As the Sacramento Kings weigh a potential reset, the front office is staring down two major realities: they need to get younger, and they need to get better defensively-fast. That’s not just a tweak-the-edges kind of situation.
It’s a foundational shift. And with Zach LaVine reportedly on the trade block, the Kings are eyeing a deal that could accelerate that transition.
So far, the Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as the most serious suitor for LaVine. And if that’s the case, Sacramento’s attention should be firmly locked on two key pieces from Milwaukee’s roster: Ryan Rollins and A.J. Green.
Let’s start with the big picture. The Kings’ current roster has age and defense working against it.
Their starting unit, in particular, has struggled to contain opposing offenses, and there’s a noticeable lack of young legs who can consistently make an impact on that end of the floor. That’s a tough combination in today’s NBA, where pace and perimeter defense are non-negotiables for any team with playoff aspirations.
Enter Keegan Murray. The 23-year-old forward is already a cornerstone for Sacramento-a two-way player with the defensive chops and versatility to anchor the next era of Kings basketball.
The rebuild, if it’s coming, will likely be built around his skill set and timeline. That means the Kings won’t just be looking for talent-they’ll be looking for the right kind of talent.
Young, defensively engaged, and capable of growing alongside Murray.
That’s where Rollins and Green come in.
Ryan Rollins, a 2022 second-round pick by the Warriors, has quietly blossomed in Milwaukee. This season, he’s taken a noticeable leap, especially when Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sidelined.
He’s not just filling minutes-he’s earning them. Giannis himself recently praised Rollins’ growth, calling it one of the most impressive jumps he’s seen in his 13-year NBA career.
That’s not just lip service. That’s a superstar recognizing a teammate who’s putting in the work and making a real impact.
Rollins brings a blend of defensive intensity and offensive poise that fits exactly what Sacramento needs. He’s still developing, but he’s shown he can step into bigger moments and hold his own. That kind of trajectory is gold for a team looking to retool with long-term upside.
Then there’s A.J. Green.
Undrafted in 2022, Green took the G League route and carved out a spot for himself on the Bucks’ main roster. Now, he’s a reliable three-and-D contributor-exactly the kind of role player every good team needs.
His shooting touch and defensive effort make him a valuable piece in any rotation, and at just 24, he’s still got room to grow.
Both Rollins and Green check the boxes the Kings are prioritizing: youth, defensive potential, and offensive reliability. If the Bucks are serious about adding LaVine to their core-a move that would give them another scoring threat alongside Giannis-they’ll need to part with real assets. Rollins and Green aren’t just throw-ins; they’re the kind of players Sacramento could plug into their lineup right away and develop over the next few years.
Of course, LaVine’s salary looms large in any potential deal. It’s a hefty contract, and matching that number won’t be easy.
A third team may need to get involved to make the math work, or Sacramento could be forced to take back a less desirable contract from Milwaukee to balance the books. But from a roster-building standpoint, Rollins and Green are the real prizes here.
For Sacramento, this isn’t just about moving a star-it’s about reshaping the identity of the team. If the Kings are going to pivot toward a younger, more defensively sound core, this is the kind of trade that could set the tone. Rollins and Green may not be household names yet, but they’re exactly the type of players who could help Sacramento turn the page-and start writing a new chapter.