The Sacramento Kings are actively seeking ways to break out of their current rut during the 2025 NBA offseason. While it’s a lofty goal, accomplishing it won’t be easy, especially given the team’s current mix of expensive contracts and players with average chemistry.
However, the Kings may have taken a step toward correcting previous NBA Draft missteps.
Sacramento won’t have a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, having lost the No. 12 selection to the Atlanta Hawks due to the 2022 trade for Kevin Huerter. Nevertheless, the organization is sending out a bold message.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that the Kings have been telling player agents they anticipate acquiring a first-round pick in this year’s draft.
“Another intriguing rumble emanating from the California capital: Sacramento has searched for trade avenues to acquire a first-round pick, sources say, and has expressed confidence to various agents that it could be selecting as high as the early 20s.”
Given that Sacramento is already communicating this expectation, it may signal that a trade has already been agreed upon behind the scenes.
Kings telling agents they’ll have a first-round pick at 2025 NBA Draft
The Sacramento Kings don’t have many assets to work with in their efforts to trade into the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Still, the fact that they’re already suggesting they’ll have a pick to use indicates something could already be in motion—potentially unlocking new possibilities for the franchise.
It also raises the question of whether Sacramento is negotiating with multiple teams, especially since they’ve indicated they could pick as high as the early 20s. That could imply they have several options available at different spots in the draft.
If that’s true, the Kings would be in position to select an affordable player with significant upside at a time when they’re otherwise restricted in terms of roster flexibility. While the names in that range may lack the star power of a Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper, the pool of prospects is still full of intriguing potential.
Such a selection could reshape Sacramento’s long-term direction by giving them a valuable developmental piece.
It’s possible this move is part of a broader strategy to secure their point guard of the future following the trade of De’Aaron Fox. Prospects like sharpshooter Walter Clayton Jr. or international talents Ben Saraf and Nolan Traore could be available in that draft range.
There’s also an outside chance that players like Jeremiah Fears or Kasparas Jakucionis slide on draft night, even if they’re currently projected to go earlier.
Alternatively, the Kings could focus on defense by targeting athletic standout Adou Thiero, address floor spacing with Liam McNeely, or seek a rim-protecting big in the mold of Brook Lopez with Maxime Raynaud. Those are just a few of the possible names if Sacramento completes the trade.
From a team that once faced a gloomy 2025 offseason outlook, the Kings now appear to be carving out a path to a brighter, more sustainable future.