The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and for the Sacramento Kings, the buzzer didn’t just signal the end of trade talks-it marked a series of missed opportunities that could shape the rest of their season.
Let’s break it down.
Sacramento Stays Quiet at the Deadline
Heading into the trade window, the Kings were seen as a team ready to make a splash. There was noise around Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis-all potentially on the move. Then, in a late twist, Ja Morant's name surfaced as a possible blockbuster target.
But when the dust settled at noon Pacific, none of it materialized. Morant is still in Memphis.
Sabonis, Monk, and DeRozan are still in Sacramento. The only one from that original group no longer on the roster?
Keon Ellis.
The Kings, sitting on 40 losses, are now heading into a Friday matchup against a Clippers team that just shipped James Harden to Cleveland-another signal that big moves were on the table across the league. Sacramento just wasn’t part of the action.
Here’s where the Kings missed the mark:
Missed Opportunity #1: No Deal for Domantas Sabonis
If there was one player on Sacramento’s roster who seemed poised to move, it was Domantas Sabonis. A three-time All-Star, still just 29, and back in double-double form after recovering from a partially torn MCL-he checked a lot of boxes for teams looking to make a serious push.
Toronto reportedly showed interest, with a framework that included center Jakob Poeltl and his sizeable contract. That deal had potential. Sacramento could’ve absorbed the salary, restructured it later, and walked away with a different look in the frontcourt.
And then came the curveball: Khris Middleton was also in the mix. That’s right-Sacramento had a shot at landing the Bucks forward, but that deal fell apart too.
Ultimately, the Kings stood pat, reportedly holding out for draft compensation, including an extra first-round pick. But when a player is coming off injury and nearing 30, the market cools fast. That’s the gamble Sacramento took-and lost.
GM Scott Perry now finds himself under the microscope. Two strong trade possibilities for Sabonis evaporated, and the Kings are left with the same core that hasn’t been able to string together consistent wins.
Missed Opportunity #2: Ja Morant Slips Away
Let’s be clear-Ja Morant is one of the most electrifying talents in the league. Yes, there’s baggage.
Off-court distractions have clouded his career at times. And yes, he reportedly had no interest in coming to Sacramento.
But that’s where front offices earn their keep. The Kings had an opening to pitch Morant on a fresh start, a chance to team up with DeRozan and Russell Westbrook to form a dynamic trio. Throw in Sabonis or rising big Maxime Raynaud, and suddenly you’ve got a core that could compete with anyone on a given night.
Instead, Morant stays in Memphis, and the Kings are left wondering what could’ve been. This one’s going to sting for a while.
Missed Opportunity #3: Undervaluing Keon Ellis
Early in the trade cycle, Malik Monk was seen as the more likely trade chip. But as discussions evolved, it became clear Keon Ellis had drawn more interest around the league.
And now, Ellis is gone.
That leaves head coach Doug Christie with some decisions to make. Monk, still on the roster, needs to see more consistent minutes. He’s proven he can be a spark plug off the bench, and with Dennis Schroeder and Ellis out, the rotation needs stability.
Enter De’Andre Hunter, a newcomer who’ll likely share bench leadership duties with Monk moving forward. But that pairing only works if Monk gets the usage he deserves-a responsibility that now falls squarely on Christie’s shoulders.
Meanwhile, the Kings failed to move Monk while his value was still high. Another swing and miss.
The Bottom Line
The Kings came into the trade deadline with assets, options, and ambition. But as the clock hit zero, they walked away empty-handed.
No Sabonis deal. No Morant splash.
No return for Monk.
Instead of reshaping their roster for a playoff push or setting the table for the future, Sacramento stood still-and in today’s NBA, standing still can feel like falling behind.
Now, it’s up to the coaching staff and front office to make the most of what’s left. Because if the goal is to build a winner, the Kings just let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.