Mock NBA Trade Kicks Sacramento Kings' Rebuild Off Perfectly

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 3:23 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings, after failing to make the postseason for the second season in a row, have been urged to rebuild. Their core of Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine, contrary to the team's belief, is not just a point guard away from competing. They are a team full of, at best, second options who all need the ball in their hands to succeed.

As a result of their lackluster season and play-in tournament exit, the Kings have been urged to rebuild, and a recently proposed mock trade would give them a much-needed boost for the future.

In the last calendar year, the Kings made two deals with the San Antonio Spurs and ended up on the short end of each trade. They moved Harrison Barnes to the Spurs for free in order to make room for DeRozan, and they traded De'Aaron Fox for protected, and limited, draft picks.

A deal proposed by ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett would give the Kings a chance at revenge.

Full Mock Trade Details

San Antonio Spurs acquire: Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings acquire: Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick (via ATL), 2030 first-round pick (swap options MIN or DAL), two second-round picks

While Sabonis is the best player on the Kings and is among one of the best centers in the NBA, he is simply not worth two lottery picks, both of which are coming in a loaded 2025 draft class.

On top of that, Barnes only has one season left on his contract and would not necessarily be on the Kings long-term, and Johnson is on a very movable contract.

In theory, the fit between Sabonis and Wembanyama could work, but the Spurs have other areas they need to improve, and if the Kings manage to swindle them away from three picks, not only will the Kings finally have some direction, but they will stifle the Spurs' rebuild.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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