Matt Johnson
The Sacramento Kings have the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with NBA rumors already swirling about their top target. While there’s a decent chance Sacramento’s top target is available at No. 7, it appears that some around the league will try to exploit the worst-kept secret.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints said that the Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets want to “force the Kings’ hand” by having them trade up from the seventh pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Related: Kings Enamored with Top Draft Prospect
All of this centers around Arkansas Razorbacks point guard Darius Acuff Jr. The NBA Draft rumors have been persistent for weeks, all suggesting the All-American guard is Sacramento’s top target.
- Darius Acuff stats (ESPN): 23.5 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.1 RPG, 48.4% FG, 2.5 3PM per game, 44% 3PT
In terms of draft capital, the Kings have their own second-round picks through 2027 and an unprotected Minnesota Timberwolves first-round pick in 2031. Brooklyn and Los Angeles would certainly be seeking a future first-round pick or swap rights to move down.
There are a few reasons to believe the buzz. Kings general manager Scott Perry coached Acuff’s father in college, and Sacramento is known to be in the market for a point guard. Acuff, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, would give Sacramento a playmaker who is a capable scorer and can create for others.
Related: Sacramento Kings Linked to Big Man in Free Agency
However, analytics point to Acuff being not only the worst defender in the 2026 NBA Draft but also one of the worst defensive guards since Trae Young. At a time when NBA teams have become increasingly wary of investing in small guards with significant defensive limitations, Acuff is an outlier for what the league wants in a modern point guard.
Acuff’s offensive skills and his athleticism could still make him worth the seventh overall pick, and NBA teams have been more hesitant about paying smaller guards rather than drafting them. Trading up for Acuff, however, could prove to be a gamble with limited upside for Sacramento.
Related: Kings Linked to Bizarre Trade for Superstar
There’s also a distinct possibility that all of this is smoke. The current Kings front office hasn’t exactly been known for a lot of leaks, so the persistent buzz about their love for Acuff could be overplayed. A definitive answer will come on June 23.
