The Sacramento Kings are riding a surprising hot streak, rattling off four straight wins-including impressive victories over playoff-caliber squads like the Rockets, Lakers, and Knicks. It’s the kind of stretch that makes you raise an eyebrow and wonder: could Sacramento be turning a corner? But despite the recent surge, the Kings are still looking up at the Western Conference playoff picture, and as the trade deadline approaches, the buzz around the league suggests they’re more likely to be sellers than buyers.
One name that keeps surfacing in trade talks is DeMar DeRozan. According to league sources, the Kings had exploratory conversations with the Clippers about a potential deal involving DeRozan and Keon Ellis in exchange for John Collins and another smaller contract. That was before the Clippers caught fire, winning 11 of their last 13 games-momentum that may have cooled their interest in shaking up the roster.
For the Kings, though, the motivation to move veteran pieces like DeRozan is clear. Sacramento’s front office is facing a pivotal moment: stick with a roster built around aging stars or pivot toward a youth movement that prioritizes long-term growth. That second option is gaining traction, especially with the team still well outside the playoff picture.
Domantas Sabonis is another name floating around in trade circles. The versatile big man recently returned from an MCL injury and remains a force on the glass and a skilled offensive presence. But questions about his defense persist, and with the Kings evaluating their long-term core, it’s not out of the question that Sabonis could be part of a larger reset.
The Kings came into this season with a roster that felt like a throwback to the early 2020s Chicago Bulls-an odd blend of veteran scorers and mismatched pieces. Now, with the trade deadline looming, the front office needs to define a clear path forward. Whether that means stockpiling draft picks, targeting young talent, or finding a new identity altogether, the next few weeks will be telling.
In the short term, Sacramento will try to keep the good vibes rolling when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. A fifth straight win would be a welcome boost, but the bigger question remains: will this team be built to win now, or is a rebuild on the horizon?