De'Aaron Fox Trade Rumors: Heat, Rockets Among Possible Landing Spots amid Spurs Buzz

The Miami Heat are on a "short list" of preferred teams for Sacramento Kings star De'Aaron Fox in the event he's traded, according to Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill.

Goodwill reported on his Good Word with Goodwill podcast the San Antonio Spurs are alone in a "first tier" of suitors in Fox's mind. The Heat and Houston Rockets reside in the next tier.

To the extent a Fox trade could even happen before Feb. 6, the Rockets are a long shot in the race.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday that "Houston's in-season intentions remain unchanged." The team is second in the Western Conference at 32-14 and the front office wants to see what the current core can achieve together. The playoffs will be a great barometer for which players are true building blocks, along with the areas of the squad that need to be improved.

For the Heat, maybe Fox is the answer to their prayers amid Jimmy Butler's ongoing standoff.

It would be pretty on-brand for a previous iteration of the Kings to trade away a dynamic scoring guard in the prime of his career for an aging star who brings as much baggage as Butler does. Fox, meanwhile, would be a massive return for Miami, far and away the best it could do under its present predicament.

Alas, Butler shouldn't be looking for real estate in California's capital city just yet.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Wednesday on his Hoop Collective podcast that "I do not believe that Jimmy Butler going to Sacramento is part of the option here." As much as the six-time All-Star wants out of Miami, he may not relish the opportunity to go to a franchise with Sacramento's historic track record.

The situation with Fox has evolved quickly. Fans are well aware his free agency in 2026 presents a ticking clock for the Kings, who may have to trade him this summer if he's unwilling to sign an extension. But it was only a few days ago that reports came out about Sacramento seriously considering its options before the trade deadline.

More than anything, this could be setting the table for a blockbuster swap in the summer rather than something midseason.