As this rebuild continues to grow and develop, the Sacramento Kings' front office is going to end up making some really hard decisions. Not every player currently on the roster is going to still be a King a year from now, including fan favorites and young stars that some see as the future of the franchise.
The one name not on this list is Zach LaVine. Everyone knows that his days in Sacramento are numbered, whether the Kings finally manage to trade him or the clock on his contract just runs out. Either way, LaVine will find himself looking at new scenery when the 2027-2028 season starts.
It's also worth mentioning that Domantas Sabonis also isn't on this list. That's because the Kings options for trading him are few and far between, and his contract has two seasons left. Unless a miracle happens, Sabonis isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
5. Nique Clifford
This is a tough on because the fans want Clifford to work out. He was seen as a "steal of the draft" by the Kings in 2025 but was quickly eclipsed by fellow rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell. Clifford's rookie season just wasn't as good. It also doesn't help that the Kings have no shortage of shooting guards and small forwards. He needs to improve quickly to keep his spot.
4. Daeqwon Plowden
Honestly, Plowden leaving the Kings might be harder to take than Clifford. He worked his butt off in the G League for years before finally getting his first NBA contract. At the same time, he's another shooting guard on a team loaded with them. Plowden, Clifford, and Emanuel Sharp are all looking for developmental minutes at this position, and the Kings can't keep everyone.
3. Ben Simmons
Saying Simmons will be gone in the 2027 offseason seems a little cruel being that he hasn't even officially returned yet. But the Kings only signed him to a one year contract, and keeping him past that will only be on their radar if he overperforms. The irony is that if he does exceed expectations, other teams will come looking for him, giving him avenues to leave. It's a complicated situation.
2. Malik Monk
The Kings plans for Monk are, at best, making fans dizzy. They can't seem to decide if they want to keep Monk, trade him, or even if they want to play him or not. At some point, the franchise is going to have to make a decision. He also has the chance to take his own future in his hands being that he has a player option for 2027-2028. Don't be surprised if Monk goes looking for a more secure role.
1. De'Andre Hunter
Few players on the Kings are in as unenviable a position as Hunter. He was acquired at the 2026 trade deadline, played a game and a half, and was out injured for the rest of the season. Since then, the depth at the four has only increased, and developing the young guns is a priority. Plus, the Kings need his expiring contract cap space if they want to sign both Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Duren.
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