Kings G De’Aaron Fox Talks NBA Players Prioritizing Money Over Rings

Oftentimes in the NBA, players find themselves faced with a difficult crossroads when it comes to discovering where their priorities lie in the game. The ultimate goal of playing is to win at the highest level, but the substantial wealth and financial success that come with it can lead to some tough decisions made across a career.

While the idea of chasing and winning a championship ring may be wonderful to think of, sacrificing those chances to pursue better financial goals and achieve generational wealth is a decision that is hard to pass on. Across NBA history, various players have opted to go both directions, ultimately creating a topical discussion in the community.

Sacramento Kings G De’Aaron Fox gave his opinion on the matter, being the voice of reason for those who see the value in the business side of the game:

Lol everybody wants to win but at the same time y’all know sports are jobs right? https://t.co/p91qKnZGp6
— De'Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) September 23, 2023

Fox continued to discuess with fans on X, as one fan claimed that the late Kobe Bryant wouldn’t follow the same pathway as those prioritizing a payday over rings:

Lmao I can tell you with 100% certainty that nobody would care if Kobe disagreed with them. With all due respect to a legend. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/zxUtZeKQaw
— De'Aaron Fox (@swipathefox) September 23, 2023

The debate was initially sparked by former NBA player Stephen Jackson, finding himself on the side to find more value in the jewelry:

"$50 million is enough for people who come from nothin’. We know how to make that work. That $50 million is like $200 million to us. But it goes to show the people who struggled and the people who didn’t struggle...Talkin’ about ‘I’ll take a $100 million and f— the championship.’ Nah, I’ll take $50 million and that championship. But you not a winner. You don’t wanna be the best. You just wanna maintain and just go along."

Thankfully for De’Aaron, he currently stands in a position to find both Finals and financial success. Signed for over $100M across the next three seasons, Fox can get paid the bag while having a championship-caliber team in Sacramento to surround himself with.

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