As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Sacramento Kings are emerging as one of the league’s most active teams on the seller’s side of the market. According to league insiders, Sacramento is keeping the phone lines open and the roster flexible-with very few names considered untouchable.
One executive summed it up like this: “Active is the word I would use to describe them.” And that tracks.
The Kings are reportedly willing to listen on just about everyone, with the exception of two players: fourth-year forward Keegan Murray and rookie Nique Clifford. Those two are considered foundational pieces, but beyond them, the message is clear-Sacramento is open for business.
That includes veterans like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, who have both been made available in trade talks. But here’s the catch: Sacramento isn’t looking to sweeten the pot with draft picks or include promising young guard Keon Ellis just to move high-salary players. The front office is drawing a line-if teams want their veterans, they’ll need to take them at face value.
Around the League: Trade Watch and Roster Moves
Elsewhere in the league, the Clippers’ situation with James Harden is starting to draw more attention. While there’s no indication yet that L.A. is ready to move the former MVP, teams are watching closely.
Harden’s age (36), contract (which includes a partially guaranteed player option for 2026-27), and the Clippers’ underwhelming performance this season make him a fascinating potential trade chip. One team to keep an eye on here: the Timberwolves, who are reportedly in the market for a playmaker.
The Pacers, meanwhile, have their eyes on Utah’s Walker Kessler. Indiana sees the young big man as a potential fit, but the Jazz don’t appear eager to move him-at least not before he hits restricted free agency. For now, it seems like Utah is content to hold onto their frontcourt depth.
In Miami, the Heat are navigating a tricky situation involving Terry Rozier. Rozier is currently on leave following his arrest tied to a federal gambling investigation, and while the league hasn’t officially ruled on his trade eligibility, the Heat are said to be “quietly confident” they’ll be allowed to include his $26 million expiring contract in a trade. That’s significant, especially for salary-matching purposes as Miami looks to retool on the fly.
Rising Stock in Denver
Don’t sleep on Spencer Jones in Denver. The Nuggets’ two-way forward is making a strong case for a full-time roster spot, and league sources suggest he’s a near lock to have his deal converted before season’s end.
Denver has an open slot on its 15-man roster, and while the team is keeping a close eye on the luxury tax, Jones has been too productive to ignore. He’s appeared in all 25 games this season and has stepped up since entering the starting lineup, averaging 8.2 points and 3.9 rebounds on an efficient shooting line of .564/.448/.682.
That’s the kind of plug-and-play production contenders love heading into the stretch run.
Showcase Hopefuls in San Antonio
In San Antonio, a couple of familiar names are trying to work their way back into the league spotlight. Christian Koloko and Elfrid Payton have both joined the Spurs’ G League affiliate ahead of the NBAGL Showcase. For Payton, a veteran guard with years of NBA experience, and Koloko, a young big man still looking to carve out a consistent role, this weekend offers a chance to show teams they’re ready for another shot at the big stage.
As the trade deadline buzz builds, front offices around the league are evaluating not just stars and contracts, but also the fringe players and hidden gems who could make a difference. Whether it’s Sacramento reshaping its roster, Miami navigating off-court uncertainty, or Denver rewarding in-house development, the moves being made now are setting the stage for what could be a wild finish to the season.