De’Aaron Fox finally revealed what played the biggest role in his decision to leave the Sacramento Kings. Most fans know Fox as one of the top guards in the league, and his trade from the Kings to the San Antonio Spurs was a major move.
Fox spent nearly eight seasons in Sacramento, Calif., leading many to believe he was a long-term piece for the franchise. However, internal issues led to his departure; now, Fox has spoken about the most important factor in his decision.
De’Aaron Fox Wanted Out After the Kings Fired Mike Brown
The relationship between players and coaches is often difficult for fans and media to fully grasp. Team chemistry and trust in a coach can heavily impact a team’s success.
Mike Brown helped the Kings snap their 16-season playoff drought in 2023, leading them to the postseason before falling in seven games to Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
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While Sacramento didn’t make a deep playoff run, just making it to the postseason was considered a step in the right direction. However, after starting the 2024-25 season 13-18, the Kings’ management made a change, firing Brown and blaming the coaching staff for their struggles.
Fox, who had developed a close relationship with Brown, was frustrated by the constant coaching turnover. He admitted that the lack of stability pushed him to request a trade.
“I was like, ‘Yo, I’ve been here for going on my eighth year. If Mike gets fired, I’ll be going on my fifth coach.’ And I told them, ‘I’m not going to play for another coach. I’m going to play for another team.'”
De’Aaron Fox felt his time in Sacramento was up when they fired Mike Brown
"I was like, 'Yo, I've been here for going on my eighth year. If Mike gets fired, I'll be going on my fifth coach. And I told them, 'I'm not going to play for another coach. I'm going to play for another… pic.twitter.com/IjnJMM3j7h
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 7, 2025
Despite his frustration, Fox had always been loyal to the Kings, which helped both sides work out a trade that put him in a better position to compete for a championship.
This situation highlights how coaching decisions can have unintended consequences. If the Kings had realized Fox was ready to leave the moment Brown was fired, they might have reconsidered their decision.