Kings Including De’Aaron Fox In Trade Talks; Pursuing Pacers’ Domantas Sabonis

While previously viewed as off-limits, the Kings have begun to include point guard De’Aaron Fox in trade talks, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.

Along with that, the Kings are strongly pursuing presumably available Pacers power forward Domantas Sabonis and remain in the mix for 76ers guard/forward Ben Simmons, Anderson added.

Anderson’s report follows one from The Athletic’s Sam Amick, who noted earlier this month that Fox is no longer considered untouchable.

Along with Fox, small forward Harrison Barnes and shooting guard Buddy Hield are also said to being made available by the Kings, as we relayed last week.

“There is a fair amount of pressure for this roster to look pretty different after the deadline,” Amick said on Sports 11450 KHTK.

Meanwhile, the Pacers are said to be very open to guard/forward Caris LeVert, as we relayed here, as well as center Myles Turner (full post). Turner, however, is out with a foot injury and that could impact the Pacers’ attempts to move him ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.

“The Pacers would want an All-Star caliber player in return for Sabonis, according to Anderson, who hears that the team has received offers meeting that criteria,” relayed Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors. “Fox hasn’t made an All-Star team, but Anderson suggests an offer that includes the 24-year-old and at least one draft pick could pique Indiana’s interest.”

Either way, Kings owner Vivek Ranadive as reportedly given GM Monte McNair the green light to reshape the roster as the franchise aims to make a playoff push and build something sustainable. Given that the Pacers and 76ers have players who might be able to make that a reality, it would only make sense for Sacramento to explore potential deals.

Along with Fox, Barnes and Hield, the Kings are said to be very open to moving center/forward Marvin Bagley III and center Tristan Thompson.

“In most sports, most players come up in trade talks,” Fox told reporters, via Anderson. “Obviously, you don’t have too many people who are really untouchable, so you always know something can happen.”

Anderson added: “The thought of bringing Fox to Indiana to play with a shot-blocking, floor-spacing center like Myles Turner might hold some appeal for both sides, as Bleacher Report recently reported the Kings have shown interest in Turner as well. Reports have suggested the Pacers are willing to consider trading Sabonis or Turner, but not both.”

Simmons has also been linked to the Raptors, Trail Blazers, Timerwolves and others — but there is a sense the 76ers may be OK with not moving him until after the season.