The NBA trade season is just around the corner, and while most of the league is gearing up for a midseason shakeup, all eyes are turning toward Sacramento - and not for the reasons the Kings were hoping for back in October.
At 6-22, the Kings find themselves tied for the third-worst record in the league. That’s a far cry from the dark-horse contender label some were cautiously throwing around before the season tipped off.
Instead of building on last year’s momentum, Sacramento has stumbled hard out of the gate. And now, with the trade window opening soon, the front office is staring down some tough decisions.
Two names already surfacing in trade chatter: Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Both are proven scorers with All-Star resumes, but neither has been able to move the needle for this team.
And in today’s NBA - where spacing, switchability, and two-way impact are king - there’s growing skepticism around how much value either player brings to a contender without sweeteners like draft picks attached. Their age and fit in the modern game complicate things further.
But Sacramento isn’t completely out of chips to play. One name that could command serious attention across the league is Domantas Sabonis.
The three-time All-Star is still one of the most versatile bigs in the game - a walking double-double who can facilitate from the elbow, dominate the glass, and anchor an offense with his high-IQ playmaking. The catch?
He might not be available.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Kings haven’t made a firm decision on Sabonis’ future. While they’re prioritizing potential trades involving LaVine and DeRozan, there’s no clear indication yet on whether they’re open to moving Sabonis. That uncertainty suggests at least some level of commitment to keeping him around - or at the very least, not rushing into a deal unless the return is significant.
That said, Stein also reports there’s “league-wide interest” in Sabonis. And that makes sense.
In a league where skilled big men are as valuable as ever, Sabonis offers a rare blend of toughness, vision, and offensive versatility. If Sacramento decides to hit the reset button in a real way, he’s the kind of player who could net a meaningful package of picks and young talent.
The Kings are at a crossroads. Do they try to retool around Sabonis and hope this season is just a blip? Or do they lean fully into a rebuild and see what the market has to offer for their most valuable asset?
One thing’s clear: with the trade deadline approaching and the Kings floundering in the standings, something has to give. And whether it’s a full teardown or a strategic pivot, Sacramento’s next move could shape the franchise’s direction for years to come.