The Sacramento Kings have been active ahead of the NBA trade deadline, but a new name has entered the conversation - and it’s a big one. With just hours left before the deadline, whispers around the league suggest the Kings haven’t entirely ruled out a run at Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
Let’s start with what we know. Kings general manager Scott Perry has already been busy, pulling off a deal that sent Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to Cleveland, and moving Dario Saric to Chicago as part of a three-team trade involving the Cavaliers and Bulls. Those moves weren’t blockbusters, but they did clear some space and flexibility - potentially setting the stage for something bigger.
That’s where Morant comes in.
According to league sources, Sacramento is one of the few teams - possibly the only one - still considering a move for the dynamic but polarizing All-Star guard. While the door isn’t wide open, it’s also not shut. The possibility remains alive, even if the odds are slim.
How slim? Think low single digits. That’s the word from insiders close to the situation, who say the Kings’ interest has always hinged on one key factor: price.
Morant’s talent is undeniable. He’s a game-changer - explosive, fearless, and capable of taking over a game in ways few others can.
But his off-court history and the uncertainty that comes with it have complicated his market. If his value drops low enough, Sacramento might feel it’s a gamble worth taking.
There’s another layer here: the Kings’ potential interest in offloading a contract that hasn’t aged well - namely, Zach LaVine’s. If Memphis were open to taking LaVine back in a deal, it might help Sacramento stomach the risk of bringing in Morant. But that part remains unclear.
One scenario floated by insiders suggests Memphis could sweeten the pot by attaching a first-round pick to a Morant deal. After trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah and netting three first-rounders in return, the Grizzlies suddenly have draft capital to work with. If they want to make a Morant deal more appealing to a team like Sacramento, that’s one way to do it.
From a basketball standpoint, Morant would immediately inject star power into a Kings roster that’s still trying to find its identity. Despite their record, Sacramento hasn’t quite captured the momentum they hoped for after last season’s playoff appearance. Morant would bring energy, attention, and a whole lot of ticket sales - not to mention the potential to accelerate the team’s rebuild.
Of course, all of this has to happen before the deadline hits on Thursday. The Kings aren’t known for making splashy, high-risk moves, but with Perry at the helm and head coach Doug Christie in the mix, they’re at least keeping their options open.
It’s a long shot, but in the wild world of NBA trade season, long shots sometimes hit. Keep an eye on Sacramento - they might not be done just yet.