Bobby Marks: Kings are in position for upcoming financial flexibility

The Sacramento Kings’ trade of Nique Clifford raised questions about why the team moved on from a first-round pick so quickly. But the deal also gives Sacramento more financial flexibility as general manager Scott Perry considers how to reshape the roster.

In an interview with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, ESPN’s NBA front-office analyst and former assistant general manager Bobby Marks said the trade creates both immediate and longer-term options.

Sacramento has two open roster spots and, Marks noted, “they’ve got to sign a player within two weeks.” He expects the Kings to look for guard help, while the deal also brings future second-round picks in 2028 and 2030.

The timing and optics are harder to explain. Clifford was drafted just a year ago, and Oklahoma City could have a clearer role for him.

The Thunder also landed the Spurs’ 2027 first-round pick, which Sacramento had previously received in the De’Aaron Fox trade and sent to Oklahoma City to acquire Clifford’s draft rights.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Nique Clifford #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 Luke Hales/Getty Images)

“The optics aren’t great,” Marks said, noting that the pick is likely to fall between 17 and 30. He added that Clifford could get playing opportunities in Oklahoma City, given the Thunder’s injuries and roster situation.

The Kings will have to be comfortable with the possibility that he develops in a role he wasn’t getting in Sacramento.

Marks: Sacramento Kings will have future cap flexibility

The Sacramento Kings’ cap outlook, however, gives them room to make future decisions.

“I mean, it’s clean,” Marks said.

LaVine’s contract comes off the books after this season, while De’Andre Hunter is on an expiring $25 million deal. Beyond Keegan Murray’s longer-term contract, Marks said Sacramento has several players earning between $2 million and $8 million.

That could leave Sacramento with substantial cap space this summer. Marks estimated Sacramento might have “$55, $60 million” to use, while cautioning that signing one player to a $50 million deal may not be the best approach.

Scott Perry and the Sacramento Kings hold a press conference to announce Doug Christie as Head Coach on May 2, 2025 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Kings could split that space among several additions or use a trade to take on salary tied to a player who can help them longer term.

LaVine’s contract may be more difficult to move. “Zach’s number is so big,” Marks said, explaining that the rules limiting how much salary teams can take back narrow the potential trade market.

He suggested LaVine could become a buyout candidate closer to February, though a team seeking scoring and an expiring contract might create another possibility.

For the Sacramento Kings, financial flexibility is an opportunity, not a solution by itself.

The next challenge is deciding whether to preserve summer cap space, make a trade, or use the open roster spots to address immediate needs. Marks’ assessment is clear: Sacramento has room to maneuver, but Scott Perry still has to find the right move.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Jerry Reynolds: Darius Acuff Jr. could be a top-five PG in three years
• Why the Sacramento Kings moved on from Nique Clifford
• Sacramento Kings trade Nique Clifford to OKC for two second-round picks
• Amick: Kings prefer stability around Doug Christie for now

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Friday, November 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, November 15th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 18th vs. Phoenix Suns (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Friday, November 20th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, November 21st vs. Boston Celtics (7:00 P.M. PT)

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