Why is De'Aaron Fox not playing against Warriors? Kings star's sudden absence explored (Jan. 5)

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox is listed as out for Sunday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. According to NBA insider Anthony Slater, Fox suffered a hard fall on his back during the Kings' 138-133 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

The Kings ruled the All-Star point guard out with a right glute contusion. Fortunately for Sacramento, forward Keegan Murray is back in the lineup after missing the past two games.

Meanwhile, four-time champion Steph Curry will return for the Warriors after sitting out Saturday's 121-113 victory against the Grizzlies.

Fox will miss his first game of the 2024-25 NBA season. The left-handed guard has been a mainstay for the Kings this campaign, appearing in all 35 games. He is averaging 26.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 48.6% from the field.

The Kings are still without a permanent head coach and will be led by interim coach Doug Christie. The front office dismissed Mike Brown on Dec. 27 following a 13-18 start to the season. Brown, who joined the Kings in May 2022, was named NBA Coach of the Year after his first season with the franchise.

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De'Aaron Fox linked to multiple teams following Brown's firing

After Brown was let go by the Kings, the future of De'Aaron Fox has been uncertain. The Athletic's Sam Amick reported that the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat are all interested in trading for Fox.

“The San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers top the list of teams that are most often discussed as possible Fox landing spots, with others sure to make a run at him if (when?) he’s truly on the market,” Amick said.

Amick also noted that “the Spurs’ noise is the loudest” regarding a potential trade. San Antonio is eager to pair the one-time All-Star with Victor Wembanyama.

Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell was recently traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Without a traditional facilitator, LA could use a starting-caliber guard in Fox.

Fox is under contract with the Kings through the 2025-26 season. This season, he is set to earn $34,848,340. Next season, he will earn $37,096,620 in the final year of his deal

Fox was eligible to sign a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Kings. However, he opted not to sign the deal, explaining that while he loved playing for Sacramento, he wanted to win.