LeBron James’ Agent Supports NBA Star In Passing Up $165 Million Contract Extension

Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox is betting on himself this season with a massive power play backed by the business savvy of LeBron James' agent. Fox is currently eligible for a $165 million extension, but he's ready to leave it on the table for a chance to double his money.

According to ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania , Fox is passing up the three-year, $165 million contract extension he is eligible to sign until the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season later this month.

With the backing of Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who also represents Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, Fox is prepared to pass up the offer with the intention of signing a bigger deal next offseason.

A similar strategy worked for King James this offseason. Working with his agent and longtime friend Paul, the Lakers forward opted out of his $51.4 million player option to become a free agent. He deferred the guaranteed money to create a deal with more long-term value for himself, the Lakers and his son, Bronny James, who had just been drafted.

Next offseason, Fox will be eligible for a four-year, $229 million maximum extension with the Kings. That offer could balloon to a five-year, $345 million supermax deal if he makes an All-NBA team, more than double the guaranteed money of the current extension he is passing up.

The strategic move, contingent on his individual success in order to pay off in full, signals Fox's confidence that he is a key part of Sacramento's future plans. If Fox can maintain his career-high 26.6 points per game average from last season and play at an All-NBA level, a bigger contract could be worth every penny for the Kings.

The team went big this offseason, bringing in All-Star DeMar DeRozan to partner with frontcourt maestro Domantas Sabonis to maximize the championship window around their young stars.