NBA Rumors: De'Aaron Fox to Turn Down $165M Kings Contract; Seeks Bigger Deal in 2025

Sacramento Kings star point guard De'Aaron Fox had the opportunity to cash in on a contract extension this year, but he reportedly has his eyes set on an even bigger payday.

Per Shams Charania of ESPN, Fox's representative, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, said the floor general is bypassing a three-year, $165 million maximum extension this year, as he will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million maximum extension next summer. If he makes an All-NBA team this season, he would be eligible for a five-year, $345 million supermax deal.

Fox is under contract through the 2025-26 campaign. He's slated to make $34.8 million this season and $37.1 million next year.

Charania noted that the 26-year-old "has made clear publicly and privately that he wants to be a significant part of the future in Sacramento." He and other key players reportedly worked closely with Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and franchise officials on this offseason's major decisions, which included the acquisition of veteran shooting guard DeMar DeRozan.

Fox is coming off a stellar 2023-24 season in which he averaged career highs of 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and a league-leading 2.0 steals while also adding 5.6 assists. He was one of the most clutch performers in the league, ranking second in total points scored in the fourth quarter behind his new teammate DeRozan.

The Kings went 46-36 last season but fell short of the playoffs after losing the second game of the play-in tournament to the New Orleans Pelicans. Sacramento has turned the corner over the last few seasons to establish itself as a perennial postseason contender, largely thanks to Fox's development into a reliable No. 1 option.

After bypassing an extension this year, Fox will undoubtedly be motivated to prove he made the right decision to bet on himself and chase a larger deal next summer.