With trade season underway, the Sacramento Kings have yet to make any moves, though the rumors are on. As an example, Sacramento could start pestering Cleveland about Darius Garland again. The Cavaliers likely aren't interested in moving their star, but it never hurts to ask. Repeatedly, in this case.
Over the course of the offseason, the Kings were rumored to be involved in a number of trade conversations. The most high-profile and talked about potential trade was part of Jonathan Kuminga's negotiations with the Golden State Warriors. It didn't end up going anywhere.
What a difference a couple of months makes. A Kuminga trade is looking likely, and Sacramento is back in the conversation. During the same offseason, there was also talk of the Kings' being interested in point guard Darius Garland, but the Cavs weren't taking offers at the time.
Unlike Kuminga's situation with the Warriors, Cleveland's lack of desire to trade Garland likely has not changed. Well, to Sacramento, at least. It's hard to say who the Kings have to offer the Cavs that would be an improvement over simply keeping Garland. It's easy to see why the Kings are interested.
The Kings are in desperate need of a young point guard to build around
Everyone knows that the Kings have way too many guards. It's a huge problem that is negatively impacting the rotation, as well as minutes and development. As such, trading for another point guard wouldn't seem to make a lot of sense. But you have to look at the bigger picture over a longer term.
Right now, the Kings' starting point guard is Russell Westbrook, and he's doing a good job. He's also in his 18th season and isn't going to be playing basketball for more than another few years. And that's assuming he doesn't move to a contender after his one-season contract with the Kings is up.
Beyond Westbrook, Sacramento's options at the starting point guard position are limited at best. Even if he does stay, the Kings can't really build around Westbrook. They need a young, talented point guard like Darius Garland to help anchor their rebuilding process alongside Keegan Murray.
It seems like the Darius Garland conversation is over before it began for the Kings, if it was even happening at all. Regardless, Sacramento still has a long-term point guard concern they need to address before this rebuild can get rolling, regardless of their current rotation issues on the court.