Grading Sacramento Kings' First Round of 2025 NBA Draft

While the Kings did not hold a pick in the first round on Wednesday night, there were reports that they were looking to make a trade to acquire a first-round pick and that is exactly what they were able to do.

Sacramento pulled off a trade with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder for the 24th overall selection in which they sent a 2027 top-16 protected first-round pick that was originally owned by the San Antonio Spurs that will immediately roll into two 2027 second-round picks if it does not convey.

The Kings then used the 24th overall selection to draft Colorado State guard Nique Clifford to upgrade their backcourt.

Kings' First-Round Grade: B

With this move, the Kings earned a B grade for the first round of the 2025 draft.

Of course, Clifford has high upside and should be an immediate help to the Kings on both sides of the ball.

Despite this, Sacramento did trade away a solid pick in the 2027 draft and with their lack of future draft capital and the team stuck in an interesting place, it could end up backfiring for them.

While that could end up being the case, Clifford was a great pick for the Kings, especially at where they got him as he will give them another great scorer and defender in their backcourt.

Last season, the 6-6 guard averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.7% from three.

This was a solid move by Sacramento, especially with Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan and Devin Carter all in trade rumors.