While many around the NBA expected the Sacramento Kings to begin a rebuild this offseason after trading De’Aaron Fox last season, they instead elected to bolster their roster and make a run at a playoff spot this season.
Of course, the Kings’ core of Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine were all in trade rumors this summer but they will be returning this season and Sacramento also made some notable additions to their roster this summer.
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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) and forward DeMar DeRozan (10) and forward Keegan Murray (13)© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
The Kings selected Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud in the 2025 draft and they also landed Dennis Schroder in free agency via a sign and trade with the Detroit Pistons.
By making these moves, the Kings hope that they will be able to make a run at a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference, though they may look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline.
If that is the case, these three players could be potential trade candidates for Sacramento.
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DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10)© Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
DeRozan has been in trade rumors throughout the offseason as many around the league expected him to be on the move.
Despite this, the Kings have elected to keep the 36-year-old forward on their roster heading into the season and he should have a large role for Sacramento this season.
While that may be the case, DeRozan could potentially be moved ahead of the trade deadline, especially if the Kings have a disappointing start to the season that could see them begin a rebuild.
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Malik Monk
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Monk posted the best season of his NBA career last season and he was reportedly being shopped on the trade block by the Kings to begin the offseason.
It was later reported that Sacramento was not interested in moving the veteran guard but that could change ahead of the trade deadline.
Of course, Monk is a great scorer who would be a solid addition to many contenders’ rosters this season and he may draw interest from many teams around the NBA heading towards the trade deadline.
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Devin Carter
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22)© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
After missing the first half of his rookie season while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Devin Carter had an up-and-down after returning.
The young guard did show out on the defensive side of the ball but he still needs to improve offensively, especially his outside shooting.
While Carter looks to be a key piece to the Kings’ future, they could also look to move him this season, especially if they are able to package him and other players and picks to land another key piece to better their odds of making the playoffs.
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With the Kings looking to make the playoffs this season, they may elect to make multiple moves ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their roster or they could also potentially begin a rebuild if they struggle like they did last season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.