The Milwaukee Bucks had long been linked to Bulls Star Zach Lavine, even emerging in the betting market as the favorites to acquire him, but those hopes were dashed with an announcement Sunday night from ESPN’s Shams Charania: in a blockbuster between the Bulls, the Kings and the Spurs, LaVine is en route to Sacramento. De’Aaron fox will head to San Antonio.
Dec 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) dribbles against Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
With this move, the Bucks will have to look elsewhere to improve there roster–but their hopes of making a major splash have taken a brutal hit.
Dec 28, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Bucks Miss Out on Lavine, Spurs Win Big with De’Aaron Fox
The Lavine-Fox trade is the second whopper in 24 hours after the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis news in the Mavs and Lakers deal. This transaction differs, of course, in that the two stars involved are not being swapped in one-for-one fashion. Rather, the Bulls receive salary filler and picks while the Spurs and Kings take the stars.
To put it lightly, the West has sustained two earthquakes in a day that will drastically reshape the conference.
At 24-24 and 10th in the conference, the Kings were looking to move off of Fox after he informed them he would not be signing an extension with the franchise. Lavine is a nice piece, but he doesn’t make them better.
Jan 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) passes the ball away from Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The real change comes in the status of the Spurs (21-25), who now have a star guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. And if Fox re-signs in San Antonio, that will be a monster duo for years to come. While the Spurs might still have a capped ceiling in 2024-25, this trade immediately makes them favorites to at least make the play-in and potentially be a very scary first round matchup for the first or second seeds.
Kings Get a Massive Haul for Fox
Charania also reports that Chicago will receive center Zach Collins and guard Tre Jones from the Spurs, wing Kevin Huerter from the Kings, and their 2025 pick back, previously owned by San Antonio. The Spurs will receive veteran guard Jordan McLaughlin along with Fox.
While Sacramento has found themselves fading from serious contention this season, their haul in the trade will aid the franchise substantially over the next several years. In addition to Lavine, the Kings bagged three first round and three second round picks.
Yes, you heard that right. Three firsts (2027, 2031, 2025 but top-14 protected) and three seconds (2025, 2028, 2028).
Mar 13, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox (5) and Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (22) meet during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports (NBA Rumors)
Lavine has a bad contract, but such a massive return in draft capital, in addition to a player that will at least keep Sacramento competitive, demonstrates Fox’s value and just how badly San Antonio wanted him.
As for Milwaukee, well, that door has closed. Jimmy Butler available, but that’s a messy situation. CJ McCollum is another option but hasn’t been linked to the Bucks. GM Jon Horst should already know that many fans won’t be happy with his perceived gun-shy attitude in the market.
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