It’s been one week since the Sacramento Kings made the decision that De’Aaron Fox would be the undeniable face of the franchise, acquiring Damontis Sabonis in a blockbuster trade for sophomore Tyrese Haliburton. Despite the trade rumors that swelled surround Fox during this season, reading between the lines was easy for fans and players alike.
Never subtle, Fox’s body language screamed defeat early in the season, as his scoring slump was noted by the national discourse surrounding the Kings in the fresh weeks following Luke Walton’s exit. He was visibly discouraged, quiet and unlike any form of himself we had seen in the last five season.