Sacramento is staring down the barrel of regret. Trading away Tyrese Haliburton cost them a Finals appearance, flipping De’Aaron Fox fizzled, and missing out on Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard still haunts the front office.
The Kings have missed out on superstar point guards and the franchise have done a terrible job in building a playoff contender. With their backcourt depleted, the Kings absolutely need a seismic upgrade at point guard.
Here are the five best point guards they could realistically acquire and why each one makes sense in purple and black.
1. Ja Morant
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Ja Morant, Vince Williams Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, 2025 No. 42 Overall pick, 2026 Second-Round pick, 2026 Second-Round pick (CHA), 2027 Second-Round pick, 2029 First-Round pick
Still just 25, Ja Morant’s explosive slashing ability and court vision (23.2 PPG, 7.3 APG this season) make him a franchise-altering talent. With his hip injury in the playoffs and off-court concerns, Memphis might no longer view him as untouchable, and the Kings could pounce. If there is a player whom a franchise can build around and pack fans into an arena, it is the Grizzlies’ superstar.
For Sacramento, Morant would return elite athleticism, electrifying pace (ideal next to Sabonis), and highlight-reel playmaking. The risk: behavior red flags and a hefty max extension looming, but the high ceiling is undeniable if the Kings prioritize star upside over stability.
2. Trae Young
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, 2025 No. 42 Overall pick, 2026 Second-Round pick, 2027 Second-Round pick, 2029 First-Round pick
Trae Young led the NBA in assists (11.6 APG) this season and continues to redefine the modern point guard with deep-range shooting and pick-and-roll wizardry. His 30/20 triple-double game and multiple 30+ point/10+ assist nights to begin the season prove he can dominate on both ends of the floor despite efficiency concerns. However, Young could be on the way out of Atlanta, with many teams that could put a solid trade package together.
In Sacramento, Young would provide pace, gravity, and ultimate ISO sourcing next to Domantas Sabonis. The mental projection: adapting from a mid-market rebuild in Atlanta to handling the pressure and accountability of Kings fans. Perhaps Trae would like a chance to play and live in California as well, because his playing style could demand that.
3. Darius Garland
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Darius Garland, Craig Porter
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas, Keon Ellis (Sign-and-Trade), 2025 No. 42 Overall pick, 2026 Second-Round pick, 2027 Second-Round pick
Darius Garland is a bonafide star, this season averaging 20.6 PPG on 47.2% shooting and handing out 6.7 APG while earning his second All-Star nod. A floor general with shot creation, elite pull-up range (40.1% from deep), and improving playmaking, he led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the East’s #1 seed.
Injury (toe surgery) delays trade talk, but Sacramento could view him as a long-term core piece with both upside and professionalism. His fit: he meshes well with an all-offense core and brings leadership to a young, hungry locker room. At 25 years old, Garland could be the player the Kings can finally hold onto at the point guard position.
4. Coby White
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Coby White
Chicago Bulls Receive: Keegan Murray, Terence Davis, 2026 Second-Round pick, 2027 Second-Round pick
Coby White has taken off this season as a genuine lead guard, earning back-to-back Eastern Player of the Week honors (30.3 PPG, 4 APG outburst). His growth in finishing, three-level scoring, and now off-ball play alongside Josh Giddey shows he can thrive in multiple guard rotations. However, White could be one of the players who could leave the Bulls after another disappointing season.
At 25, on a modest salary ($12,888,889 in 2025-26) and still ascending, he gives the Kings a high-upside, controllable option who can run spacing lineups or take over games himself. Expect fit and cost to be compelling, especially as Sacramento targets both runway and affordability.
5. Dejounte Murray
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Dejounte Murray
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Malik Monk, Jonas Valanciunas, 2025 No. 42 Overall pick, 2026 Second-Round pick, 2027 Second-Round pick
Though rehabbing from Achilles surgery, Dejounte Murray averaged nearly 17.5 PPG alongside 7.4 APG and 2.0 SPG before going down. He’d bring elite playmaking, defense, and athleticism, a near two-way floor general to anchor pick-and-rolls. Remember, Murray is a player who is a prodigy of Gregg Popovich’s mentorship on both ends of the court.
The risk is the recovery timeline and big salary, but if healthy, he’s a transformative fit in a Kings backcourt craving playmaking grit. Murray won’t make the Kings an immediate playoff contender, but he is a great backup option if all else fails.
