The Sacramento Kings are charting a new course with a young core after finishing the 2025-26 NBA season with a 22-60 record, their second-worst in franchise history. Their last game was a 122-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on April 13, 2026, capping a recent form of two wins and three losses in their final five contests. General manager Scott Perry is steering the franchise toward its youth, led by recent draft picks Darius Acuff Jr. and Alex Karaban, while veterans Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine provide experience for a team that hasn't seen the playoffs since 2023.
What did the Kings do this offseason?
The Kings' summer was defined by financial moves and a commitment to their drafted talent. They traded 2024 lottery pick Devin Carter and waived veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan, who led the team in total points last season. These actions saved money and created future flexibility.
Key additions include guard Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick from Arkansas, forward Alex Karaban, and guard Emanuel Sharp. The roster now features six players in their first two NBA seasons. The main subtraction was DeRozan, alongside guard Russell Westbrook. The team retained forward Precious Achiuwa. ESPN analyst Zach Kram gave the offseason a grade of C, noting the team's relative inactivity beyond cost-saving measures.
Who is leading the Kings' roster?
While youth is the focus, established veterans will carry significant minutes. Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk are the high-minute holdovers from the previous era. Among them, Murray is viewed as the most stable part of the team's long-term plan.
General manager Scott Perry explored trades for Monk, LaVine, and Sabonis over the past year but did not find offers he valued. All three are expected to start the season in Sacramento. Sabonis is on a deal worth $94.1 million over the next two seasons and will reach free agency in 2028. LaVine carries a $49.0 million salary for the upcoming season.
What are the biggest challenges facing Sacramento?
Immediate concerns involve performance and a new NBA draft rule designed to discourage tanking. Finishing with just 22 wins last season and making no major veteran upgrades puts them at risk of being one of the league's worst teams again.
The new draft lottery rules, which start next season, penalize the three worst records with only a 5.4% chance at the top pick instead of the best odds. This system aims to keep bad teams competitive late in the season. As ESPN's Ben Golliver noted, the Kings need to start worrying about this draft relegation now because some teams simply can't help being bad.
Their financial strategy suggests a longer view. With LaVine's $49.0 million and De'Andre Hunter's $24.9 million contracts expiring next summer, the Kings will have significant cap space in future offseasons. This planning indicates the front office is building for 2027 and beyond, not necessarily for a quick turnaround this season.
What is the outlook for the 2026-27 season?
The path forward relies heavily on the development of Acuff, Karaban, and other young players. Success will be measured by growth more than wins. The veteran core of Sabonis, LaVine, and Murray must provide stability and leadership for the inexperienced group.
The team's recent form of LWWLL shows inconsistency, a typical trait of a young squad. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. Avoiding the bottom of the Western Conference standings is a primary goal, especially with the new draft rules looming. The Kings' season preview hinges on whether their youth movement can accelerate faster than expected and if their veterans can stay healthy and productive.
