NBA insider says the Kings will have to be patient with veterans
Brett Siegel shares the latest on the Sacramento Kings, including Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, De'Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis and trade plans.
Watch: Brett Siegel On What The Future Holds For Sacramento Kings Veteran Players | 23 mins
The Sacramento Kings appear committed to their long-term vision under general manager Scott Perry, even if it means exercising patience with several veteran players entering the 2026-27 season.
Speaking with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys during NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel shared insight into the futures of Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, De’Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis, and how Perry is positioning the franchise moving forward.
Despite frequent speculation surrounding Zach LaVine, Siegel doesn’t expect the veteran guard to be going anywhere before opening night.
“Zach LaVine, to my knowledge, is going to be on their opening night roster,” Siegel said. “Whether or not he finishes the season with the team, that comes down to the trade deadline.”
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LaVine’s expiring $49 million contract has fueled trade rumors, but Siegel emphasized the Kings aren’t interested in taking back undesirable long-term money simply to move him. Instead, Sacramento is willing to wait for a contender to become desperate.
“They’re not just going to take back long-term money and second-round assets that they don’t want,” Siegel explained. “It would be a deal that the Kings would be in the driver’s seat for.”
Siegel also noted LaVine appears comfortable in Sacramento, saying he recently saw the two-time All-Star “chatting away with Scott Perry” and in good spirits at Las Vegas Summer League. He even believes LaVine and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. could become a “dynamic scoring duo” this season.
The same patient approach extends to guard Malik Monk and forward De’Andre Hunter.
While Monk’s contract ($20.1 million in 2026-27) has surfaced in trade discussions among fans, Siegel hasn’t heard of teams actively pursuing the veteran guard.
Instead, he views Monk as another player who could draw interest closer to the trade deadline if contenders need additional scoring because of injuries.
“I don’t think there are teams looking at him and wanting to pursue him right now,” Siegel said. “At the trade deadline, there’s going to be teams looking to make upgrades.”
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after he made a three-point basket over LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on January 12, 2026 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Hunter falls into a similar category. Acquired by Perry because of his longstanding appreciation for the veteran forward’s three-and-D skill set, Hunter will have an opportunity to prove his value during a full season in Sacramento after injuries limited him to just two games with the Kings last year.
Hunter is entering the final year of his contract, with the veteran set to make $24.9 million in 2026-27.
“If the Kings don’t like the value that they’re getting, I think Scott Perry’s going to be more than comfortable holding on to him and possibly extending him on a lower-rate, team-friendly deal,” Siegel said.
As for Domantas Sabonis, trade chatter has cooled considerably.
“It’s been quiet on that front,” Siegel admitted, adding that while a surprise deal can’t be completely ruled out, he expects Sabonis to begin the season with Sacramento.
Sabonis, 30, has two seasons worth around $93 million remaining on his contract.
Be sure to check out the full interview with ClutchPoint’s Brett Siegel on the Sactown Sports YouTube page or the Sactown Sports app.
Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings will conclude their Las Vegas Summer League slate on Friday afternoon when they face the Charlotte Hornets at 3:30 PM PT at UNLV’s Pavilion.
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Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule
- Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
- August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
- Late September – NBA training camps begin
2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule
- Friday, July 17th: vs. Charlotte Hornets – 3:30 p.m. PT (Prime)
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Comments
1 Comments
Really like Domas, Hunter & Malik. Wouldn't mind if any of them stayed longer term for sure. Zach is great on offense mostly, but plays too poorly on D for my liking. Malik is very similar to Zach in my opinion, but younger by 5 yrs, makes way less and way more durable. LaVine is hurt too often for a guy making almost 50M/yr.