Sacramento Kings legend Peja Stojakovic recently shared his insights on the NBA Out of Bounds Podcast regarding the recent De’Aaron Fox trade, shedding light on the role of agent Rich Paul. Stojakovic suggested that Paul’s influence significantly constrained the Kings’ options, ultimately affecting the trade’s outcome.
During the podcast, Stojakovic stated, “It seems there was a directive from his agent, Rich Paul, who played a key role and blackmailed the teams on which player was supposed to get traded where. He brought Fox to the Spurs, and Zach LaVine, who is his player, brought him to Sacramento. By doing this, he limited Sacramento from a business standpoint, stating that they would have received more from this trade with Fox if they had discussed it with other teams in the NBA.”
This commentary has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike, especially in light of the ongoing debates surrounding player agency and trade dynamics in the NBA.
In addition to his critique of Paul, Stojakovic emphasized the importance of the Kings exploring all possible avenues in trades, suggesting that the team’s management may have been too reliant on the direction provided by player agents. The Kings, who have been striving for a competitive edge in the league, may have missed out on better deals by not engaging with a broader range of teams.
The discussion also touched on the current state of De’Aaron Fox, who has recently recovered from surgery and is eager to return to the court. Fox expressed optimism about his future, saying, “I’m doing well. The surgery went fine. I’ve been cleared, so I played a little five-on-five and I’ve done contact stuff, so I’ll be ready for next year.” His focus remains on the upcoming season, although he acknowledged the potential for future opportunities, including a possible extension with the San Antonio Spurs.
Fox is set to earn $37.1 million in the 2025-26 season, the last year of his five-year, $163 million max extension with the Kings. He is also eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension with the Spurs in early August, which he expressed hope for, stating, “I would definitely hope so” when asked about his optimism regarding signing an extension this summer.
As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, the discussions surrounding player trades and agency influence remain critical. Stojakovic’s comments highlight the complexities of these relationships and the potential implications for teams looking to build competitive rosters. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as the Kings navigate their future, especially with key players like Fox at the center of their plans.
The ongoing conversations in the NBA, particularly about player agency and trade strategies, are essential for fans to understand the dynamics at play. As the league progresses, the impact of agents like Rich Paul will likely continue to be a focal point in discussions about player movement and team strategies.
With the NBA season approaching, all eyes will be on how teams like the Kings adapt to these challenges and seize opportunities to enhance their rosters. The developments surrounding De’Aaron Fox and the Kings will be closely monitored by fans eager to see how these narratives unfold.