A lot of the talk surrounding the Sacramento Kings and their plans for this offseason has been about selling. However, the team may surprisingly pass on that approach.
A 40-42 season that featured a loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Play-In Tournament does not come off as a situation to build on. That feels especially true considering the departure of former franchise point guard De'Aaron Fox via trade.
However, it is that precise exit that has the Kings considering all their options heading into the offseason. Recent trade rumors are suggesting Sacramento could be buyers in an effort to replace Fox for the long-term.
DeMar DeRozan
Mar 7, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center.
© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Grant Afseth reported that the Kings will be eyeing two star point guards to fill the hole left at the spot for the franchise. Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks are the two names to monitor for Sacramento.
Garland is coming off one of his better campaigns as a pro. The Cavaliers guard averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting 47.2 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite the stellar play, the Cavaliers fell to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The result has led to the door being open in Cleveland for a shakeup to their current core.
Young delivered another season that fans are accustomed to by now. The Hawks guard averaged a double-double, with 24.2 points and 11.6 assists per game.
However, efficiency issues plagued Young this year. The Hawks offensive engine only managed to shoot 41.1 percent from the field and 34.0 percent from 3-point.
Either one of these two guards would make for a serviceable long-term replacement for Fox. The question with either one of those additions would still involve a debate regarding the overall ceiling of that group.