The Sacramento Kings head into the 2025 NBA offseason with more uncertainty than clarity. Although they ended a 16-year playoff drought just two seasons ago, the team now seems trapped in a difficult in-between stage—too skilled to tank, but not strong enough to contend seriously in the playoffs. Their 120-106 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in the Play-In Tournament felt more like a collapse than a mere setback, exposing the flaws in a roster that never fully came together.
There’s no question the Kings have talent, but misaligned pieces and structural flaws have made them susceptible. The combination of Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan didn’t deliver the expected results. Despite having two max contracts and a payroll totaling \$163 million, Sacramento is still far from being among the NBA’s top-tier teams. Their 40-42 record highlighted ongoing issues with inconsistency, defensive shortcomings, and a lack of cohesive chemistry on the floor.
With a coaching change already in place and some financial flexibility — including a $14.1 million exception and space below the luxury tax — the Sacramento Kings are at a crossroads. They must now determine whether to double down on their current core or begin reshaping the roster around a new identity. If they opt to stay the course, they’ll need to be aggressive in the trade market, focusing on critical needs like perimeter defense, outside shooting, and a steady presence at point guard.
Trade Target 1: Jose Alvarado
The Kings aren’t in the market for a star point guard — they already have enough scoring and usage concentrated in Sabonis, LaVine, and DeRozan. What they truly need is a connector — someone who brings defensive grit and composure in high-pressure moments.
Jose Alvarado fits that mold.
While the New Orleans Pelicans guard isn’t going to light up the box score, he delivers the kind of intangible impact Sacramento has been missing. This season, he’s averaged 4.6 assists to just 1.5 turnovers, showing that he can handle the ball reliably, run the offense in spurts, and bring relentless energy on defense. He’s known for his full-court pressure and knack for forcing turnovers — exactly the kind of disruptive presence the Kings lack.
Sacramento’s defense was among the league’s worst in 2024-25, especially on the perimeter. Opponents hit 38.1% of their threes against them — the highest mark in the league — and averaged 14.5 made threes per game. Alvarado, despite his size, plays with instincts and tenacity that could help the Kings curb those numbers. He won’t overhaul their defense alone, but he can be a legitimate on-ball stopper who doesn’t need shots to be effective.
As for acquiring him, the Pelicans aren’t actively shopping Alvarado, but with multiple guards on the roster and looming financial decisions, a deal isn’t out of the question. Alvarado, who turns 28 soon and may be seeking a bigger role, could benefit from a fresh start. The Kings could likely get him without giving up significant assets. While he may not be the long-term solution at point guard, he’d be an ideal bridge until Devin Carter is ready for an expanded role.
Trade Target 2: Andrew Nembhard
While Jose Alvarado brings toughness and edge, Andrew Nembhard delivers poise and refinement.
The Indiana Pacers guard may not be a highlight machine, but he embodies everything the Kings need in a modern point guard: steady, efficient, and adaptable. Nembhard posted averages of 10.0 points and 5.0 assists this season, all while keeping mistakes to a minimum. He doesn’t dominate possessions or force bad shots, and he quietly holds his own on the defensive end. Perhaps most importantly, he’s equally comfortable running the offense or spacing the floor off the ball — a rare blend that fits perfectly alongside Sacramento’s high-usage players like Sabonis, LaVine, and DeRozan.
After moving on from De’Aaron Fox, the Kings clearly lacked that kind of stabilizing presence. While Fox’s scoring and explosiveness are difficult to replicate, Nembhard would restore balance. He can help initiate plays, control the pace, and knock down open looks when defenses collapse on Sacramento’s stars.
Nembhard also offers lineup flexibility. He’s capable of starting or coming off the bench, and can fit seamlessly next to Devin Carter, Malik Monk, or even in small-ball lineups with LaVine. With Monk set to hit free agency and Carter still developing, the Kings can’t afford uncertainty at the point. Nembhard would give them a reliable, versatile option who can elevate the team on both ends of the floor.
Indiana’s Financial Crossroads
The Pacers are nearing the luxury tax threshold, something they haven’t crossed in two decades. With Tyrese Haliburton firmly established as their franchise point guard, they might not view Andrew Nembhard as a core long-term piece—especially if he can be used to address other roster gaps. Meanwhile, Sacramento has $24 million in tax space and could absorb Nembhard’s deal, potentially adding assets like draft picks or a player such as Kevin Huerter to make the trade more appealing.
Why Nembhard Fits in Sacramento
The Kings don’t just need star power—they need complementary players who raise the team’s overall effectiveness. While Nembhard may not be the face of a playoff run, he’s the kind of glue guy who can help make a playoff push possible.
A Crucial Offseason Ahead
Sacramento enters a pivotal summer. They can either bring back their core and hope continuity resolves deeper issues or choose to restructure the roster with better-fitting pieces. One thing is clear: standing still isn’t an option.
Jose Alvarado and Andrew Nembhard offer two very different trade profiles, but both aim at the same outcome—improving the Kings’ defense, shooting, and decision-making while preserving future flexibility. Sacramento may not be one major trade away from championship contention, but smart, targeted moves like these could lay the groundwork for a truly functional roster.