Kings Various Off Season Route - low and high risks

[eitanr]

The Kings are at a real crossroads. After a disappointing season, it’s clear that tweaking around the margins won’t be enough. Sabonis remains essential (still underrated as a rebounder and facilitator), and while they just traded for LaVine, it’ll be tough to “win” another move around him.
Here are two different paths Sacramento could consider this offseason: low risk and high risk.

Low Risk: Add Two-Way Depth Around Sabonis and LaVine

Premise: Keep Sabonis as a cornerstone. Rebalance the roster by bringing in two-way talent that complements Sabonis’ skillset and reduces the perimeter redundancy LaVine, DeRozan, and Sabonis create.

Move 1: Trade DeRozan to Houston for Dillon Brooks and Cam Whitmore

Why for Houston: If the Rockets flame out early in the Play-In or Playoffs and don’t land a major star like Durant, DeRozan could be a critical veteran sixth man for them. Playoff-caliber halfcourt creation is still a real need in Houston.

Why for Sacramento: The Kings swap a perimeter-heavy scorer (DeRozan) for two legitimate 3-and-D wings. Brooks brings needed defensive toughness and culture. Whitmore offers long-term upside.

Move 2: Trade Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis to Memphis for Brandon Clarke and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Why for Memphis: They’ve badly needed a young 3-and-D forward to pair with Ja, Jaren, and Bane. Murray fits that mold perfectly, and Ellis is a solid young defensive piece.

Why for Sacramento: Clarke is a fantastic defensive complement to Sabonis. Pippen Jr., on a cheap deal, could be a sneaky good starting PG option next to LaVine as a low-usage defender.

Result: The Kings become deeper, tougher, and more balanced without giving up all their upside.

High Risk: Swing for a New Superstar Duo — Zion and LaMelo

Premise: The West is wide open long-term. If the Kings want to really go for it, they could pivot fully to a Zion-LaMelo future. It’s high risk due to injuries and maturity questions, but the upside would be enormous.

Move 1: Still make the DeRozan deal above (DeRozan to Houston for Brooks and Whitmore)

Move 2: Trade Sabonis for Zion Williamson and Kelly Olynyk

Why for New Orleans: The Pelicans may look for a more stable, reliable big man if they draft a new perimeter star with their top pick. Sabonis fits their timeline better.

Why for Sacramento: Zion’s upside is league-shifting when healthy. Olynyk adds valuable floor-spacing and playoff experience.

Move 3: Trade LaVine and Keegan Murray for LaMelo Ball, Josh Okogie, and Grant Williams

Why for Charlotte: They reset financially, add scoring stability with LaVine, and get Murray’s solid two-way upside. Likely drafting another PG or ball-handler makes Ball slightly redundant there.

Why for Sacramento: You pair Ball and Zion — an electric young duo with elite passing and athleticism. Okogie and Grant Williams round out a tough 3-and-D supporting cast. Plus, Grant and Okogie are on expiring deals, giving flexibility at the deadline if needed.

Summary:

Low Risk: Tweak and retool around Sabonis and LaVine by adding defense, depth, and culture.

High Risk: Reset the franchise around Zion and LaMelo. High volatility but massive upside if it clicks.

Would love to hear thoughts on which direction Kings fans would prefer.


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[LarsV8]

Houston isn't trading Brooks and Cam for Derozan.

[eitanr]

Here are a few other derozan ideas:

Clippers - DeMar + Ellis For DJJ and Bogie
Orlando - KCP, DeSilva and future protected 1st
Bucks - Derozan for Kuzma
Pacers - Derozan for McConnell and Obi
Cavs - Derozan and Ellis for straus and Okoro


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[SNPA]

Here are a few other derozan ideas:

Clippers - DeMar + Ellis For DJJ and Bogie
Orlando - KCP, DeSilva and future protected 1st
Bucks - Derozan for Kuzma
Pacers - Derozan for McConnell and Obi
Cavs - Derozan and Ellis for straus and Okoro


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No Ellis and no Kuz.

This is Pacers if Perry sees McConnell as the starting PG next season, or it’s Orlando. I think he should be open to both.