New Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry joined The Drive Guys to discuss his draft philosophy, relationship with veteran DeMar DeRozan, and plenty more.
Perry secured multiple prospects in this week’s 2025 NBA Draft. Trading a future first-round pick (SAS’s 2027 top-16 protected), he used the acquired 24th to select Colorado State guard/wing Nique Clifford.
Still owners of the 42nd pick as well, Sacramento took Maxime Raynaud, a seven-foot stretch-big who played four seasons at Stanford. Auburn defensive big Dylan Cardwell was also signed on a two-way deal after going undrafted.
Clifford (23) and Raynaud (22) have both spent at least four seasons at the collegiate level, which Perry said helps aid the scouting process.
Kings GM Scott Perry shared his philosophy in selecting older players with The Drive Guys earlier today:
“I like when guys have put a resume together that you can really evaluate.”
“In this instance, they were the best players for us. They both address a need.” pic.twitter.com/RU7J2NvdgF
— Sactown Sports 1140 (@Sactown1140) June 27, 2025
“I like when guys have put a resume together that you can really evaluate,” Sacramento’s new GM told The Drive Guys.
“These are guys that got better each year in college… a good byproduct when you do get guys 22, 23 years old coming into the league, not only are they a little more physically mature, but they’re mentally more mature.”
Perry also acknowledged that logic does not mean they would not consider drafting a teenager if they thought he was the best player available.
With no expectations that the Kings will tear down their roster of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and Keon Ellis, drafting older players could allow them to contribute sooner.
But some restructuring could be done, and many expect at least some of those names to potentially be on the move. DeRozan specifically has been included in trade rumors.
Yet, Perry said he flew out to meet with the veteran last week. “(DeRozan) is all in and I’m looking forward to working with him this season,” he said.
The rookies will be on display at the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, where Perry and his executives will surely explore their potential offseason options with others in attendance.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
New Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry made some noise during this week’s 2025 NBA Draft, trading into the first round to select Colorado State guard/wing Nique Clifford.
They also used the 42nd pick to add Stanford seven-footer Maxime Raynaud while signing undrafted Auburn big Dylan Cardwell to a two-way deal. Raynaud provides a spacing option at the five, while Cardwell is more defensive oriented, despite his shorter frame.
21-year-old Isaac Nogues, who played last season with the Rip City Remix (Portland’s G-League affiliate), has reportedly agreed to an Exhibit 10 agreement with Sacramento.
While the California Classic will take place down I-80 in less than two weeks, Sacramento will not be participating this season. Fans’ first chance to see their new rookies will take place in Las Vegas starting on July 10th.
The event is scheduled to run through July 20th, when the championship game will take place.
Read More:
A look at Sacramento’s 2025 Las Vegas Summer League schedule
What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?
Following the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings will prepare for the start of NBA Free Agency.
The NBA free agency negotiation period begins on Monday, June 30th, at 3 pm PT, meaning Sacramento will be able to negotiate with players — but agreements cannot be officially completed until Sunday, July 6th.
Who will the Kings sign in free agency? Will new general manager Scott Perry make trades in hopes of upgrading the roster?
Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports 1140 each weekday from 6 am-6 pm for live analysis and around-the-clock coverage, as well as SactownSports.com for breakdowns for every move.
Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:
Wednesday, June 25th – Thursday, June 26th – 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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