Report: Kings Lead List of Potential Sellers as Trade Chatter Grows Across NBA
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December 18, 2025 — A growing number of league executives view the Sacramento Kings as the most proactive seller ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline, veteran reporter Marc Stein writes on Substack.
Kings said to be ‘active’ on trade front
According to Stein, Sacramento has communicated that nearly every player on its roster can be discussed, with fourth-year forward Keegan Murray and rookie Nique Clifford considered untouchable. The club has placed veterans Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the market but is telling rivals it will not attach draft picks or promising guard Keon Ellis to offload higher salaries.
Teams monitoring Harden’s situation in Los Angeles
Several organizations are tracking Clippers guard James Harden, a source told Stein. Los Angeles’ sub-par record, Harden’s age (36) and his partially guaranteed player option for 2026-27 make the former MVP a potential trade candidate if the Clippers decide to pivot. The Timberwolves are among the teams looking for an additional playmaker, Stein notes.
Pacers eye Kessler; Jazz show no inclination to move him
Echoing previous reports, Stein says Indiana has expressed interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler. Utah, however, has given no indication it intends to trade the 24-year-old before he becomes a restricted free agent.
Heat confident Rozier can be included in deals
The NBA has not publicly ruled on whether Miami can trade Terry Rozier while he remains on leave following an arrest tied to a federal gambling probe. Nevertheless, the Heat believe the league would allow them to use Rozier’s expiring $26 million-plus salary for matching purposes, Stein reports.
Nuggets expected to promote Spencer Jones
Denver two-way forward Spencer Jones is viewed as a near-certainty to receive a standard NBA contract later this season, per Stein. The Nuggets have one open roster spot but are navigating the luxury-tax threshold. Jones has appeared in all 25 games, starting the last 10 and averaging 8.2 points and 3.9 rebounds on .564/.448/.682 shooting splits.
Payton joins Spurs’ G League squad
Veteran guard Elfrid Payton has signed with the Austin Spurs ahead of this weekend’s G League Showcase, following big man Christian Koloko in using the event to attract NBA attention, Stein adds.
Source: Hoops Rumors
