What the ‘active’ Kings won’t do to trade expensive stars

As the NBA trade season begins to ramp up, The Sacramento Kings have emerged as one of the league’s most talked about potential sellers. While competitive executives are increasingly describing Sacramento as “active” ahead of the trade deadline, a new report clarifies what the franchise does not want to work when it comes to moving their most expensive players.

Marc Stein of Stein Line detailed the Kings’ position in his latest report, noting that Sacramento has become a frequent topic in trade talks around the league.

“The team most often portrayed as the Trade Deadline Sellers as the exposure begins?

Most rival teams would nominate Sacramento first. “Active is the word I would use to describe them,” said one veteran executive for the Kings.
Zach LaVine is out for at least a week with a sprained ankle that was announced Wednesday, but LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are certainly made available. Domantas Saboniseven though he’s currently sidelined with a knee injury, he’s also creating no shortage of trade talk.”

Stein added that despite Sacramento’s openness to talks, the front office has set firm boundaries in negotiations.

“As Fisher first reported, Toronto has expressed scouting interest in Sabonis. The Kings have been generally open to making trade calls to just about anyone on the roster outside of Keegan Murray and rookie Nikua Clifford, but they’ve also been telling potential trade partners that they don’t intend to attach draft capital to veteran contracts to try to move them … or use Keon Ellis’ contract to try to sweeten deals. Ellis has been attracting trades for some time given the lack of 3-and-D players available around the league right now.”

The Kings are drawing hard lines in trade talks despite the expensive contracts

Sacramento’s financial picture provides context for that view. Sabonis, a 29-year-old former All-Star, is in the second year of a four-year, $186 million deal and is making $42.3 million this season, with his contract running through the 2027-28 season. While the Kings have not indicated they want to trade Sabonis, Stein’s reporting suggests they were willing to center scouting interest from teams like the Toronto Raptors.

DeRozan, 36, is in the second year of a three-year, $73.8 million contract he signed via a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls during the 2024 offseason. He makes $24.7 million this season. LaVine, 30, is in the fourth year of a five-year, $215.1 million deal and is making $47.4 million this season, with a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Kings’ record further fueled speculation. Sacramento sits at 6–20, a disappointing start that has pressured the organization to evaluate its direction while balancing financial flexibility and asset preservation.

That approach is particularly relevant with Keon Ellis, a 25-year-old guard who continues to generate interest around the league. Ellis is averaging 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 40 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range in 24 appearances, playing 17 minutes per game. He is in the final year of a three-year, $5.1 million rookie contract and is set to become a free agent next summer.

Despite being labeled “active,” Sacramento’s position is clear. The Kings are willing to listen to high-salary veterans, but aren’t ready to commit draft capital or cost-controlled young players to move those contracts. As the deadline approaches, that discipline will shape whether any of the league’s most talked about trade scenarios end up coming to fruition.