Kings Open to Roster Moves, but Murray and Clifford Remain Untouchable
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The Sacramento Kings shocked the Denver Nuggets with a 128-123 road victory Saturday night, handing the reigning champions just their second home loss of the season. Despite the upset, Sacramento sits at 4-13 after losing its previous eight contests by an average of 23.4 points, prompting the front office to invite trade discussions, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Only Murray and Clifford Off the Table
League sources told Fischer that fourth-year forward Keegan Murray and rookie guard Nique Clifford are considered untouchable. Both players are under contract through at least the 2027-28 season, and team executives view them as foundational pieces.
Sabonis’ Future Less Certain
All-Star center Domantas Sabonis is in a different category. Owner Vivek Ranadivé is a strong supporter of the veteran big man, and Sabonis is happy in Sacramento. However, his maximum-salary deal combined with defensive concerns may limit the return the Kings could command. “It’s tough to pay a center that much who doesn’t protect the rim and doesn’t shoot threes,” one Western Conference executive told Fischer.
LaVine, Young, and Other High-Profile Guards
Before Zach LaVine was dealt out of Chicago last season, the Golden State Warriors were the only team besides Sacramento to show serious interest, but their acquisition of Jimmy Butler has ended that pursuit. LaVine’s maximum contract remains a hurdle; rival clubs might be more receptive if he waived his $49 million player option for 2026-27 and accepted a longer deal at a lower annual salary.
Fischer adds that Sacramento’s previous regime explored Trae Young, and LaVine’s representatives floated a multi-team scenario that would have sent Young to the Kings and LaVine to Atlanta. New general manager Scott Perry is reportedly not pursuing Young, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, or Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, emphasizing a defense-first approach.
Strong Interest in Keon Ellis
More than half the league has inquired about guard Keon Ellis. Viewed as a plug-and-play defender with offensive upside, Ellis becomes extension-eligible ahead of unrestricted free agency in 2026. Sacramento could potentially secure a first-round pick for him or include him in a larger package involving contracts such as LaVine’s or DeMar DeRozan’s.
Monk Market Cools
The Detroit Pistons were once seen as a possible destination for Malik Monk, but multiple sources told Fischer that interest has cooled.
Sacramento’s willingness to discuss almost every player on its roster suggests an active trade season ahead, with the caveat that Murray and Clifford remain off-limits.
Source: Hoops Rumors
