BBNBA: De'Aaron Fox on the trade block, Anthony Davis out due to injury

The NBA’s annual midseason sabbatical is almost upon us. On Thursday, we’ll learn the 14 reserves for the 2025 NBA All-Sar Game. Next Thursday, the NBA trade deadline will have me more plugged into the latest scuttlebutt even more so than usual. Soon after that, the league will take nearly a week off for the All-Star break. The season is moving right along.

A lot has already happened since our last BBNBA update on Sunday. Let’s dive in to talk about the latest going on with former Kentucky Wildcats around the Association.

De’Aaron Fox is on the trade block

By the time the NBA trade deadline hits on Thursday, Feb. 7, De’Aaron Fox could find himself on a brand new team in a brand new city. The Sacramento Kings’ current point guard is reportedly on the outs with the franchise and would prefer a change in scenery. ESPN’s Shams Charnia reports that Fox has his eyes set on one team in particular: the San Antonio Spurs.

I’m all the way on board.

Fox, 27, is a one-time All-Star with the Kings. He was a borderline MVP candidate in 2022-23, helping lead Sacramento to the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2005-06. However, the front office failed to make any major changes in 2023-24, leading to a slight overall team regression. A trade for DeMar DeRozan this past offseason hasn’t panned out either, ultimately leading to the Kings firing head coach Mike Brown. As usual, it’s a basketball mess out in Sacramento. And understandably, Fox isn’t eager to see if it can get fixed.

"League sources tell me that the San Antonio Spurs are De'Aaron Fox's preferred destination." 😲 @ShamsCharania with the latest on the Sacramento Kings being open to trade De'Aaron Fox. pic.twitter.com/O63Xh0m4wm

— First Take (@FirstTake) January 29, 2025

Bringing Fox to San Antonio alongside Victor Wembanyama, a near lock to win at least one MVP during his career, would instantly create the most watchable team in the league. Thanks to Wemby, the Spurs are treading water (20-23 record) with an underwhelming roster, which would receive a massive boost with Fox in the fold. Fox is averaging 25.2 points, 6.2 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per outing this season on 46.8 percent shooting.

Former Wildcat Keldon Johnson is also in San Antonio. Let’s make Fox to the Spurs happen, please.

Anthony Davis drops 42/23, then gets hurt

Anthony Davis is on pace to make his 10th All-Star Game appearance when the reserves are announced on Thursday (more on that below in just a minute). The 6-foot-11 big man was looking at another productive week for the Los Angeles Lakers after going for 42 points and an insane 23 rebounds in a win over the Hornets on Monday. He dropped 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first quarter alone of that monster showing. But less than 10 minutes into his game the following night on Tuesday against the 76ers, Davis went down with an injury and did not return.

The Lakers announced Wednesday morning Davis underwent an MRI that “confirmed an abdominal muscle strain” he suffered in the first quarter against the Sixers. He is expected to be re-evaluated in approximately one week. Davis, who was known as an injury-prone player early into his career, has been playing far more often than not over the last two seasons. He’s started 45 games for the Lakers this season out of a possible 48.

This upcoming absence shouldn’t hurt his All-Star chances, but Los Angeles is 26-19 on the season and can’t afford any length injuries to Davis or LeBron James with how tight the rotation already is. Hopefully, the upcoming All-Star break (whether the injury prevents him from playing or not) will give him some extra time to recover.

Which UK players will be named All-Star reserves?

Speaking of All-Star, Davis could (and probably should) very easily hear his name called as one of the 14 reserves for the 2025 NBA All-Star event in San Francisco on Sunday, Feb. 16. I would be shocked if he’s not included at this point. Davis is averaging 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 34.3 minutes per outing this season while shooting 52.8 percent from the field. His numbers are on par with last season, which also saw him receive an All-Star nod. The Lakers are better right now compared to last season, too.

Could more former Wildcats join him as All-Stars? Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is a good option. Boy Wonder is having his best season yet as a pro despite Miami’s troubles dealing with Jimmy Butler’s ego and Bam Adebayo‘s overall struggles. The NBA’s 2022 Sixth Man of the Year, Herro has developed into a lead guard for the Heat. He’s posting per-game averages this season of 24.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 35.5 minutes per outing. His shooting splits of 47.4/40/87.1 are all among the best of his career.

Tyler Herro this season:

24.1 PPG
5.6 RPG
5.4 APG
40.0 3P%

Joins LeBron as the only players in franchise history with 20/5/5 on 40+ 3P% in a season. pic.twitter.com/6aSLCndMKo

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 28, 2025

If I’m calling my shot, I predict Davis will take one of the seven remaining Western Conference reserve spots with Herro taking one of the seven remaining Eastern Conference reserve spots. Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey could have a case as well…

Tyrese Maxey explodes for 43 points

Maxey, like Herro, is also having his best season yet. Now in year five as a pro, Maxey is averaging 27.1 points, 5.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 37.9 minutes per contest. He exploded for 43 points on Tuesday against the Lakers and has registered at least 28 points in 11 straight games now. Unfortunately, his All-Star bid takes a hit due to how bad the team around him is.

Philadelphia, a team with championship aspirations, is just 18-27 this season. Maxey’s co-stars have missed ample time due to injury. Joel Embiid has played just 13 games in 2024-25 while Paul George has already missed 15. Star rookie Jared McCain suffered a season-ending injury after seeing just 23 games of action. Maxey has been great but for a bad team. With so many other talented guards such as Trae Young, Darius Garland, Damian Lillard, Cade Cunningham, and even Herro vying for some of those seven Eastern Conference All-Star reserve spots, Maxey could be the odd man out.