Kings, Clippers discussed trade centered on DeMar DeRozan

The Kings and Clippers did some early trade-table poking, but timing appears to have changed the tone.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the teams discussed a framework that would have sent Sacramento’s DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis to Los Angeles in exchange for Los Angeles forward John Collins and a minor salary add-on.

For the record, DeRozan is a Los Angeles native and likely would’ve welcomed such a deal — though he is believed to be perfectly content in Northern California, as well.

Those conversations took place before the Clippers caught fire. Since then, L.A. has won 11 of 13 and climbed out of a deep early hole.

At 17-23, the Clippers are tied with Memphis for 10th in the West — a lot better spot than they were a few weeks back. When things start working, urgency to blow it up tends to disappear.