Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan lead a Kings team that looks to return to the playoffs after two straight Play-In exits. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Get Caught Up
2024-25 Record: 40-42 (9th in West, lost in Play-In Tournament)
In their exit interviews following a season-ending home loss to the Mavericks in the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Kings players described the 2024-25 season as a “roller-coaster,” a “whirlwind,” and, as DeMar DeRozan said, “probably the most I’ve been through in my 16-year career.”
After enduring a season of upheaval — a midseason coaching change, a star player dealt at the trade deadline, a general manager’s exit hours after the season ended — the Kings enter the 2025-26 season with a clean slate.
Offseason
- Re-signing: Keon Ellis (team option exercised), Doug McDermott
- Additions: Drew Eubanks (free agent), Dario Šarić (trade), Dennis Schröder (free agent)
- Draft: Nique Clifford (24th pick, acquired via trade), Maxime Raynaud (42nd pick)
- Departures: Mason Jones (overseas), Jake LaRavia (free agent), Jonas Valančiūnas (trade)
- Unsigned Free Agents: Jae Crowder, Markelle Fultz, Trey Lyles
The Kings’ roster shakeup started in February, as they traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs in a multi-team swap for Zach LaVine. After adding guard Nique Clifford and center Maxime Raynaud in the draft, the Kings signed free agent Dennis Schröder to fill their need at point guard and exercised their team option on Keon Ellis. In the frontcourt, the Kings acquired Dario Šarić from Denver for Jonas Valančiūnas and signed Drew Eubanks.
More moves could materialize as the Kings have reported interest in restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and veteran Russell Westbrook in their first offseason under new GM Scott Perry. After going 27-24 as interim coach last season, Doug Christie enters his first training camp as coach and looks to build the Kings’ individual talent into a playoff contender
The @SacramentoKings' rookie duo led the way in their #NBA2KSummerLeague win tonight:
👑 @NiqueOtn: 17 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL
👑 @maximeraynaud42: 16 PTS | 5 REB | 6-11 FG pic.twitter.com/PLw0AdR2pD— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 11, 2025
The Kings’ rookie duo of Clifford and Raynaud led the way in their NBA 2K26 Summer League win over the Orlando Magic.
X-factor
Keegan Murray. He is entering his fourth season and is eligible for an extension off his rookie contract. The No. 4 pick in the 2022 Draft has shown flashes of potential and still holds the NBA record for most 3-pointers made by a rookie (206 when he shot 41.1%). Don’t forget the night he also sank 12 3-pointers in three quarters and had Steph Curry asking reporters to turn the game on during his postgame news conference. Last season, he showcased his defense and was often called upon to guard the opponent’s top scorer (he has the versatility and size to defend a variety of players). Can he make another leap this season?
> Watch Keegan Murray on NBA League Pass
One key question
Can the Kings break out of the Play-In field? In 2022-23, the original “Beam Team” went 48-34 — Sacramento’s best record in 18 seasons — to earn the No. 3 seed in the West and snap the longest playoff drought in NBA history. However, since that run, the Kings have finished ninth in the West each of the past two seasons — with 46 and 40 wins, respectively — and have not earned a playoff berth.
In a loaded West, the competition for the top six spots with guaranteed playoff berths will be fierce again this season. With a trio of multi-time All-Stars leading the way in DeRozan, Sabonis and LaVine, can Christie and the Kings maximize their roster potential and compete for a playoff berth?
Fantasy Outlook from RotoWire
The team at RotoWire broke down the top fantasy options for each team in the West. Here’s how they broke down some of the best options from the Kings:
“Domantas Sabonis is a nightly triple-double threat and one of the best centers in the league, and although DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine’s defensive skills need some work, they are both prolific scorers. Keegan Murray and Monk were both clutch at key moments last season, and they’ll round out this potent lineup. As for Sacramento’s bench, it’s pretty impressive. The team snagged experience in the offseason with Dennis Schröder, Dario Šarić and a host of other former role players. There’s also a lot of hype surrounding first-round pick Nique Clifford after an excellent tenure in the Las Vegas Summer League.”
Key dates
- Preseason Opener: Oct. 8 vs. Raptors (10 p.m. ET, League Pass)
- Regular Season Opener: Oct. 22 at Suns (10 p.m. ET, League Pass)
- Home Opener: Oct. 24 vs. Jazz (10 p.m. ET, League Pass)
- Emirates NBA Cup West Group A Play: Nov. 7 vs. Thunder (10 p.m. ET, League Pass), Nov. 14 at Wolves (8 p.m. ET, League Pass), Nov. 26 vs. Suns (10 p.m. ET, League Pass), Nov. 28 at Jazz (9:30 p.m. ET, League Pass)
What they’re saying
Law Murray, The Athletic: “This is the most top-heavy team in the league that has no business being top-heavy. Let’s be kind first. I’m a big fan of Clifford, and he takes LaRavia’s spot. Don’t be surprised if he is contributing early. The rest? I have concerns.” (Read more)
