Kings to shut down De’Aaron Fox

With two games remaining in the Orlando Bubble and the Sacramento Kings officially eliminated from playoff contention, it looks like De’Aaron Fox’s season is now over.

The third-year guard was listed as OUT for the team’s contest against the New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday night due to shoulder soreness and it is unlikely he will make some sort of miraculous recovery in time for the team’s Thursday finale against the Los Angeles Lakers.

In six Bubble games, Fox averaged a team-high 26.1 points, 7.3 assists, and 1.7 steals, while shooting a blistering 50.4% from the field. That was after he missed a week due to yet another sprained ankle.

But seriously, we all know what is going on here. With nothing to play for, De’Aaron’s thoughts have now turned to his impending max deal contract extension expected to be offered by the Kings later this summer. He padded his stats nicely and now does not want to risk a major injury that could threaten his pay day.

We will just have to wait and see if he stays as hungry next season once he is locked up through the 2025-26 season, or will he pull a Buddy Hield and just cruise.