Mar 14, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) dribbles the ball around Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Report: De'Aaron Fox Was Pivotal in DeRozan's Recruitment

Originally posted on Sacramento Kings on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jul 7, 2024 5:42 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings completed a sign-and-trade on Saturday to acquire star forward DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls. After only a few days of speculation around DeRozan, the free agent was set to visit Sacramento, and hours later a deal was done.

The Kings jumped on the opportunity to get DeRozan, but they could not have done it without help. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and TNT reports that Sacramento's star point guard De'Aaron Fox "played a pivotal role" in recruiting DeRozan by joining their meeting.

Sources: Sacramento Kings star De’Aaron Fox played a pivotal role by joining today’s meeting to help recruit DeMar DeRozan. The two are ecstatic about partnering together on the court.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 7, 2024

Fox reportedly also took DeRozan out for lunch when he arrived in Sacramento on Saturday, and De'Aaron's wife Recee went to X to say the new Kings duo were together all day.

Fox and DeRozan are one of the most exciting pairings heading into next season. DeRozan led the NBA in fourth-quarter points last season, followed by Fox who finished second. One of Sacramento's biggest weaknesses was their lack of shot creation outside of Fox and Malik Monk, so adding another clutch scorer will make it much easier to finish games.

De'Aaron Fox has joined DeMar DeRozan courtside.

This duo is going to be a lot of fun in Sacramento. pic.twitter.com/EJdwwk25XQ
— Matt George (@MattGeorgeSAC) July 7, 2024

While DeRozan has struggled with his three-point shot throughout his career, he has possessed one of the deadliest midrange jumpers over the past decade. His shot creation on the wing is a skill the Kings have desperately needed the past couple of seasons.

The projected closing lineup of Fox, Monk, DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis is certainly something Kings fans should look forward to. The Kings are gearing up to be the most exciting team in the NBA, as Fox and DeRozan might be ready to take over the league.

This article first appeared on Sacramento Kings on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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