While the Sacramento Kings have been linked to some big names during the early stages of the offseason, it’s becoming more likely they will bring in a stop-gap option for their starting point guard vacancy.
After being linked to stars like Trae Young and Darius Garland in recent weeks, whispers grew louder over the days leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft that Sacramento might go in another direction to fill the role.
Instead of leveraging first-round picks and future flexibility for a player like Young or Garland, the Kings appear to be more comfortable with a stop-gap solution for the 2025-26 season.
More proof of this way of thinking was confirmed late Tuesday night when NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Sacramento is viewed as a ‘likely leading suitor’ for veteran guard Dennis Schröder when the NBA’s free agency negotiation period begins on Monday, June 30th.
The Kings are already being painted as a likely leading suitor for Dennis Schröder when free agency begins, @TheSteinLine has learned.
MUCH more on the Kings and MANY trade, free agency and draft matters in this new piece co-scribed with @JakeLFischer: https://t.co/niZqzRShhZ pic.twitter.com/XWls8MSNtK
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2025
Schröder, who is coming off his 12th NBA season, spent the 2024-25 season with Brooklyn, Golden State, and Detroit, where he finished with averages of 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game on 40/34/83 shooting splits (75 games).
The soon-to-be 32-year-old will likely command the Kings’ mid-level exception ($14.1 million), which could be enough to pry him away from the Pistons in free agency.
Signing Schröder would be a true stop-gap move for Sacramento, which will be entering an offseason of uncertainty after moving on from former Coach of the Year winner Mike Brown, franchise guard De’Aaron Fox, and former Executive of the Year winner Monte McNair over the past six months.
If new general manager Scott Perry is looking for a one-year solution who can help the Kings remain competitive while retaining financial and roster flexibility, a point guard like Schröder or a Schröder-type in free agency appears to be the most likely route for the open spot.
Sacramento is still widely believed to be looking into trading into the end of the first round of Wednesday’s NBA Draft, meaning they could draft a guard to play behind Schröder next season before evaluating their options at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Last year’s 13th overall pick in the draft, Devin Carter, could also be in line for an increased role if the Kings are unable to acquire a first-round pick, but multiple reports indicate that Perry is currently gauging league interest in the Providence product.
Finding a point guard remains at the top of Perry’s to-do list, and he will likely find his solution in the next week as the NBA Draft concludes and free agency begins.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
Jason Anderson, Sacramento Kings reporter for The Sacramento Bee, joined The Drive Guys on Tuesday to expand on his recent reporting that the Sacramento Kings “would be reluctant to part with either” Keegan Murray or Keon Ellis, what could take place during tomorrow’s 2025 NBA Draft, and more.
“The Kings would be reluctant to trade either one,” Anderson said on the show. “They’re young, they’re versatile. They’re strong defensively. The Kings need more of that, not less.”
They also dove into how the Kevin Durant trade (to the Houston Rockets) could open up the market for more deals to get done, which we’ve already seen with Jordan Poole, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Be sure to check out the entire Kings Roundtable with Jason Anderson on the Sactown Sports 1140 YouTube page.
Jason Anderson: Kings “would be reluctant” to move Murray, Ellis
What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?
Although the Sacramento Kings do not own a first-round pick, they are in the process of preparing for June 25-26th’s 2025 NBA Draft.
Sacramento’s first-round pick was finally conveyed to Atlanta in what was the final ripple effect from the 2022 offseason trade that brought Kevin Huerter to the Kings.
While they won’t select in the first round, Sacramento owns the 42nd pick in the draft, meaning they will select at least one player on Day 2 (June 26th) of the draft.
Be sure to keep up on all Kings offseason news right here on Sactown Sports 1140, with live on-air coverage every Monday-Friday from 6 am to 6 pm PT.
Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:
Wednesday, June 25th – 2025 NBA Draft
Monday, June 30th – NBA free agent negotiations can begin
Sunday, July 6th – NBA free agents can officially sign with teams
July 10th-20th – Las Vegas NBA Summer League
August TBD – Release of 2025-26 regular season schedule
September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season
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