Uncertainty wanes in Sacramento. After a 48-34 3rd-place finish in the Western Conference in 2022-23 (resulting in a first-round exit), the team went 46-36 in 2023-24, finishing 10th in the West (eliminated in the Play-In).
In hopes of a deep playoff run, the team made a splash before the season in DeMar DeRozan, only for the experiment to abruptly fail this season. The Kings finished just 40-42, with another 10th-place finish and play-in elimination in the Western Conference. So now what?
After the most successful stretch in recent Kings history, life is different in Sacramento. De'Aaron Fox is gone, Mike Brown is gone, and new front office executives have arrived. Likely to be among the most active teams this offseason, Sacramento lacks defense, depth, and young pieces to build for the future.
A roster full of individual talent, the Kings are on the outside looking in for playoff contention in 2025-26. New general manager Scott Perry will have his hands full improving the team.
Without a ton of youth or assets, the Kings will have to mull trade offers for their core. DeMar DeRozan's first season with the team didn't end how he hoped, and Domantas Sabonis' future remains uncertain.
Zach LaVine showed promise in his half-season with Sacramento, but his fit next to Malik Monk and others remains questionable. As roster changes loom, we've established five trade proposals to shake up the roster for more competitive future iterations of the team.
Unexpected team has emerged in sweepstakes for Sabonis
Rumors continue to increase about Toronto's intentions this offseason. With a youthful core and healthy season from Brandon Ingram, the Raptors are poised to return to the postseason. However, team president Masai Ujiri appears inclined to improve the roster.
Not only is Toronto in the mix for Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the team has emerged as the betting favorite to trade for Kings center Domantas Sabonis. Expect activity from Toronto with so many stars likely available.
For Sacramento, the season ended with a new-look team and uncertainty for the future. As a result, every option is available this offseason, including moving Sabonis. The growing expectation remains that at least one of Sabonis, Zach LaVine, or DeMar DeRozan is traded before next season. So, below is a trade proposal to suffice both sides towards their current objectives.
This trade serves as a breath of fresh air for Sacramento, but the beginning of a new era for Toronto. After the Kings acquired Jonas Valanciunas at last year's trade deadline, Sacramento secured another frontcourt option besides Sabonis.
By receiving Poeltl, the team keeps a nice tandem at center, while securing a young wing in RJ Barrett. With two additional first-rounders, the team can pivot towards rebuilding or playoff contention.
For Toronto, rumored interest in a young center (through the draft) like Derik Queen and Khama Maluach makes Poeltl expendable, still valuable. The move signals playoffs for the Raptors, with Brandon Ingram and Sabonis as key veteran acquisitions since the new year began.
The Kings move on from the 'Beam Team' era, while Toronto's short stay as a top lottery team likely ends. Similarly to Toronto, another potential trade partner with Sacramento, is seeking clarity in its current situation.