After missing out in the 2025 NBA Draft lottery, the Sacramento Kings were forced to send their first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. As it stands, they hold the 42nd overall pick in the second round. However, recent reports indicate they might be aiming to trade up into the first round.
“An interesting development out of Sacramento: the Kings have been exploring trade options to land a first-round pick,” reported NBA insider Jake Fischer via The Stein Line. “Sources say the team has told multiple agents it could end up picking as early as the low 20s.”
Naturally, the Kings should only consider trading into the first round if they’re focused on a specific prospect or two. However, their recent pre-draft activity indicates they’re still preparing to target players projected for the second round or undrafted free agency.
The Kings revealed their latest round of pre-draft workouts, with standout Alabama point guard Mark Sears topping the list.
Standing at just 5-foot-11, Mark Sears was a two-time All-American and one of the top performers in college basketball. During the 2023-24 season, he put up impressive numbers, averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, all while shooting an outstanding 50.8% from the field, 43.6% from three-point range, and 85.7% from the free-throw line.
Though undersized for the NBA, Sears hasn’t let his height hold him back. Many scouts draw comparisons between him and New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, noting the similarities in their playing styles and how both guards excel despite their smaller stature.
The Kings are in serious need of a point guard this offseason, and while Mark Sears may not be their long-term answer, he’s definitely a player worth taking a chance on as an undrafted free agent. At 23 years old, Sears probably won’t be a highly sought-after name in this year’s draft, but he’s exactly the kind of player who could turn heads in the Summer League and make a name for himself.