Sacramento Kings’ Strategic Move
The Sacramento Kings made a strategic move by trading with the Oklahoma City Thunder, acquiring 23-year-old swingman Nique Clifford as the 24th pick in the recent NBA Draft. However, the team faces a pressing need for a point guard following the departure of De’Aaron Fox, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs earlier this year. Scott Perry, the team’s new general manager, has been vocal about this requirement during his initial press conference in April, indicating that finding a suitable replacement is a priority as the offseason progresses.
Point Guard Pursuits
In pursuit of a solution, the Kings initially looked into acquiring experienced guard Jrue Holiday before his transfer from the Boston Celtics to the Portland Trail Blazers. Concerns over Holiday’s age, at 35, and the hefty price tag attached to him—$104.4 million through the 2027-28 season—prompted Sacramento to reconsider. Additionally, the team explored the possibility of landing Trae Young from Atlanta; however, they were deterred by Young’s offensive-heavy approach and his impending contract that could see him earning $45.9 million next season.
With those big-name targets off the table, the Kings are now shifting their focus to more cost-effective candidates during the upcoming free agency period, which begins on Monday at 6 p.m. ET. Reports suggest that Sacramento is showing significant interest in veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, although his negotiations with the Detroit Pistons could complicate that potential acquisition. Other players such as Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook are also part of the Kings’ considerations as they seek to fill their vacancy.
Broader Roster Changes
Beyond searching for a point guard, Sacramento is exploring broader roster changes. The team is open to trade discussions for various players, driven by a need to streamline a roster that features a mix of high-paying, mismatched talents acquired under the previous management, led by Monte McNair and Wes Wilcox—with significant input from owner Vivek Ranadivé.
Among the notable roster members is Zach LaVine, whose current contract amounts to $96.4 million, including a player option for the 2026-27 season. While the two-time All-Star is eligible for an extension this summer, reports indicate that the Kings are not prioritizing a new deal for him. Instead, they appear more inclined to invest in younger players who can contribute to their long-term vision.
Future Aspirations
The Kings are reportedly eyeing Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga as a potential target when his restricted free agency starts, reflecting their ambition to attract younger talents. Although a deal for Kuminga seems improbable, it underscores the expanding scope of possibilities for Sacramento.
Domantas Sabonis, a cornerstone of the team, remains a focal point. While there have been discussions around his frustrations regarding the Fox trade, he has not requested a trade and maintains a positive rapport with Perry regarding the team’s future plans. As a three-time All-Star owed $140.3 million over the next three years, Sabonis is keen on seeing the Kings secure a reliable point guard to enhance their competitiveness.
