Earlier today I wrote a story based on a report from Anthony Slater and Sam Amick of The Athletic. I focused on what I felt was the important part of the story, that the Kings are trying to trade the 13th pick and nearly trading for Alex Caruso, but the rest of the internet has latched onto a different element of the story:
Fox’s future looms in the background too, as league sources say the All-Star guard has decided not to sign an extension this year, in part, because he wants to see how the roster takes shape for the long-haul. Fox, who has two seasons left on his current deal, wants to win at the highest level and could also qualify for a significantly larger max if he makes All-NBA.
Oh no! The sky is falling! Fox is gonna leave! We’re doomed!
Feel better? Got it out of your system? Ok good. Because it’s time to use our brains again.
This quote about “wanting to see how the roster shapes up” is completely stupid. This has nothing to do with the roster and everything to do with dollars.
If Fox signed an extension this summer he would be eligible for 3 years, $167 million.
If Fox makes All-NBA this season, then next summer he will be eligible for a 4-year, $269 million extension.
It simply makes sense for Fox to wait and have the opportunity to lock in an extra $12 million per year and an extra year.
And if Fox is eligible for that contract, and the Kings are willing to give it, it doesn’t matter what the roster looks like Fox would take the money, and then work his way elsewhere via trade down the line.
This is a stupid story and I’m annoyed I’ve had to spend this long on it. But congratulations to the Athletic, that little blurb was top-notch engagement bait
