A Bold Kings Reset – Zion + Morant Duo Could Change Everything

[eitanr]

The Kings have been stuck in purgatory for what feels like forever. They're not in a clear position to rebuild — ownership likely wouldn’t embrace it — but they also aren’t truly positioned to jump into the contender tier as currently constructed.

Sacramento needs to consider something bold.

Let’s rewind: the last time the Kings made a serious leap, they traded a declining star (Mitch Richmond) for a “malcontent” (Chris Webber). That move sparked the most electric era in franchise history. The point? Sometimes, calculated risks with upside-laden stars can flip a franchise's trajectory.

Enter: Zion Williamson and Ja Morant.

Two elite, polarizing talents on parallel timelines:

Drafted together

Each with top-10 upside

Each carrying baggage (injuries or off-court issues)

Both in need of a fresh start

The idea: Pair them together in Sacramento and build a new identity around energy, talent, and buzz.

Yes, the risks are real. But the potential reward? A decade of relevance, a jolt to a tired fanbase, and a completely reimagined ceiling.

How It Happens – Multi-Team Blockbuster (SAC/ORL/MEM/NOP)
Sacramento Trades:
D. Sabonis, Z. LaVine, M. Monk, K. Ellis, K. Murray, future CHI 1st

Sacramento Receives:
Z. Williamson, J. Morant, J. Konchar, K. Olynyk, KCP, C. Houston

Orlando Trades:
J. Suggs, KCP, C. Houston
Orlando Receives:
Z. LaVine, K. Murray

Memphis Trades:
J. Morant, J. Konchar, B. Clarke
Memphis Receives:
J. Suggs, M. Monk, K. Ellis, future CHI 1st

New Orleans Trades:
Z. Williamson, K. Olynyk
New Orleans Receives:
D. Sabonis, B. Clarke

Why This Works
Orlando:
They need offense badly. They move off Suggs (who may not be their long-term answer), get LaVine's scoring, and add Murray’s upside. They clear KCP’s money and let Anthony Black step up.

Memphis:
This is a clean Morant reset. They keep their defensive culture, add Suggs (a perfect Bane partner), Monk as a dynamic 6th man, and get Ellis + a 1st for depth and future flexibility.

Pelicans:
Moving off Zion is risky, but they get a franchise cornerstone in Sabonis who fits better long-term. Clarke gives them added size and depth.

But Wait... The Kings Aren’t Done (SAC/PHX/HOU)
Sacramento Trades:
D. DeRozan (hypothetical addition to roster via separate means)

Sacramento Receives:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore

Phoenix Trades:
K. Durant
Phoenix Receives:
D. DeRozan, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts (via HOU)

Houston Trades:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts
Houston Receives:
K. Durant

Why This Second Deal Works
Phoenix:
They stay competitive with DeRozan next to Booker and reset the cap table slightly with youth + picks.

Houston:
They go all-in without gutting their core, pairing KD with their young star group.

Sacramento:
They land Brooks (defensive tone-setter) and Whitmore (explosive upside wing) to complement their new core.

The Final Kings Lineup
PF: Zion Williamson / Jake LaRavia
SF: Cam Whitmore / John Konchar
C: Kelly Olynyk / Jonas Valančiūnas
SG: Dillon Brooks / Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/ C. Houston
PG: Ja Morant / Devon Carter

Why Sacramento Should Do This
Buzz: Zion + Morant would bring immediate national relevance and local excitement.

Upside: Both could be MVP candidates if healthy and focused. Zion and Ja have potential to respect each other as co-leads and be accountable since next stop could be outside the league.

Depth Fit: Whitmore and Brooks are perfect supporting pieces. Olynyk provides needed floor spacing at the 5.

Flexibility: If it fails, the team can pivot quicker than with Sabonis/Monk/DeRozan-type veterans.

Sometimes, a stuck franchise needs to swing big. This is that swing.

[gswhoops]

Orlando, Memphis, and Houston tag-team to burn the Golden 1 Center to the ground after listening to this.

[LarsV8]

Houston Trades:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts
Houston Receives:
K. Durant

Yall, I am going to have to starting fighting somebody.

[JRoy]

The Kings have been stuck in purgatory for what feels like forever. They're not in a clear position to rebuild — ownership likely wouldn’t embrace it — but they also aren’t truly positioned to jump into the contender tier as currently constructed.

Sacramento needs to consider something bold.

Let’s rewind: the last time the Kings made a serious leap, they traded a declining star (Mitch Richmond) for a “malcontent” (Chris Webber). That move sparked the most electric era in franchise history. The point? Sometimes, calculated risks with upside-laden stars can flip a franchise's trajectory.

Enter: Zion Williamson and Ja Morant.

Two elite, polarizing talents on parallel timelines:

Drafted together

Each with top-10 upside

Each carrying baggage (injuries or off-court issues)

Both in need of a fresh start

The idea: Pair them together in Sacramento and build a new identity around energy, talent, and buzz.

Yes, the risks are real. But the potential reward? A decade of relevance, a jolt to a tired fanbase, and a completely reimagined ceiling.

How It Happens – Multi-Team Blockbuster (SAC/ORL/MEM/NOP)
Sacramento Trades:
D. Sabonis, Z. LaVine, M. Monk, K. Ellis, K. Murray, future CHI 1st

Sacramento Receives:
Z. Williamson, J. Morant, J. Konchar, K. Olynyk, KCP, C. Houston

Orlando Trades:
J. Suggs, KCP, C. Houston
Orlando Receives:
Z. LaVine, K. Murray

Memphis Trades:
J. Morant, J. Konchar, B. Clarke
Memphis Receives:
J. Suggs, M. Monk, K. Ellis, future CHI 1st

New Orleans Trades:
Z. Williamson, K. Olynyk
New Orleans Receives:
D. Sabonis, B. Clarke

Why This Works
Orlando:
They need offense badly. They move off Suggs (who may not be their long-term answer), get LaVine's scoring, and add Murray’s upside. They clear KCP’s money and let Anthony Black step up.

Memphis:
This is a clean Morant reset. They keep their defensive culture, add Suggs (a perfect Bane partner), Monk as a dynamic 6th man, and get Ellis + a 1st for depth and future flexibility.

Pelicans:
Moving off Zion is risky, but they get a franchise cornerstone in Sabonis who fits better long-term. Clarke gives them added size and depth.

But Wait... The Kings Aren’t Done (SAC/PHX/HOU)
Sacramento Trades:
D. DeRozan (hypothetical addition to roster via separate means)

Sacramento Receives:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore

Phoenix Trades:
K. Durant
Phoenix Receives:
D. DeRozan, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts (via HOU)

Houston Trades:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts
Houston Receives:
K. Durant

Why This Second Deal Works
Phoenix:
They stay competitive with DeRozan next to Booker and reset the cap table slightly with youth + picks.

Houston:
They go all-in without gutting their core, pairing KD with their young star group.

Sacramento:
They land Brooks (defensive tone-setter) and Whitmore (explosive upside wing) to complement their new core.

The Final Kings Lineup
PF: Zion Williamson / Jake LaRavia
SF: Cam Whitmore / John Konchar
C: Kelly Olynyk / Jonas Valančiūnas
SG: Dillon Brooks / Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/ C. Houston
PG: Ja Morant / Devon Carter

Why Sacramento Should Do This
Buzz: Zion + Morant would bring immediate national relevance and local excitement.

Upside: Both could be MVP candidates if healthy and focused. Zion and Ja have potential to respect each other as co-leads and be accountable since next stop could be outside the league.

Depth Fit: Whitmore and Brooks are perfect supporting pieces. Olynyk provides needed floor spacing at the 5.

Flexibility: If it fails, the team can pivot quicker than with Sabonis/Monk/DeRozan-type veterans.

Sometimes, a stuck franchise needs to swing big. This is that swing.

You are really overvaluing KD in this trade.

[eitanr]

The Kings have been stuck in purgatory for what feels like forever. They're not in a clear position to rebuild — ownership likely wouldn’t embrace it — but they also aren’t truly positioned to jump into the contender tier as currently constructed.

Sacramento needs to consider something bold.

Let’s rewind: the last time the Kings made a serious leap, they traded a declining star (Mitch Richmond) for a “malcontent” (Chris Webber). That move sparked the most electric era in franchise history. The point? Sometimes, calculated risks with upside-laden stars can flip a franchise's trajectory.

Enter: Zion Williamson and Ja Morant.

Two elite, polarizing talents on parallel timelines:

Drafted together

Each with top-10 upside

Each carrying baggage (injuries or off-court issues)

Both in need of a fresh start

The idea: Pair them together in Sacramento and build a new identity around energy, talent, and buzz.

Yes, the risks are real. But the potential reward? A decade of relevance, a jolt to a tired fanbase, and a completely reimagined ceiling.

How It Happens – Multi-Team Blockbuster (SAC/ORL/MEM/NOP)
Sacramento Trades:
D. Sabonis, Z. LaVine, M. Monk, K. Ellis, K. Murray, future CHI 1st

Sacramento Receives:
Z. Williamson, J. Morant, J. Konchar, K. Olynyk, KCP, C. Houston

Orlando Trades:
J. Suggs, KCP, C. Houston
Orlando Receives:
Z. LaVine, K. Murray

Memphis Trades:
J. Morant, J. Konchar, B. Clarke
Memphis Receives:
J. Suggs, M. Monk, K. Ellis, future CHI 1st

New Orleans Trades:
Z. Williamson, K. Olynyk
New Orleans Receives:
D. Sabonis, B. Clarke

Why This Works
Orlando:
They need offense badly. They move off Suggs (who may not be their long-term answer), get LaVine's scoring, and add Murray’s upside. They clear KCP’s money and let Anthony Black step up.

Memphis:
This is a clean Morant reset. They keep their defensive culture, add Suggs (a perfect Bane partner), Monk as a dynamic 6th man, and get Ellis + a 1st for depth and future flexibility.

Pelicans:
Moving off Zion is risky, but they get a franchise cornerstone in Sabonis who fits better long-term. Clarke gives them added size and depth.

But Wait... The Kings Aren’t Done (SAC/PHX/HOU)
Sacramento Trades:
D. DeRozan (hypothetical addition to roster via separate means)

Sacramento Receives:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore

Phoenix Trades:
K. Durant
Phoenix Receives:
D. DeRozan, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts (via HOU)

Houston Trades:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts
Houston Receives:
K. Durant

Why This Second Deal Works
Phoenix:
They stay competitive with DeRozan next to Booker and reset the cap table slightly with youth + picks.

Houston:
They go all-in without gutting their core, pairing KD with their young star group.

Sacramento:
They land Brooks (defensive tone-setter) and Whitmore (explosive upside wing) to complement their new core.

The Final Kings Lineup
PF: Zion Williamson / Jake LaRavia
SF: Cam Whitmore / John Konchar
C: Kelly Olynyk / Jonas Valančiūnas
SG: Dillon Brooks / Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/ C. Houston
PG: Ja Morant / Devon Carter

Why Sacramento Should Do This
Buzz: Zion + Morant would bring immediate national relevance and local excitement.

Upside: Both could be MVP candidates if healthy and focused. Zion and Ja have potential to respect each other as co-leads and be accountable since next stop could be outside the league.

Depth Fit: Whitmore and Brooks are perfect supporting pieces. Olynyk provides needed floor spacing at the 5.

Flexibility: If it fails, the team can pivot quicker than with Sabonis/Monk/DeRozan-type veterans.

Sometimes, a stuck franchise needs to swing big. This is that swing.

You are really overvaluing KD in this trade.

Let's evaluate these deals separately. The DeRozan idea could be overkill. There are other routes for the Kings to get spacers for DeMar. Strauss, maybe Mathurin/Toppin...don't want that to kill the idea. Also, maybe Houston only moves two firsts here. The concept is there though.

[JRoy]

I don’t think there is any way HOu would consider that deal for an aging KD. Those PHX picks are going to be pretty valuable. Maybe if HOU sent only one and kept Smith out of the deal.

[eitanr]

I don’t think there is any way HOu would consider that deal for an aging KD. Those PHX picks are going to be pretty valuable. Maybe if HOU sent only one and kept Smith out of the deal.

That's fine. It is a secondary part of the deal. The Kings have other routes to get spacing talent for DeMar if needed. The first idea is obv the crux here.

[giberish]

I don’t think there is any way HOu would consider that deal for an aging KD. Those PHX picks are going to be pretty valuable. Maybe if HOU sent only one and kept Smith out of the deal.

That's fine. It is a secondary part of the deal. The Kings have other routes to get spacing talent for DeMar if needed. The first idea is obv the crux here.

You wildly overrated KD's value. I'd say no picks, or 1 pick and they keep Smith. Of course that's not terribly important to the main deal.

A Sabonis for Zion deal is plausible, so that part holds up. I don't see how the Kings turn LaVine into Ja Morant however. It's just not close. I can't see Orlando dealing Suggs for LaVine and Memphis is asking for more than that for Ja. Maybe if Sacramento adds multiple future 1sts to grease the wheels they could make it happen but not like this.

[eitanr]

I don’t think there is any way HOu would consider that deal for an aging KD. Those PHX picks are going to be pretty valuable. Maybe if HOU sent only one and kept Smith out of the deal.

That's fine. It is a secondary part of the deal. The Kings have other routes to get spacing talent for DeMar if needed. The first idea is obv the crux here.

You wildly overrated KD's value. I'd say no picks, or 1 pick and they keep Smith. Of course that's not terribly important to the main deal.

A Sabonis for Zion deal is plausible, so that part holds up. I don't see how the Kings turn LaVine into Ja Morant however. It's just not close. I can't see Orlando dealing Suggs for LaVine and Memphis is asking for more than that for Ja. Maybe if Sacramento adds multiple future 1sts to grease the wheels they could make it happen but not like this.

Agreed that Lavine for Suggs is a gap, hence the additions of Murray and taking back KCP's deal...maybe that's not enough.

Similarly for Memphis, Maybe Ellis and that Bulls pick is not enough...could be an extra first or maybe another first acquired via a completely separate DeRozan deal.

The bigger question is...at this point...why not if your Sacramento?

[Boneman2]

The Kings have been stuck in purgatory for what feels like forever. They're not in a clear position to rebuild — ownership likely wouldn’t embrace it — but they also aren’t truly positioned to jump into the contender tier as currently constructed.

Sacramento needs to consider something bold.

Let’s rewind: the last time the Kings made a serious leap, they traded a declining star (Mitch Richmond) for a “malcontent” (Chris Webber). That move sparked the most electric era in franchise history. The point? Sometimes, calculated risks with upside-laden stars can flip a franchise's trajectory.

Enter: Zion Williamson and Ja Morant.

Two elite, polarizing talents on parallel timelines:

Drafted together

Each with top-10 upside

Each carrying baggage (injuries or off-court issues)

Both in need of a fresh start

The idea: Pair them together in Sacramento and build a new identity around energy, talent, and buzz.

Yes, the risks are real. But the potential reward? A decade of relevance, a jolt to a tired fanbase, and a completely reimagined ceiling.

How It Happens – Multi-Team Blockbuster (SAC/ORL/MEM/NOP)
Sacramento Trades:
D. Sabonis, Z. LaVine, M. Monk, K. Ellis, K. Murray, future CHI 1st

Sacramento Receives:
Z. Williamson, J. Morant, J. Konchar, K. Olynyk, KCP, C. Houston

Orlando Trades:
J. Suggs, KCP, C. Houston
Orlando Receives:
Z. LaVine, K. Murray

Memphis Trades:
J. Morant, J. Konchar, B. Clarke
Memphis Receives:
J. Suggs, M. Monk, K. Ellis, future CHI 1st

New Orleans Trades:
Z. Williamson, K. Olynyk
New Orleans Receives:
D. Sabonis, B. Clarke

Why This Works
Orlando:
They need offense badly. They move off Suggs (who may not be their long-term answer), get LaVine's scoring, and add Murray’s upside. They clear KCP’s money and let Anthony Black step up.

Memphis:
This is a clean Morant reset. They keep their defensive culture, add Suggs (a perfect Bane partner), Monk as a dynamic 6th man, and get Ellis + a 1st for depth and future flexibility.

Pelicans:
Moving off Zion is risky, but they get a franchise cornerstone in Sabonis who fits better long-term. Clarke gives them added size and depth.

But Wait... The Kings Aren’t Done (SAC/PHX/HOU)
Sacramento Trades:
D. DeRozan (hypothetical addition to roster via separate means)

Sacramento Receives:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore

Phoenix Trades:
K. Durant
Phoenix Receives:
D. DeRozan, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts (via HOU)

Houston Trades:
D. Brooks, C. Whitmore, J. Smith Jr., R. Sheppard, 3 future PHX 1sts
Houston Receives:
K. Durant

Why This Second Deal Works
Phoenix:
They stay competitive with DeRozan next to Booker and reset the cap table slightly with youth + picks.

Houston:
They go all-in without gutting their core, pairing KD with their young star group.

Sacramento:
They land Brooks (defensive tone-setter) and Whitmore (explosive upside wing) to complement their new core.

The Final Kings Lineup
PF: Zion Williamson / Jake LaRavia
SF: Cam Whitmore / John Konchar
C: Kelly Olynyk / Jonas Valančiūnas
SG: Dillon Brooks / Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/ C. Houston
PG: Ja Morant / Devon Carter

Why Sacramento Should Do This
Buzz: Zion + Morant would bring immediate national relevance and local excitement.

Upside: Both could be MVP candidates if healthy and focused. Zion and Ja have potential to respect each other as co-leads and be accountable since next stop could be outside the league.

Depth Fit: Whitmore and Brooks are perfect supporting pieces. Olynyk provides needed floor spacing at the 5.

Flexibility: If it fails, the team can pivot quicker than with Sabonis/Monk/DeRozan-type veterans.

Sometimes, a stuck franchise needs to swing big. This is that swing.

You are really overvaluing KD in this trade.

Let's evaluate these deals separately. The DeRozan idea could be overkill. There are other routes for the Kings to get spacers for DeMar. Strauss, maybe Mathurin/Toppin...don't want that to kill the idea. Also, maybe Houston only moves two firsts here. The concept is there though.

Highly doubtful that Indy would offer Math/ Toppin for DD/ Strauss

[jbk1234]

I think it's going to be difficult for the Kings to move Lavine for good value this quickly after having acquired him. I'm also not sure they should try. They weren't any worse after swapping him for Fox.

I'd look to move Sabonis and give it a half a season with better defensive personnel.

[eitanr]

I think it's going to be difficult for the Kings to move Lavine for good value this quickly after having acquired him. I'm also not sure they should try. They weren't any worse after swapping him for Fox.

I'd look to move Sabonis and give it a half a season with better defensive personnel.

Right perhaps moving Sabonis for a big who doesn't need the ball in his hands and just protects rim and allows their perimeter talents to take over would help and go from there. A Gobert type (with an asset) as an example makes sense (if Minny moves off Randle). JJJ comes to mind as well.

[QMemphis]

Grizz pass l, also much easier for the Grizz to just trade did Zion to pair with Ja and Jaren.

Desmond Bane for Zion.

[jayjaysee]

Grizz pass l, also much easier for the Grizz to just trade did Zion to pair with Ja and Jaren.

Desmond Bane for Zion.

NOP owns their own future picks, some Mil swap, a nice lottery pick this season, DJM or Trey as the bulk of salary matching.. there’s a deal there if Ja is made available..

Just seems much simpler one of those ways than trying to involve so many other teams.

[jayjaysee]

But Sac has the draft capital to make the main trade work if the other teams were interested..

Orlando is owed a lot. Sac doesn’t have the Chicago first. But seems like a deal could be made if Sac paid a good amount more.

[longfellow44]

I can't imagine a clearer treadmill team than to have Zion and ja on the same team.
At any moment Zion will be injured and ja will get suspended.

This is way to high risk with a very unlikely reward.