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The Sacramento Kings are reportedly trying to pull off a big move.
A recent report stated that De’Aaron Fox wouldn’t sign a contract extension with them right now.
He wants to make sure about the team’s direction, so they’re officially on the clock and should look to get better.
Notably, per Jake Fischer, that’s what they’re desperately trying to do.
In a recent episode of the No Cap Room podcast, the Yahoo Sports insider revealed that the Kings were close to a deal with the Utah Jazz regarding a trade for Lauri Markkanen earlier this week (via Cameron Salerno).
“The Sacramento Kings to my knowledge earlier this week were close to a deal (for Lauri Markkanen). … there were calls made to people around the NBA that would’ve indicated that talks have been legitimate.” – Jake Fischer. https://t.co/3qgUV03Ghx pic.twitter.com/kGc5e3gH2q
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) July 3, 2024
He revealed that his sources around the league confirmed those rumors, adding that the talks were serious.
The Jazz are reportedly looking to offload Markkanen who’s going to be eligible for a massive payday soon.
They’re still not close to contention, so it wouldn’t make sense for them to spend a big chunk of the salary cap on him.
The Kings put an end to a year-long postseason drought two seasons ago, but they couldn’t keep their foot on the gas in the 2023-24 campaign, partly because of injuries.
Their core of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray is solid and promising, and adding another big forward who could stretch the floor would make them a matchup nightmare, at least on the offensive end of the floor.
Of course, they’re going to face tough competition for his services, so it’ll be interesting to see how this story pans out and where he ends up.
The post Insider Says Kings Were Close To Deal For Star Earlier This Week appeared first on The Cold Wire.