Three possible trade destinations for Kings guard De'Aaron Fox 

With most in NBA circles focused on the Jimmy Butler drama, a new superstar appears to be now be available in the trade market. On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported the Sacramento Kings are willing to entertain the idea of trading De'Aaron Fox. 

Fox being available creates a big opportunity for a contending team to land an elite talent averaging 25.2 points per game and just hitting his prime years. And as is often the case in the NBA, once there's smoke around a player possibly being on the move, he likely ends up on a new team sooner rather than later.   

Below are teams who make sense as a destination for the former All-Star and a trade partner for the Kings.  

Denver Nuggets

Currently sitting as the No. 4 seed in the West, the Nuggets are far from satisfied and could be willing to go even more all in by trading for a player like Fox. 

While Russell Westbrook has fit in nicely, Jamal Murray has struggled to get back to the level he was at when Denver won the NBA title two years ago. Adding Fox would provide the Nuggets with a player who can create his own shot and can take the pressure off Nikola Jokic offensively. 

Fox, 27, would also be a piece Denver could build around for years to come as Westbrook and others continue to age. Most importantly, playing with Jokic could be attractive enough for Fox to want to re-sign with Denver once his current deal expires after the 2025-26 season. Pairing Jokic with Fox moving forward would also help extend the Nuggets' championship window. 

San Antonio Spurs 

It may not provide him as much access to championship run this year, but the San Antonio Spurs are another interesting option for Fox. 

At 12th in the West but only a few games away from a spot in the play-in tournament, Fox could help propel the Spurs into the postseason, especially since the Kings are in 10th and would presumably drop off upon Fox's departure. However, a trade for Fox wouldn't be about the present as much as the future for the Spurs. 

Fox has all the makings of being the perfect co-star for 2023 first overall pick Victor Wembanyama as the San Antonio looks to be a force to be recognized with throughout the next decade. 

Houston Rockets

Most expected the Rockets to be a year or so away from truly conceding. But Houston isn't interested in waiting and believe it has an open window to make a run right now. 

The West's No. 2 seed has tons of talent, but there's a concern the Rockets don't have enough fire power to advance in the playoffs. Fox would be an injection of energy, an uptick in scoring and offer the opportunity to include him as part of their plans for the future, one that appears bright as their young team continues to grow together.  

It's also possible the guard ends up shipped to any number of teams, with Charania adding the Kings have already received dozens of calls about Fox following his initial report. The Miami Heat may even get into the mix as they search for someone to take Butler off their hands.