In the fast-evolving world of the NBA, player contracts have reached levels of financial ambition never seen before. While superstar athletes like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant routinely sign deals worth hundreds of millions, one rising star is boldly betting on himself to secure an even bigger payday.
Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox has made headlines recently by rejecting a lucrative contract extension offer from the Kings — a move that could set him up for an NBA-record deal worth as much as $345 million.
At first glance, turning down $165 million might seem like a questionable decision, but Fox is playing the long game. Here’s why he’s willing to pass up on immediate security in favor of a far larger potential reward.
Why De’Aaron Fox Is Betting on Himself
In the fourth year of his current five-year, $163 million contract with the Sacramento Kings, De’Aaron Fox has already established himself as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
His team, the Kings, offered him a three-year, $165 million extension — a massive sum by any standards. But Fox turned it down, signaling his confidence in both his abilities and the future of the Kings.
Instead of securing a guaranteed payday, Fox is gambling that his performance over the next season will position him for an even bigger contract next year.
The real opportunity lies in the 2025 offseason. If Fox plays at an elite level this season and earns All-NBA honors once again, he will qualify for a supermax contract — a deal worth up to $345 million over five years.
This would not only make Fox one of the highest-paid players in NBA history, but it could also be a record-breaking contract in terms of overall value.
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The All-NBA Opportunity
So why is making the All-NBA team so crucial for Fox? For starters, earning an All-NBA selection for a second consecutive year would give Fox the leverage to secure a supermax contract.
If he maintains or even improves upon his career-high performances from the 2023-2024 season — including averaging 26.6 points per game, 2.0 steals, and 37% shooting from beyond the arc — he’ll have a strong case for a spot among the league’s elite.
For context, players who make the All-NBA team for the first time become eligible for a “supermax” deal, which is a contract extension worth 35% of the salary cap.
If Fox were to make the team again, it would trigger a massive pay increase — a contract extension that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Career-High Stats and Unmatched Confidence
Fox’s decision to bet on himself is rooted in his confidence in his own abilities. The 2023-2024 season was a breakout year for the Kings’ star guard, where he posted impressive career-high numbers in several categories.
He finished the season leading the league in steals per game (2.0), a testament to his defensive prowess, while also putting up 26.6 points per game.
Additionally, Fox’s ability to stretch the floor improved as he made 2.9 three-pointers per game, and his shooting percentage from the field increased to 37%, his highest since his 2018-2019 season.
Fox’s exceptional performance last season has not only earned him respect around the league but also solidified his belief that he can replicate and even exceed this level of play in the upcoming season.
If he stays healthy and continues to improve, he’ll be in an even better position to secure an All-NBA selection, which would unlock the potential of a supermax contract.
The Importance of the Kings’ Success
Fox’s decision is also based on the direction of the Sacramento Kings. While the team is often overlooked when it comes to free-agent signings, it’s clear that Fox is the face of the franchise.
The Kings are in the midst of a rebuilding phase that’s starting to pay off, and with Fox at the helm, they’re poised to be a serious contender in the Western Conference.
The Kings’ commitment to building around him only adds to Fox’s confidence that they’ll make him the centerpiece of their future plans — and reward him accordingly with a record-breaking contract.
What It Means for the NBA Landscape
If Fox does manage to secure the All-NBA honors he’s striving for, a five-year, $345 million contract would be a groundbreaking deal — the kind of payday typically reserved for a handful of established superstars like Giannis or LeBron.
However, the salary cap in the NBA is expected to increase over the next few years, which could further inflate contract values across the league.
While a supermax deal is far from guaranteed, Fox’s ability to capitalize on this unique opportunity reflects a larger trend in the NBA: players are gaining more control over their financial futures.
The landscape of player contracts has shifted over the past decade, with increasing emphasis on the ability of athletes to negotiate larger deals based on performance and personal value.
Fox’s gamble is just one example of how this new era of player empowerment is reshaping the business side of the sport.
Conclusion
De’Aaron Fox’s rejection of a $165 million contract extension may seem risky, but his decision to bet on himself could pay off in a big way.
By positioning himself for a supermax contract worth up to $345 million, Fox is gambling on his ability to maintain and build upon his breakout season.
If he can continue playing at an elite level, not only will he secure financial security for years to come, but he’ll also set a new standard for how young players in the NBA approach contract negotiations.
People May Ask
1. Why did De’Aaron Fox reject the $165 million extension from the Kings?
Fox rejected the extension because he believes that by playing well this season and earning All-NBA honors, he can secure a supermax deal worth up to $345 million next year, which would be far more lucrative.
2. What does All-NBA status mean for Fox?
Earning All-NBA honors for the second year in a row would make Fox eligible for a supermax contract, which could be worth up to $345 million over five years.
3. How did Fox perform last season?
Fox had a career year in 2023-2024, leading the NBA in steals with 2.0 steals per game, and posting career highs in points per game (26.6), three-pointers (2.9), and field goal percentage (37%).
4. What makes Fox confident in his decision?
Fox is confident in his ability to replicate and even improve upon his performance last season. He believes that continuing to play at an elite level will position him for a massive payday.
5. How does Fox’s decision reflect a larger trend in the NBA?
Fox’s decision to bet on himself highlights the growing power of NBA players in contract negotiations. As salaries continue to rise, players have more leverage to secure record-breaking contracts based on their performance and market value.
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