Sacramento Kings Could Add All-Star Point Guard in Mock Trade With Conference Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 3:03 PM ET

This season, the Sacramento Kings lost in the play-in tournament, and the Memphis Grizzlies got swept in the first round. Both teams are expected to take drastic strides this offseason to improve their rosters long-term, and the two squads could make a trade to enhance their chances at a playoff run next season.

The Kings desperately need a point guard, and the Grizzlies, it would seem, have reason to want to cut ties with Ja Morant and re-tool around Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

The two teams could make a simple trade this offseason.

Mock Trade Details

Kings receive: Ja Morant

Grizzlies receive: Zach LaVine, 2027 first-round pick (via SAS), 2031 first-round pick (SAS has swap rights)

The Grizzlies would invest heavily in Scotty Pippen Jr., who showed excellent flashes as a lead guard in the first round with Morant out. LaVine and Bane would round out the wings, and Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey would play down low.

The Kings, meanwhile, get a much more defined roster. Morant is one of the better point guards in the league and could bring the best out of Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan.

Keegan Murray should also benefit from playing next to a true point guard, and Domantas Sabonis would remain the secondary facilitator.

Of course, if the Kings wanted to build with a drive-first point guard with a questionable outside shot, keeping De'Aaron Fox would make the most sense, but he made it clear that he would not sign an extension with Sacramento.

Perhaps a change of scenery, away from Memphis, is what Morant needs to get his career back on track, and the Grizzlies' patience with their All-Star guard is likely wearing thin, signaling a trade is on the horizon, whether or not the Kings make an offer.

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

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