The Sacramento Kings find themselves at a crossroads after dismantling their backcourt by trading away two All-Star point guards within three years. With Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox now suiting up for other franchises, the Kings enter the 2025 offseason anchored by Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
While this veteran core should keep Sacramento competitive enough to avoid lottery positioning, it likely lacks the firepower necessary to make significant noise in the loaded Western Conference.
The question facing the organization: double down on mediocrity or embrace a complete rebuild?
Brown Emerges as Unlikely Trade Target
Most analysts believe Sacramento needs to wave the white flag and begin a full rebuild. However, some within the Kings’ front office appear determined to take the opposite approach, potentially targeting high-profile veterans to complement their current roster.
The Boston Celtics present an intriguing trade partner, as the defending champions face significant roster challenges heading into next season. Superstar Jayson Tatum’s recovery timeline from his torn Achilles remains uncertain, while the organization has already shipped out key contributors Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to reduce salary obligations.
These circumstances have prompted front offices around the league to gauge Boston’s willingness to move 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and star guard Derrick White. While the Celtics haven’t seriously indicated a desire to deal either player, league sources suggest they remain open to listening to substantial offers.
NBA insider Zach Lowe surprisingly floated the Kings as a potential trade suitor for Brown during a recent podcast appearance.
“I get the sense there was real smoke, there was something going on,” Lowe said regarding the rumors surrounding Brown.
“That something maybe has subsided. I said last week that I would bet on [White and Brown] being on the Celtics next year, but I’m not slamming the door shut on some team — the Kings come to mind — being like, we’ll offer you everything, all the swaps, all the picks, whatever you want for Jaylen Brown, and at least making the Celtics think about it.”
The Financial Reality Check
Sacramento certainly possesses the assets to construct an enticing offer for Boston. The Kings maintain control of their future draft picks, possess promising young talents, and have veteran contracts that could help balance the financial equation. However, the fundamental question remains: why would Sacramento pursue such a move?
Brown’s contract represents a significant financial commitment, with four seasons remaining on his five-year, $285.4 million deal. If the 28-year-old wing were five years younger, the proposition might make sense as a long-term cornerstone investment. Instead, Brown sits squarely in his prime, ready to contribute to a championship contender immediately.
This timing mismatch creates a fundamental problem for Sacramento’s roster construction. Brown’s peak years align poorly with the Kings’ current competitive window, while his massive contract would severely limit the organization’s flexibility to build around him effectively.
Even if Sacramento successfully acquired Brown, the resulting roster would likely fall short of championship expectations. A core built around Brown and Sabonis might perform respectably in the postseason, but such a lineup lacks the elite star power necessary to compete with the Western Conference’s top contenders.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Lowe concluded. “I think they will both be on the team next year, but they instantly could become the main characters of free agency.”
For now, the Kings appear more likely to explore alternative paths forward, whether through additional veteran acquisitions or the more prudent route of embracing a comprehensive rebuild around their younger assets.
