsements from coaches who know the intricacies of leading an NBA team highlighted Brown’s professionalism, work ethic, and the respect he earned from peers. It’s rare to see such collective support for a coach’s abilities, and it made clear that, even in the face of his firing, Brown’s legacy and influence within the league remain undeniable. His ability to push players to be better while instilling a sense of accountability and trust made him a beloved figure in Sacramento and a respected leader throughout the NBA.
A New Chapter for Fox with San Antonio
After months of uncertainty, Fox’s wish to leave Sacramento was granted. In a surprising twist, the Kings traded him to the San Antonio Spurs in early February, the same day his son Reign turned 2. For Fox, San Antonio represented more than just a new team; it was a fresh start, a place where he could grow alongside one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama.
Fox’s arrival in San Antonio was met with a palpable sense of excitement. The Spurs were undergoing a transformation, with veteran Chris Paul and Wembanyama leading the way, and “Wemby” as the centerpiece of a team brimming with potential. For Fox, the opportunity to play with a generational talent like Wembanyama was both a dream and a challenge. As Fox explained, playing with a player like Wembanyama requires a new level of adaptability. “Playing with a superstar is not easy,” Fox admitted. “They demand the ball, they demand attention.” But Fox was undeterred. He saw in Wembanyama the kind of talent that could elevate a team to championship contention, and he was eager to learn how to coexist with such a dynamic force.
Despite the excitement of his arrival, Fox’s time alongside Wembanyama was brief. A shoulder injury sidelined the French phenom after just five games together. Yet even in this short window, there were flashes of potential. The duo ran a high pick-and-roll that had the San Antonio crowd buzzing, but the execution was far from perfect. Fox acknowledged the growing pains of playing with someone of Wembanyama’s caliber, noting the challenges of balancing his own aggressive style of play with the presence of such a dominant figure on the court.
As the Spurs look to the future, Fox is poised to be a key part of their rise. His versatility, leadership, and experience make him a valuable asset for a team that is still learning how to harness its raw potential. In the short term, Fox’s role is clear: to provide stability and direction for a young squad while continuing to evolve his game alongside Wembanyama and the Spurs’ other emerging talents like Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan.
The Upcoming Sacramento Showdown
Fox’s return to Sacramento, set to take place tonight, March 7, 2025 at 10pm EST, will undoubtedly be a poignant moment. While he made it clear that he never asked for a trade, the fact remains that the Kings’ decision to move him will add layers of complexity to his emotions as he steps onto the court in the city he once called home. As the Spurs prepare for this showdown, there’s more at stake than just the game on the court. It’s a moment of reflection for Fox—a moment to look back at the years spent with the Kings, the highs, the lows, and the relationships that shaped his journey. It will be a chance for him to prove to both Sacramento and San Antonio that he is ready for the next chapter of his career.
For the Spurs, the game against Sacramento is about more than just victory. It’s a chance to showcase what they are building—an evolving team with a mix of young stars and seasoned players, led by a point guard who knows what it takes to win in this league. As the Spurs meet Sacramento, the spotlight will be on Fox, but also on the team that is now his family. The next chapter is here, and De’Aaron Fox is ready to embrace it fully.
The journey that once seemed destined to stay in Sacramento is now leading Fox to new horizons, and as he continues to lift weights and train late into the night, he’s not just lifting his body—he’s lifting the weight of his past and the aspirations of a future that’s wide open. The road ahead may not always be smooth, but for Fox, it’s a road he’s ready to walk—one step at a time, with a new team, a new opportunity, and a championship dream that feels more tangible than ever before.