The Sacramento Kings have struggled since their impressive 2022-23 season, where they won 48 games, secured the Pacific Division title, captivated the league with their “Light The Beam” tradition, and took the defending champion Golden State Warriors to seven games in a tough first-round playoff series. Now, their declining fortunes may lead to the departure of another star player.
If the Kings fail to turn things around for the remainder of this season and the beginning of the next, veteran star may have no choice but to seek a trade to a more competitive team, as noted by ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel.
According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, many around the league are bracing for the possibility that the Kings could become major sellers ahead of the 2026 trade deadline next February. If Sacramento fails to establish a clear direction, this could prompt top stars to request a trade.
For now, the Kings appear committed to their current core and are expected to run it back to start next season, as Siegel noted. However, the NBA landscape can shift quickly, and if their struggles continue, Sacramento may find itself heading toward another rebuild.
While the situation isn’t entirely dire for the Kings, Siegel questioned how far their current roster can take them, given their lackluster play throughout the 2024-25 season.
“Sabonis is just finishing the first year of his $186 million extension with the franchise. [Keegan] Murray will be entering the final year of his rookie contract and eligible for an extension. [DeMar] DeRozan will turn 36 in August and be in the second season of his three-year deal with the team. What is the direction of the Kings at this point?” Siegel wrote.