The Sacramento Kings are sitting at 6-21, and depending on your perspective, that record either signals a masterclass in tanking or a full-blown disaster. If you’re rooting for lottery odds, the Kings are delivering. But if you were hoping for a playoff push-or even just some signs of progress-well, it might be time to reevaluate expectations.
What makes this situation even more puzzling is the makeup of Sacramento’s roster. This isn’t a team built around raw prospects or developmental minutes.
It’s a group with veteran pieces, including some names with serious playoff mileage. Which is why the trade chatter is starting to heat up-and DeMar DeRozan’s name is right in the middle of it.
According to Marc Stein, both DeRozan and Zach LaVine have been made available, with LaVine currently sidelined due to an ankle sprain. The Kings may be in the early stages of a reset, and that opens the door for a player like DeRozan to find a new home-possibly one with postseason aspirations.
Now in his 17th season, DeRozan isn’t putting up the gaudy scoring numbers he once did-his 18.2 points per game would be his lowest average since the 2012-13 season-but he’s far from washed. He remains one of the league’s most efficient midrange scorers and a reliable late-clock option. And here’s the kicker: he’s shooting better than 40% from beyond the arc, a career-best mark that adds a new wrinkle to his offensive game.
That kind of offensive versatility still holds value, especially for teams looking to bolster their half-court scoring. DeRozan’s ability to create his own shot, draw fouls, and keep defenses honest in crunch time makes him a plug-and-play option for contenders. He’s not just a rental either-his contract runs through next season, which means any team trading for him is investing in more than just a spring cameo.
But DeRozan isn’t the only name drawing attention. Keon Ellis, a young guard known for his on-ball defense, is also generating buzz.
Per Dan Woike of The Athletic, Ellis is a target for teams in need of perimeter defense, and the Kings have reportedly set the asking price at a protected first-round pick. With Ellis heading into free agency this summer, Sacramento may be looking to cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing.
So, what does this all mean for the Kings? It could point toward a broader shakeup-maybe even a full-on fire sale.
Could DeRozan and LaVine both be on the move? Could the Kings try to package DeRozan with Ellis to maximize their return?
And yes, the Lakers are lurking-because of course they are.
We’re still a ways off from the trade deadline, but the groundwork is being laid. DeRozan’s future in Sacramento feels tenuous at best, and if the Kings are serious about reshaping their roster, he’s one of the most likely dominoes to fall. Whether he ends up on a contender or becomes part of a larger deal, the next few weeks could be pivotal for both DeRozan and a Kings team that’s clearly at a crossroads.
One thing’s for sure: the league is watching. And as the trade market starts to take shape, DeRozan’s name will be one of the most closely followed.