Why the Kings’ veteran core could draw trade interest

The Sacramento Kings’ veteran core could become one of the NBA’s more intriguing trade stories as the season unfolds.

Zach LaVine’s expiring contract may give Sacramento a chance to find a trade partner, while Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk could draw interest if teams’ plans change.

ESPN’s Anthony Slater joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss the Kings’ veterans, their potential value around the league, and the challenge of balancing their roles with the team’s efforts to develop its younger players.

LaVine’s contract is the most immediate factor. Slater said the guard was considered an unwanted contract in Chicago before his eventual trade to Sacramento, but his strong play helped change the market.

With LaVine now in the final year of his deal, that salary could be easier for another team to absorb.

“It’s a more appetizing deal this time around because it is an expiring deal,” Slater said.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 25: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Jerami Grant #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Golden 1 Center on October 25, 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)

A strong season could help LaVine attract interest from a team whose needs shift before the trade deadline. Slater pointed to how quickly a contender’s plans can change as injuries or roster problems emerge.

If LaVine remains in Sacramento past the deadline, Slater said a buyout could become a possibility, depending on how the season is going and what LaVine wants.

Sabonis could also be a name to watch, though Slater said he had not heard that Sacramento was actively looking to move him.

He mentioned the Kings as a possible team that could take on a contract such as Kristaps Porzingis’ in a deal involving draft compensation, but said Sabonis did not appear to be the likely target in that scenario.

The Sacramento Kings’ veterans are also navigating a roster in transition.

Sacramento is giving Darius Acuff Jr. room to develop, while players with established NBA careers are still focused on their own futures. Slater said that can create competing priorities within the same locker room.

“You still have these veterans that are very much proven at this stage of their career,” Slater said. “And they still have careers ahead of them that they want to prioritize.”

TORONTO, ON – MARCH 20: Domantas Sabonis #10 and Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings celebrate against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at the Scotiabank Arena on March 20, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

That dynamic may be particularly visible with Monk, who has been mentioned in trade conversations and has a player option for next season.

Slater said the shorter timeline on a contract can make it more appealing to other teams, but Monk’s situation also reflects the uncertainty veterans face when an organization is reshaping its roster.

For the Sacramento Kings, the trade conversation will depend on more than individual performance. LaVine’s expiring deal could create an opening, but the right opportunity may not emerge until another team’s needs change.

In the meantime, Sacramento has to manage the tension between competing now and giving its younger players room to grow.

Watch the full conversation in the video player at the top of the page or on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

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

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Darius Acuff Jr. sets NBA record for shot attempts in first three games
• Matt George on the Kings’ rough start: ‘Trading 3’s for 2’s” isn’t working’
• Sam Amick on Doug Christie’s job security & Zach LaVine’s trade value
• Mark Jones on the Kings’ keys to success in 2026-27

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Monday, November 2nd @ Dallas Mavericks (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 4th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)

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