Mike Brown, De’Aaron Fox, and Harrison Barnes had a relative success while they were still together in Sacramento Kings. They are now set for a reunion but this time, as opponents.
New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are set to meet for all the NBA Cup glory on Tuesday and one storyline to watch out for is Brown meeting his former players. Together they sent the Kings to their first playoff appearance in almost two decades in 2023.
One by one, they were let go by the organization. Barnes was traded to the Spurs in summer of 2024 while Fox was traded in the middle of the 2024-2025 season. Brown got the pink slip in December of 2024 after a 13-18 start.
The Knicks coach talked about his relationship with the two and he only has good words for them.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better for them coz he’s a fabulous young man. Everybody sees him out there on the court, sees his speed and how he is as a player but if you ever got a chance to get to know him and his family, you’ll be really honored because they’re really good people.
“Same with Harrison Barnes. [I’m], fortunate, blessed, and lucky to have both of those guys. They are both tremendous human beings on top of being great basketball players. I applaud them for getting to this point.”
Mike Brown: “I wanna thank the Kings…Vivek gave me an opportunity…We enjoyed Sacramento, fans fabulous…Change happens…feel blessed to be in this situation with Knicks”
On his former Kings on the Spurs: “I’m so happy for Fox…& Harrison Barnes…Both tremendous human beings…” pic.twitter.com/dYLtgmSpKc
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 15, 2025
Mike Brown hopes they don’t do well against him
He did not keep it subtle though on what kind of performance he wants from them.
“I hope they don’t win anymore while we’re here in Vegas,” he said while smiling.
“But they’re tough. HB shoots the ball well at extremely high level. His presence, got a calmness about him that settles their whole team.
Knicks are vying for their first ever trophy since 1973 while the Spurs, who beat the indomitable Oklahoma City Thunder, are playing for their first ware since 2014.
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