The Sacramento Kings are evaluating potential trades involving veteran players as the team struggles through a 6-20 start to the 2025-26 season. Sources said Marc J. Spears of Andscape that a rift has emerged between key veterans and head coach Doug Christie, prompting the front office to consider roster moves.
Veterans Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis and Russell Westbrook are among the names expected to be explored in trade talks. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season with a $48.97 million player option for 2026-2027, while Sabonis has a salary of $42.3 million through 2027-2028 without options. DeRozan and Westbrook’s contracts this season are $24.75 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
The Kings’ cap situation adds extra pressure to make moves. Sacramento has an active roster cap of $184.66 million, exceeding the league cap by $56.2 million, leaving limited flexibility under the luxury tax apron. Even with expected expirations like Westbrook, Dario Saric and Doug McDermott, the club faces a projected deficit of $79.5 million for 2026-2027.
The battle for the roster in Sacramento extends beyond contracts. Keegan Murray and other young players have shown promise, but the experienced core has yet to mesh effectively with the coaching staff’s system. This misalignment has contributed to the team’s current losing streak and inconsistent performance.
The Kings’ highest-paid veterans remain central to any trading strategy. LaVine, DeRozan and Sabonis provide scoring and experience, while Westbrook provides playmaking despite declining efficiency. Moving one or more of these players could provide opportunities to reshape the roster around younger assets like Murray and other emerging talent.
Projected free agency also factors into Sacramento’s considerations. LaVine and DeRozan will become unrestricted free agents after 2026-2027, while Sabonis and Malik Monk will become free agents after 2027-2028. Managing these timelines will be critical as the front office balances immediate competitiveness with long-term flexibility.
#Kings #explore #trades #Sabonis #LaVine #DeRozan #Westbrook #TalkBasket.net