Midseason firings almost always send shockwaves throughout the NBA world. This time around, sending shockwaves is an understatement. The Sacramento Kings abruptly fired Head Coach Mike Brown on December 27 following a fifth consecutive loss against the Detroit Pistons.
While the firing was initially met with apt criticism, details and rumors began to swirl, highlighting a seemingly deteriorating relationship between Sacramento's star player, De'Aaron Fox, and Brown. However, before things got out of hand, Fox quickly denied the rumors.
There was never any push back about anything. This narrative of us butting heads or me going to management saying anything is bullshit. So you can run with that if you want to. https://t.co/z5rBpWmail
— De'Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) December 30, 2024
Fox's stringent denial was the first of which that detailed much of the organization's appreciation for the longtime coach. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne later went into the depths of Fox's and Brown's relationship and included several sources who supported Brown. One Kings' source said, "Nobody wanted to fire Mike."
The Kings were interested in trading for LaVine
Before we dive too deep into the Kings' rabbit hole, we'll bring it back to a tidbit that involves the Chicago Bulls and one of the better trade candidates in the league. According to Shelburne, the Kings reportedly inquired about Zach LaVine, among other players, before making the decision to cut ties with Brown.
Amid a porous 5-12 record since November 18, the Kings' brass eyed a trade to improve the faltering roster. Despite making a massive offseason move to sign and trade for former Bull DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento reportedly wanted to "change things up" by adding yet another big name or even making a "smaller move."
While LaVine surely falls into the "big name" category, it's interesting that the Kings would consider the two-time All-Star a trade target, considering their current roster construction. The Kings are flush with playmakers, including Fox, DeRozan, and starting center Domantas Sabonis, who's led the squad in assists over the past two seasons.
Sure, LaVine is capable of playing off-ball and adds tremendous value as a spot-up shooter. However, the defensive question marks far outweigh the hypothetical offensive firepower the 6-foot-6 swingman would add to the Kings' lineup. Nevertheless, it's telling the Kings' brass felt a change was needed to raise the ceiling of an already stout Sacramento lineup.
As for LaVine, it's been less than a month since a second suitor was revealed to be interested in the 29-year-old guard. First, it was reported that the Denver Nuggets had zeroed in on LaVine, stating that "the focus on LaVine…is significant." Now, LaVine's list is reportedly growing as the Kings are added to the mix.
Sacramento may be out of the running after firing Brown, but don't be surprised if another team enters the LaVine sweepstakes. After trade talks were reportedly non-existent to begin the month, the intrigue surrounding LaVine is ramping up, and rightfully so. The Bulls' star is averaging 22.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers per game while converting 49.9 percent of his field goals and a career-high 44.7 percent of his triples.
LaVine's contract may be a deterrent, but his play speaks for itself. He's a superb athlete and knockdown shooter who's displayed increased levels of durability in his 11th professional season. Despite missing three-fourths of 2023-24, LaVine appeared in 77 games in 2022-23 and has missed just five games this season.