The Sacramento Kings could be testing the trade market amid a lost season in which they might pivot into a new direction for the franchise.
One of the names of interest, according to the latest reports, is disgruntled Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant, whom the Kings have inquired about, per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
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Morant, 26, has struggled to regain his All-Star form this season and is averaging 17.9 points and 7.6 assists through 12 outings of Memphis’ 18 games played to date. His contract, worth $197.2 million over five years, includes a 15 percent trade bonus and could complicate any deal.
In his latest column, published on Wednesday morning, Scotto reports that Sacramento has signaled interest in Morant while also gauging the value of several of their veteran players for potential moves before the deadline.
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“The Sacramento Kings were among the teams to inquire regarding the availability of Ja Morant and have signaled the franchise will gauge the trade market for Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan,” Scotto wrote.
Despite Morant’s inconsistencies and missed time due to different suspensions, the Grizzlies guard remains a high-upside option for a team like the Kings, which is 6–12 and lacking backcourt production after De’Aaron Fox’s departure.
While there is no indication that a Morant-Kings deal is imminent, Sacramento is monitoring the situation, at the very least.
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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, Scotto also confirmed in his column that DeRozan keeps drawing interest, namely from the Los Angeles Clippers. The veteran wing was previously linked to the Clippers in a report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
“The trade markets for Sacramento’s Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan have been relatively quiet thus far, with the exception of two recent new items,” Scotto wrote. “DeRozan, who was once again linked to the Clippers in a recent report from The Athletic, is owed $24.75 million this season. Next season, DeRozan is guaranteed $10 million of his $25.74 million salary.”
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DeRozan is putting up 18.7 points and 3.6 assists per game this season while shooting 50 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three.
Related: Timberwolves Reportedly Target Ja Morant After Stance on Trading Anthony Edwards Emerges
Related: Kings’ DeMar DeRozan Trade Rumors Emerge Amid NBA Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.