Trade rumors have swirled around the Sacramento Kings for the past two months or so, and have included nearly everyone in Doug Christie’s rotation. What are the latest rumors, and which players are most likely to be shipped out of SacTown?
Young Veteran Guard Emerges As Kings Player Most Likely To Be Dealt, Where Could He Land?
Sacramento is on pace for its second-worst season since moving to Northern California and third-worst in franchise history. Sacramento is 12-35 on the campaign, which is the fourth-worst mark in the league. The Kings have lost a league-high 23 games by double-figures and have been outscored by 10.2 points, the second-most in the NBA. The 2008-09 Kings won just 17 games, setting the franchise’s low mark.
As a result of the Kings’ struggles, trade rumors continue to run rampant. Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, Devin Carter, and Keon Ellis are the players whose days with the franchise may be numbered.
“I don’t give a f— about that,” Dennis Schroder told Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee recently about the rumors. “At the end of the day, I enjoy every single day being in the NBA. I don’t take it for granted.”
“Everybody else in this locker room, they’re just going to play,” Schroder added. “Nothing is going to change, really. You’re going to have the same salary. Of course, you’re going to have new teammates when something happens, a new organization, but at the end of the day, you’re still one of 400 people in the NBA out of eight billion (in the world) who play this game, and I think everybody should look at it this way.
The Kings are $3.2 million under the luxury tax. The Kings are also $11 million from being hard-capped at the first apron. More significantly, the Kings project to be just $11.1 million under the luxury tax in 2026-27 despite having only nine players in the fold. They own nine future first-round picks and possibly six second-round selections.
Keon Ellis Is The Most Likely Player To be Moved?
While Sacramento has been rumored to move Monk and Carter since this summer, Marc Stein of The Stein Line believes that Ellis is now the most likely King to be on the move.
Ellis has struggled to carve out a niche in Christie’s first full season as head coach, as the Kings brought in Russell Westbrook and Schroder in the offseason. Ellis, who produced a career year a season ago, averages 5.5 points and 1.1 steals in 18 minutes per game over 40 appearances. He is also knocking down 1.2 threes while shooting 39.2/36.4/62.5. He has scored in double-figures eight times, including two 20-point games.
Ellis, who is making $2.3 million this season, is on an expiring contract and is projected to be an inexpensive player next season. He has value around the league due to his defensive and 3-point shooting ability.
Ellis is an elite point of attack defender who can guard all three backcourt positions and small-four men. Eliis moves well laterally, has strong, quick hands, and great anticipation. He is an outstanding catch-and-shoot 3-point marksman, canning 1.4 treys at a career 41.5% clip. Additionally, he has a strong frame and makes few mistakes.
The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors are among the 10 teams reportedly interested in acquiring the 6-4 guard.
Sacramento is believed to be seeking a first-round pick, perhaps one that includes protection. However, the Kings would likely settle for a pair of second-round selections, including one this year.
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