Potential 2027 NBA Free Agent Targets for the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings could enter the summer of 2027 with more than $70 million in potential cap space, creating the kind of financial flexibility general manager Scott Perry has not had since taking over the franchise.

Zach LaVine’s $49 million contract and De’Andre Hunter’s $24 million deal are both set to come off the books next summer, giving Sacramento an opportunity to reshape its roster around the identity Perry has been building.

But having money and convincing players to spend their money in Sacramento are two very different things.

“Just because you have money in cap space, Kayla, doesn’t mean that you’re going to be able to use it the way that you want to,” Matt George of Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show said this week. “Free agency is not always as simple as here’s the money, deal, deal.”

Sactown Sports’ Kayla Anderson pointed to Sacramento’s longstanding difficulty attracting free agents, but believes Perry could help change that perception.

“I do think Scott Perry is working to get to the point where he has enough recognition here or respect just for what he has done, that you can maybe get some of those free agents,” Anderson said. “If you’re starting to build something here and a player really sees that, or a player sees that and some money, then I don’t think it is impossible.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 11: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 11, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

That makes the 2026-27 season particularly important.

If Darius Acuff Jr. establishes himself as a promising young guard and the Kings develop a clear, entertaining identity, Sacramento could become a more appealing destination.

Among the realistic names discussed, RJ Barrett may stand out above the rest.

Barrett is set to become an unrestricted free agent and has an existing relationship with Perry, who previously worked with the New York Knicks when Barrett was drafted. George believes the fit makes too much sense to ignore.

“R.J. Barrett would be a very realistic target for Scott Perry to go out and get next summer,” George said. “It just makes a ton of sense.”

Pistons restricted free agent All-Star center Jalen Duren is another intriguing possibility, although Detroit ultimately controls much of that situation. The two sides are currently in a staredown that could result in Duren accepting the qualifying offer, rather than accepting a long-term deal below his asking price.

If Duren reaches unrestricted free agency, Sacramento’s previous interest and relationship with his camp could help.

Other names include Fred VanVleet, Lu Dort, C.J. McCollum, Tim Hardaway Jr., and potentially Hunter himself if he performs well enough to earn a new contract.

John Collins #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles against De’Andre Hunter #15 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, not every big name fits Perry’s apparent direction. Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma were specifically mentioned as players who should not be viewed as logical targets.

“If Jordan Poole’s on the Kings’ radar, then just bring Zach LaVine back,” George said. “That’s kind of what I was going to say.”

The same skepticism applies to Kuzma, a longtime rumored Kings target.

Ultimately, Sacramento’s biggest advantage next summer may not simply be its cap space. It will be up to Perry to prove the Kings are finally building something players actually want to join.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Maxime Raynaud’s 3-Point shooting could be his ‘golden ticket’ with Kings
• Why Russell Westbrook decided to walk away from the Kings
• Darius Acuff Jr. made Andre Miller take notice at Kings’ summer workouts
• Why the Kings should still lean on Malik Monk in 2026-27
• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 regular season schedule
• Could Victor Oladipo’s ties with Scott Perry result in a deal with Sacramento?

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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