Insider: Kings 'covet' prized Spurs rookie in De'Aaron Fox trade

Historically, teams rarely get equal value while trading a star player. Case in point: the pieces the Lakers got for Shaquille O'Neal in 2004 or the package the Nets received for Kevin Durant a few years ago.

This year, the Kings are unlikely to get back a player of De'Aaron Fox's caliber when they trade their franchise star, who is reportedly available. However, they could acquire a promising youngster with superstar potential. 

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the Kings "covet" Spurs rookie Stephon Castle in a potential trade with San Antonio. Amick's report came after it was revealed that Fox prefers a move to the Spurs and would be willing to sign an extension with the Texas-based team. 

"The Kings are known to covet the Spurs rookie guard who was taken fourth overall out of Connecticut in the NBA Draft last June, but there is serious skepticism in league circles that San Antonio will be willing to include him. If that’s ultimately the case, the Kings would have to determine whether there’s an acceptable pathway to doing the deal without him."

Brian Windhorst noted on Thursday's edition of NBA Today on ESPN that the "Spurs love Castle." Nevertheless, he said he can't foresee a scenario where San Antonio agrees to part with Castle.

"I would be very surprised," Windhorst said of the Spurs trading Castle. "He's as untouchable as you can have. Obviously, if there was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Luka Doncic on the table, they'd consider it, but I don't know if De'Aaron Fox rises to that level."

Castle — the frontrunner to win Rookie of the Year — is widely considered a future star due to his defensive intangibles, athleticism and passing IQ. The UConn alum began his rookie season slowly but has exploded since being entrusted with a starting role. In January, he averaged 14.5 points and 3.4 assists from 26.7 minutes. He has also shown the ability to thrive next to a true point guard in Chris Paul. 

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Spurs could acquire Fox by sending out Castle, Keldon Johnson and a few first-round picks. It remains to be seen if they part with Castle before an entire season with the 20-year-old.