Without question, 2025-2026 is going to be a key season for the Sacramento Kings. The franchise feels like it has been treading water for years with a couple of limited moments of progress. This season may be a precursor to some major changes.
A big part of that is the roster. As it stands right now, 10 of the players currently attached to the Kings are going to be some sort of free agent after this season. Several are restricted, meaning Kings have the first right of refusal, though in some cases it's hard to imagine them doing that.
Kings on the Move
Assuming no contracts or extensions are offered, Nique Clifford, Keegan Murray, Daeqwon Plowden, Isaac Jones, and Isaiah Stevens will all be restricted free agents. Keon Ellis, Drew Eubanks, Doug McDermott, and Dario Saric will all be unrestricted free agents.
The big question mark will be Zach LaVine. He has a player option coming after this season, which he could use to become a free agent. If not, he'll be around one more season for more than $48 million. What LaVine does will have a huge impact on the Kings' ability to sign new talent.
How the Kings will decide
It's not bold to say anyone doing well will likely be signed or at least made an offer. Others will be left to make their own choices. One would hope the Kings fight to keep Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis, but the front office makes a lot of dubious decisions. It's kind of their thing.
The other factor is which free agents are on the market from other teams. Players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jonathan Kuminga, Coby White, and Kelly Oubre Jr. may be available. If the opportunity is there, they are worth making room for and some current Kings might have to say goodbye.