The Sacramento Kings are currently positioned at 23-22 and in the thick of the race for playoff and play-in spots in the Western Conference. With the trade deadline fast approaching on February 6, it’s time to evaluate which players should be considered untouchable for the team.
Untouchable Players for the Kings
For me, the Kings have just three players that should be considered off-limits in trade talks: Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and Devin Carter.
Sabonis’ inclusion on this list is clear. He’s not only one of the Kings’ top players, but there has never been any indication that he wants to leave Sacramento. As long as the Kings aim to be competitive, keeping Sabonis is crucial, especially with the recent strides he’s made in his game.
As for Murray and Carter, they represent the Kings’ best young talent. While Carter hasn’t had the same impact as Murray, he hasn’t had enough chances to prove himself yet, having played only ten games this season. Based on his pre-draft potential, Carter should remain untouchable to allow him the opportunity to show what he’s capable of.
Other Players’ Trade Potential
For the players not consistently in the rotation, it makes sense to explore trade talks. So, we’ll focus on players who contribute regularly.
Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles are likely trade candidates. Both players have been part of many hypothetical trade scenarios. While they contribute to playoff teams, they also help match salaries in potential trades, which makes them valuable trade assets.
As much as we like Keon Ellis, he shouldn’t be untouchable. His low salary ($2.1 million) and impact on the court make him a valuable trade asset, comparable to a first-round pick. Plus, his playing style is similar to Carter’s, which limits his playing time, making it more plausible for him to be moved.
Finally, there are the Kings’ three primary ball handlers: De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Malik Monk. As previously discussed, the Kings lack sufficient size and spacing, and trading one of these three players could help solve that issue. While I would typically recommend choosing between DeRozan and Monk, the rumors about Fox possibly being unhappy with the team, combined with Monk’s rise as a starter, suggest that moving Fox or Monk could be a possibility if the right offer comes along.
