As per usual, the Sacramento Kings are attached to virtually every possible trade rumor in the NBA. That includes the potential acquisition of current Knick Mitchell Robinson. It's a move that makes no sense for the Kings, as it would stymie the development of both Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
The Kings are in the midst of a full rebuild of their roster, a process that unofficially started with the 2025 NBA Draft. Sacramento picked up Nique Clifford in the first round, Raynaud in the second, and signed the undrafted Cardwell to a two-way contract shortly after. It was a solid showing at the time.
Once the 2025-2026 season was in full swing, the Kings got absolutely battered by injuries. Their projected starting lineup never played a single minute together. Both Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis spent most of the season injured and on the bench, which wasn't preferable for the team.
Keeping that in mind, it worked out for the rookies who got a lot of minutes and developed rapidly because of it. This was especially true for Raynaud and Cardwell, who respectively became the starting center and the backup center. It was a one-two punch that actually worked quite well.
Like Sabonis, Mitchell will mess that rhythm up
As it stands right now, Sabonis is expected to return next season, assuming he's healthy and the Kings haven't traded him or bought him out. Given how much he's getting paid, the concern is that he will take minutes from Raynaud and Cardwell, slowing their development down rather drastically.
Bringing Robinson in will only add to that. He has been integral to the Knicks' success this season, but will be a free agent in the offseason. New York will likely work to keep him, but he can also investigate other potential offers. The rumor mill has put Sacramento firmly in that mix.
If the Kings can't move Sabonis and also sign Mitchell, that will deeply cut into the minutes of Raynaud and Cardwell. In that scenario, Sacramento may even be tempted to trade one or both of their standout rookie centers to make room for these two veterans. That simply cannot happen.
Sacramento's goal is to build towards a more successful future with youth and versatility as the foundation. Neither Sabonis nor Mitchell fit the bill. The Kings must stick with Raynaud and Cardwell and build from there in the draft. If they start hunting in free agency, it has to be for a point guard.
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