As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings-two teams with playoff aspirations but very different needs-might just find common ground. The Lakers are in dire need of perimeter defense and consistent three-point shooting, while the Kings are searching for better roster balance and financial flexibility. That’s where a potential deal between the two Pacific Division rivals starts to make a surprising amount of sense.
Let’s break it down.
The Proposed Deal
In this hypothetical trade, the Lakers would bring in Keon Ellis and Malik Monk from Sacramento. Heading the other way: Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht. On paper, it’s a swap of complementary needs-one team looking for defensive grit and shooting, the other seeking offensive depth and a cleaner cap sheet.
Why the Kings Might Pull the Trigger
For Sacramento, this trade would be as much about the books as it is about the basketball. Malik Monk is a dynamic scorer and fan favorite, but he’s also carrying a hefty contract-three years and over $60 million remaining, including a player option for 2027-28. Moving off that deal gives the Kings some breathing room financially, especially with other extensions looming on the horizon.
In return, they’d get Rui Hachimura, whose contract expires after the season. That’s valuable cap relief, but it’s not just a financial play.
Hachimura brings size, athleticism, and a versatile skill set that Sacramento’s rotation currently lacks. He’s the kind of forward who could slot in next to Keegan Murray and give new head coach Doug Christie more flexibility with lineups.
And then there’s Dalton Knecht. While he hasn’t found a consistent role in Los Angeles, the rookie showed flashes of scoring ability earlier in the season.
A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. Sacramento could offer more minutes, a clearer role, and a chance to develop without the pressure of a championship-or-bust environment.
Yes, giving up Keon Ellis would sting. He’s quietly become one of the more intriguing 3-and-D wings in the league. But if the Kings believe Monk’s deal is limiting their long-term flexibility, the tradeoff might be worth it-especially if the Lakers sweeten the pot with a future first-round pick.
Why the Lakers Might Say Yes
For Los Angeles, this deal is about two things: fit and upside.
Keon Ellis checks a lot of boxes for the Lakers. He’s a tenacious on-ball defender who can guard multiple positions, and he’s shooting 41.5% from deep for his career.
That’s the kind of two-way wing every contender needs, especially one built around stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ellis doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and his defensive versatility would be a welcome addition to a team that’s struggled on that end of the floor.
Then there’s Monk. Lakers fans know what he brings-instant offense, shot creation, and a little flair. He’s shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc this season, and while his contract is a big one, the Lakers would be reuniting with a player who already knows the system and has proven he can thrive in L.A.
The cost? Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht.
Hachimura has had his moments in purple and gold, but he’s struggled to carve out a consistent role this season. Knecht has potential, but the Lakers are in win-now mode, and development minutes are hard to come by.
If moving those two nets you a high-level defender and a sharpshooting sixth man, it’s a price worth considering.
And don’t overlook the draft implications. If the Lakers can get a 2029 first-round pick back in the deal-or even just unlock the ability to trade multiple firsts moving forward-it gives them more flexibility to make another move down the line. That could be the difference between a fringe playoff team and a real contender.
The Verdict
No, this trade isn’t a slam dunk for either side. There are risks involved-financial, developmental, and otherwise. But it’s the kind of mutually beneficial deal that could help both teams address glaring weaknesses.
For Sacramento, it’s a chance to reset the books and retool the rotation with players who better fit their system. For the Lakers, it’s an opportunity to add two high-level contributors who can help them right now-and still leave room for future moves.
It’s not often you see division rivals help each other out at the deadline. But in this case, uneasy allies might just be exactly what both teams need.