MINNEAPOLIS – Kings interim coach Doug Christie is aware of what it feels prefer to be traded midseason.
That is as a result of it occurred to him, in Sacramento, the place he spent nearly all of his taking part in profession. So he understands all too nicely what De’Aaron Fox skilled Monday when the crew formally dealt its star level guard to San Antonio as a part of a three-team commerce.
“Ever because the first time I noticed him play, (I) was an enormous time fan, and this doesn’t change something so far as at all times rooting for him,” Christie stated earlier than Monday’s sport in opposition to Minnesota. “I informed him as a lot.”
Fox was drafted fifth general by the Kings in 2017 and was in his eighth yr with the franchise. In 45 video games this season, he averaged 25 factors and 6.1 assists.
The Kings additionally despatched Kevin Huerter to the Chicago Bulls and Jordan McLaughlin to the Spurs. They acquired guards Zach LaVine from the Bulls and Sidy Cissoko from the Spurs, plus three first-round and three second-round draft picks.
The commerce was yet one more shakeup after coach Mike Brown’s firing for a crew battling to make the Western Convention playoffs. Christie stated he had conversations with a number of of the crew’s youthful gamers about navigating the enterprise aspect of trades.
“I needed to allow them to know that I’m right here for you, your teammates are right here for you,” Christie stated. “That’s a part of what that is. You’re not on the market on their lonesome.”
LaVine, who spent his first three seasons with Minnesota, was not together with his new crew for Monday’s sport. The 11-year veteran is averaging 24 factors and 4.5 assists this season.
“Each of these guys are immensely gifted and so they convey comparable however a little bit bit totally different stuff, so not till we even have Zach will I’m going down that (street),” Christie stated when requested to match the 2 key gamers within the commerce. “Tonight I’m targeted on Minnesota. These guys in that locker room are targeted on Minnesota. It’s the one factor on our radar.”
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