In recent years, NBA salaries have skyrocketed, with some players earning more in a single season than legendary figures like Michael Jordan did throughout their entire careers.
This shift has given current players greater negotiating power, allowing them to secure massive paydays.
One player embracing this new era of financial leverage is Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox, who recently made headlines by rejecting a substantial contract extension from his team.
Entering the fourth year of a five-year, $163 million contract, Fox was offered a three-year, $165 million extension by the Kings. However, he turned it down—an unusual move given the amount of money involved.
But rather than being dissatisfied with the Kings or questioning their ability to succeed, Fox is taking a calculated risk. His decision is rooted in his confidence in his abilities, and his belief that waiting another year could result in a far more lucrative contract.
Betting on Himself: Why Fox Is Waiting for a Bigger Deal
Fox’s choice to reject a $165 million extension may seem shocking at first, but it’s part of a larger plan. By turning down the Kings’ offer, Fox is positioning himself for a far more lucrative deal when his current contract expires.
If Fox plays out the remainder of this season and performs at a high level, he’ll be eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million contract extension next offseason.
However, that’s not the only potential windfall. If Fox manages to earn a spot on an All-NBA team this season, he could secure a contract extension worth $345 million over five years—making him one of the highest-paid players in NBA history.
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For a player like Fox, who’s coming off a career year, this ambitious move could pay off significantly.
Fox’s Confidence Coming Off a Stellar Season
The 2023-24 season was a breakthrough year for De’Aaron Fox, showcasing the kind of all-around performance that has him betting on his future.
Fox led the league in steals, averaging 2.0 steals per game, and he also posted career highs in points per game (26.6), three-pointers made per game (2.9), and field goal percentage (37%).
These numbers not only represent Fox’s growth as a player, but also give him the confidence to aim for a spot on the All-NBA team again.
In fact, Fox earned a spot on the All-NBA Third Team in 2023, and repeating this feat would solidify his place among the league’s elite players.
This achievement would make him eligible for a supermax contract, a multi-million dollar deal that would ensure his financial future for years to come.
The All-NBA Path to a Supermax Deal
Fox’s goal of making the All-NBA team again this year is key to unlocking his financial aspirations.
If he earns a second consecutive All-NBA honor, he could be eligible for a supermax contract, which could top $345 million over five years.
This would be an NBA-record deal if it comes to fruition, placing Fox among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
However, it’s important to note that making the All-NBA team doesn’t guarantee that Fox will receive the full $345 million.
While the Sacramento Kings are not typically a sought-after free agent destination, Fox is the team’s star player, and his contract leverage is significant.
The Kings would be unlikely to let him walk, and they would likely offer him a deal that comes very close to, if not exactly matching, the supermax offer.
Leverage in Contract Talks
For Fox, the decision to bet on himself is not only about his on-court performance but also about the leverage he gains in contract negotiations.
While Sacramento may not be a top destination for free agents, the team is clearly committed to building around Fox as its centerpiece.
This gives him considerable bargaining power as he enters the final stages of his current contract.
If Fox can continue to perform at the elite level he’s demonstrated over the past season, the Kings would be wise to offer him a contract extension that reflects his value to the team.
Conclusion
De’Aaron Fox’s rejection of a $165 million contract extension may appear risky on the surface, but it’s a calculated decision driven by confidence in his future performance.
By betting on another stellar season, Fox aims to position himself for a potentially record-breaking payday—one that could land him a $345 million contract if he makes the All-NBA team again.
Fox’s strategy not only highlights his growing self-assurance but also signals a broader trend in the NBA, where players are increasingly in control of their financial destinies.
If Fox’s gamble pays off, he’ll not only secure his financial future but also set a precedent for how NBA players approach their contract negotiations in the future.
People May Ask
1. Why did De’Aaron Fox reject the $165 million contract extension?
Fox rejected the extension because he believes he can earn a more lucrative deal by waiting until next offseason. If he performs well enough to make the All-NBA team, he could be eligible for a supermax contract worth up to $345 million over five years.
2. What is the significance of making the All-NBA team for Fox?
Making the All-NBA team would make Fox eligible for a supermax contract, which could be worth $345 million over five years. This would be the key to securing one of the highest-paying contracts in NBA history.
3. How did De’Aaron Fox perform last season?
Fox had an outstanding season in 2023-24, leading the league in steals with 2.0 steals per game and posting career highs in points (26.6), three-pointers (2.9), and field goal percentage (37%).
4. Does Fox have any issues with the Sacramento Kings?
No, Fox has expressed his satisfaction with the Kings and is not rejecting the extension due to dissatisfaction with the team. He is confident in his ability to secure a better deal by performing at a high level next season.
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