As the entire NBA waits to hear what happens with Kevin Durant, the Sacramento Kings are preparing to benefit from him in their own way. While they have no intention of hunting for Durant, they could be part of a big trade that is related to him.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Miami Heat and other teams might target DeMar DeRozan if their plans for Durant fall through. He is currently viewed as a backup plan, and the Kings are waiting to see who picks up the phone and calls.
Fans want the Kings to build a future with the DeRozan trade
The Heat are the most interesting prospect for the Kings when it comes to a DeRozan trade, because they hold something Sacramento desperately wants: a good draft pick. The Kings have reportedly been telling agents that there is a possibility that they have a draft pick in the early 20s next week. As luck would have it, the Heat hold the 20th pick. So, this lines up perfectly with Sacramento’s desires. Any potential DeRozan trade should include the 20th pick, right?
But the Kings have an unfortunate history of making mistakes with their trades, often choosing the wrong person or letting them go before they reach their primes. Therefore, many loyal Kings fans are nervous about how the Kings will handle this situation.
A growing number of loyal followers want the Kings to be solely focused on the future. A DeRozan trade should be about acquiring that draft pick, and nothing is more important than that. The understandable fear is that the Kings will attempt to get current players instead, valuing a win-now concept instead of a rebuild. One can imagine them trying to grab someone like Duncan Robinson or even Terry Rozier.
In many ways, this will be a test and a way for fans to figure out what direction the Kings are moving in. Are they truly committed to laying the foundation for the years ahead, or are they convinced they can win in 2025-26 and just need a few minor tweaks to the roster?
Of course, this all depends on what happens with Durant, so the Kings’ front office is closely monitoring that situation. If he goes to Miami, this deal is off the table. But even then, Sacramento might be able to turn DeRozan into a package that brings them a draft pick that will set them up for long-term success.
For the last few weeks, people have wondered how the Kings will handle the offseason. Will they try to adjust the lineup they have now with players already in the league or start thinking about the road ahead? This DeRozan trade could give great insight into their mindset.
