The Sacramento Kings have been actively mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Having shown a keen interest in acquiring Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, the Kings have emerged as the most likely suitors for the forward.
It is important to note that although the Kings have been inclined to acquire Kuminga, the Warriors have been hesitant to negotiate a trade. While trade talks have reportedly reopened, Sacramento may come up short in its efforts to land Kuminga.
Instead, the Kings could turn their attention elsewhere. When considering their roster makeup, Sacramento has the potential to be competitive. To truly transform into a playoff team, we look at a trade idea featuring the Kings and the New Orleans Pelicans.
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, 2026 first-round pick (CHA), 2031 first-round pick (MIN)
By turning their attention away from Kuminga, the Kings would effectively be shifting their approach towards rebuilding. With the arrival of a proven star like Zion Williamson, Sacramento could be a far more competitive team.
The Pelicans Gain Solid Assets
This trade may present major upside for the Kings, but it has some merit for the New Orleans Pelicans, too. When considering the assets they receive as a part of this deal, the Pelicans would be set up to make some solid moves in the future, allowing them to rebuild their status as a playoff team.
This offseason has been a fruitful one for New Orleans. With the addition of Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney paired with the return of key rotation players from injury, the Pelicans are poised to be a competitive team.
While Poole has been an impressive offensive player, his production hasn’t been very consistent. Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III are expected to be bouncing back from injury. Hence, returning to familiar form could take some time.
With a need for solid scoring in the starting lineup, the Pelicans could benefit from the acquisition of DeMar DeRozan in this trade scenario.
DeRozan has proven himself to be a capable offensive player. Although he has shown a preference for scoring in the midrange, it is difficult to overlook his efficiency.
Last season, the veteran guard averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, shooting 47.7% from the field. At 36, DeRozan may not be the player he was in his prime, but he remains a solid contributor.
This trade could also be mutually beneficial, as it aligns with reports indicating DeRozan’s wishes to be moved from Sacramento.
Apart from DeRozan, the Pelicans also acquire a talented 3-and-D player in Keegan Murray. Although Sacramento has been invested in retaining the forward, given what they receive in return, parting with Murray may be viewed positively.
Murray presents a lot of flexibility to New Orleans’ rotation. While the team already boasts solid wing depth, with Murphy and Herb Jones on the roster, both players are returning from major injuries, raising doubts about their immediate production.
Murray has shown tremendous growth as a defender. While taking on more challenging assignments, he has continued to improve his defensive fundamentals while maintaining his ability to guard multiple positions.
For the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and 34.3% from three. Although his perimeter shooting took a dip last season, the 25-year-old could bounce back in a new system. In this regard, he could help stabilize New Orleans’ rotation.
While these two players present some upside, the Pelicans will benefit most from the addition of two first-round picks to their existing reserves. With a key pick in next year’s draft, the Pelicans could look to leverage it, along with other pieces, to facilitate a trade to land a superstar.
The Kings Acquire An All-Star
Zion Williamson is one of the most dominant players in the league when healthy. With an impact player like him in the starting lineup, Sacramento could emerge as a competitive playoff team.
By pairing Williamson with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings would boast a formidable offensive unit.
Sabonis’ ability to pass the ball out of the post and from the top of the key has been proven to be effective when paired with LaVine’s versatile scoring. By adding Williamson’s inside presence to the mix, Sacramento simply adds another capable scoring option to their offensive schemes.
The two-time All-Star has shown himself to be an efficient offensive force. By making use of his size, athleticism, and strength, the forward has been able to dominate the interior, even while undersized for his position.
Last season, the 25-year-old averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, shooting 56.7% from the field. Although he is known to be ball-dominant, he has displayed promise as a playmaker, which could pair well with Sabonis’ passing skills.
The biggest challenge the Kings will face while acquiring Williamson is whether the forward can remain available for a significant portion of the season. Given the impact he can have when he is on the floor, Sacramento could emerge as a threat in the West if Williamson can stay healthy.
Zion Williamson Is In Phenomenal Shape
The upcoming season will be a crucial one for Williamson, as the two-time All-Star appears to be in tremendous shape heading into training camp.
Although this has garnered some interesting reactions, including controversial accusations, he has shown some dedication to returning to game shape.
While the Pelicans will undoubtedly view this transformation positively, there is enough reason to remain concerned. Given that he has only appeared in 129 games over the last three seasons, New Orleans will hope to see their star sustain this form for a significant portion of the season to improve the team’s performance.
