The Sacramento Kings have been heavily linked to Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. throughout the pre-draft process, but if they truly view him as their future franchise floor general, standing pat at No. 7 may not be enough.
During a recent discussion on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, hosts Kevin Gleason and Allen Stiles examined a hypothetical trade proposed by CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn that would allow the Kings to move up two spots in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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The proposed deal is simple: Sacramento would acquire the No. 5 overall pick from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for the No. 7 pick and 2027 first-round pick swap rights that are protected if the Kings land a top-three selection.
For a team desperate to find long-term stability at point guard, the price is intriguing.
PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 21: Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks on against the High Point Panthers during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 21, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
More on Darius Acuff Jr.
“That’s it?” Stiles said when hearing the proposal. “I would do it if you believe in Darius Acuff that much.”
The logic is straightforward. If Sacramento’s front office is convinced Acuff is the best point guard in the draft and fears another team could select him before No. 7, moving up two spots could guarantee they land their guy.
More importantly, the Sacramento Kings would not be surrendering an outright first-round pick. They would still own a first-round selection in 2027, only giving the Clippers the right to swap positions if Los Angeles ends up drafting later.
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That distinction is significant.
Stiles pointed out that Sacramento would still maintain protection if its 2027 pick lands in the top three. However, Gleason remained skeptical of sacrificing future flexibility for a modest jump up the draft board.
“I need that pick more than I need to move up two spots,” Gleason argued.
His concern reflects the larger question facing the franchise. The Kings are coming off a disappointing 22-60 season and still have major roster holes to address, with limited financial flexibility.
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Trading future draft picks, even in the form of a swap, carries risk if Sacramento struggles again in 2027.
The biggest variable may be how strongly the Kings value Darius Acuff compared to other prospects expected to be available at No. 7. If Sacramento believes Acuff is a future All-Star and the clear best point guard on its board, a move to No. 5 becomes much easier to justify.
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Ultimately, the Sacramento Kings’ willingness to trade up may come down to one question:
Is Darius Acuff Jr. truly worth betting future draft capital on? If the answer is yes, this type of deal could be exactly what it takes to secure him if there is real concern he won’t be on the board come the seventh selection.
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.
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Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.
Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors and MUCH more.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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