The Sacramento Kings have moved on from a pair of All-Star point guards over the past few years, parting with Tyrese Haliburton and, most recently, De’Aaron Fox. Who will the Kings turn to next?
There were plenty of options in the 2025 NBA Draft, but the Kings’ only move was to select former Colorado/Colorado State’s Nique Clifford with the 24th overall pick. But the 6-foot-6 prospect is more of a shooting guard/small forward rather than a point guard solution.
However, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Kings may have had a chance to consider adding Trae Young to the roster, but ultimately decided against it, partially due to his large contract. Young is owed $46 million next season, and he has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
“Similarly, there was a push among some power-brokers for Sacramento to go after Atlanta’s Trae Young, but league sources say the Kings didn’t have interest because of his style of play (offense-first) and cost (he’s extension-eligible this summer but is slated to earn $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million in 2026-27).”
The Athletic on Sacramento Kings’ pursuit of Trae Young
Young is eligible to sign a four-year contract extension worth up to $228.6 million this offseason, and that price point could be scaring teams away. Whether it scares the Hawks away from the face of their franchise remains to be seen, but they may not have much of a choice.
While Young has limitless range, he also comes with severe defensive limitations, and he’s not exactly a pass-first point guard either. In other words, he’s not for everyone.
Related: Sacramento Kings ‘considering’ adding former NBA MVP
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