As the Sacramento Kings gradually slide further and further away from Western Conference playoff contention, trade rumors are beginning to surface around their star guard De’Aaron Fox.

Fox is making $34.8 million this season with $37.1 million due next year before hitting unrestricted free agency.

While those numbers look like a bargain considering his production – 26.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game this season – the Lakers just traded away multiple first-round picks to work a deal for Nets’ star Dorian Finney-Smith. It’s tough to say just how much more the Lakers are willing to give away for a chance at a title this season.

According to Tim McMahon on ESPN’s The Hoop Collective, several teams are monitoring Fox’s situation: “If he does ask out, San Antonio and Houston-keep an eye on those two…

I’ve heard Lakers, but it’s hard for me to tell how much of that is just people jumping to conclusions because he’s a Klutch client.

And then I’ve heard Miami with the Bam [Adebayo] connection there.”

However, multiple obstacles stand in the way of a potential Lakers deal. The Kings’ historical reluctance to trade with Los Angeles presents one hurdle.

That said, the biggest hurdle is the Lakers lack of trade options.

The Finney-Smith trade depleted their draft picks, giving them significantly less leverage in any potential deal.

The only way for the balance to shift in the Lakers’ favor would be if Fox specifically requests a move to Los Angeles, but that hasn’t happened yet.

For now, his situation in Sacramento bears watching as the trade deadline rapidly approaches.