Despite trading away a key player before the NBA trade deadline, the Sacramento Kings remain competitive as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. With a 33-31 record, they are well-positioned for at least a Play-In Tournament berth. The team’s core—including Malik Monk, Jonas Valančiūnas, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis—is under contract for at least the next two seasons. While the Kings could opt for a complete rebuild by trading away assets for draft picks, they also have the potential for a deep playoff run, especially with a full offseason to build chemistry.
Sacramento has been urged to make an immediate offseason move to find a true floor general to replace De’Aaron Fox. A recent Bleacher Report article proposed a trade idea that would send Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker from the Indiana Pacers to the Kings in exchange for DeRozan and a second-round pick. While losing an elite scorer like DeRozan would be a blow, Nembhard offers strong defense and playmaking, creating scoring opportunities for LaVine, Sabonis, and Monk, who excel off the ball. The 25-year-old guard is currently averaging 10.3 points and 5.1 assists per game, and those numbers could rise with an expanded role outside of Tyrese Haliburton’s shadow—a player who, ironically, would be an ideal fit for the Kings.
“The Kings need a new franchise point guard after trading away De’Aaron Fox at the deadline,” wrote Greg Swartz. “Nembhard has shined in this role when given the opportunity, and the 25-year-old would look good in a starting lineup alongside Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis.”
Walker, meanwhile, has struggled primarily due to limited playing time but could thrive in Sacramento, where his defensive skills would be maximized.