The Sacramento Kings’ Trade Deadline Dilemma

The trade deadline has been a bit of a letdown for Sacramento Kings fans, who were hoping for more dramatic moves after a brief period of success. With the team slipping back into mediocrity, it’s clear that some tough decisions need to be made. While many players on the roster are available for trade, not all of them hold the same value or urgency when it comes to moving.

Here’s a look at three players the Kings should consider trading before the deadline and the reasoning behind each decision.

1. Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis has shown signs of returning to form after his injury, but there are several compelling reasons why both he and the Kings might benefit from a change.

First, Sabonis is set to earn over $94 million over the next two seasons, with his final year accounting for nearly 28% of the league cap. This kind of financial commitment limits the Kings’ flexibility as they try to rebuild their roster.

Additionally, the Kings have young players like Dylan Cardwell and Maxime Raynaud who need playing time. Coach Doug Christie has even considered benching Sabonis since his return from injury. This makes it harder to find minutes for the younger players, which is crucial for their development.

Another factor is that Sabonis raises the team’s floor too much. For a team aiming to keep its lottery odds high, having a player who significantly contributes to winning can actually be a drawback. This could make Sabonis a valuable asset in trade discussions around the league.

2. Keon Ellis

Keon Ellis is another player who may need to be moved, despite the potential backlash from fans.

Ellis is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and while he has the potential to sign an extension in February, the Kings may have already lost their chance. Even if the opportunity still exists, moving Ellis now could help create space for Nique Clifford, who needs game time to develop.

While Ellis is a strong on-ball defender and ranks in the 98th percentile for forcing turnovers, he lacks switchability and struggles to create plays with the ball. This makes him less effective in a scaled-up role compared to players like Clifford, who show promise as a playmaker and versatile defender.

3. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan remains a productive scorer, averaging 19 points per game this season. However, his style of play doesn’t support the development of younger players on the roster.

DeRozan’s reliance on isolation plays and his tendency to slow down the pace of the game make him a poor fit for a team looking to build for the future. According to Cleaning the Glass, he has the lowest on/off differential on the team and sits in the 16th percentile in terms of impact.

Although DeRozan is guaranteed $10 million next season, his defensive limitations and ball-dominant style don’t align with the Kings’ current needs. It makes little sense to continue relying on a 36-year-old veteran who negatively impacts the team’s performance.

Why Not Zach LaVine?

Zach LaVine was not included on the list, but there are valid reasons for this. His contract is large, but it will expire next season, making him a more attractive trade candidate. LaVine’s skillset also fits better with a young team, as he has reduced his isolation-heavy play and improved his shooting efficiency.

His high 3PAr (three-point attempt rate) helps a team that lacks consistent shooting, and his ability to score off assists makes him a valuable asset. When considering contract, playstyle, and trade value, LaVine’s inclusion on the list isn’t as urgent as the other three players.

Final Thoughts

As the trade deadline approaches, the Kings must make tough decisions to ensure the best possible future for the franchise. Trading Sabonis, Ellis, and DeRozan could provide the flexibility needed to rebuild and develop younger talent. While these moves may be difficult for fans to accept, they could ultimately lead to long-term success for the team.