The trade deadline is tomorrow and there are a lot of big moves left for the Sacramento Kings to make, not to mention a lot of rumors about them. One mock trade idea has DeMar DeRozan and Drew Eubanks heading to the Lakers, an idea from Gray Deyo that is incredibly interesting.
Part of the Kings rebuild strategy includes bringing in younger players who have a stronger defensive focus. As such, it shouldn't come as a surprise that a forward in his 17th season who isn't known for his defense wouldn't be part of Sacramento's roster through the rebuild process.
The Kings have been looking to move DeMar DeRozan since trade season started back in December. While there has been interest from other teams, nothing concrete has come of it. Now that the trade deadline is less than 24 hours away, it looks likely that DeRozan will finish out the season as a King.
That's not the end of the world, though. DeRozan remains an elite mid-range shooter, and will continue contributing to the Kings as long as he's on the roster. Sacramento could still move him in the 2026 offseason, making Deyo's mock trade still feasible at that time.
DeRozan heading to the Lakers has potential
With LeBron James' contract coming to an end this summer, the Lakers do not appear to be interested in extended the living legend. Los Angeles is now focused on building a new era around Luka Doncic, one that will hopefully lead to more championships for the storied franchise.
The premise Sports Illustrated writer Gray Deyo laid out was that DeRozan and Eubanks would head to the Lakers in exchange for Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, and a couple of draft picks. That would give the Lakers another big man as well as a veteran shooter to support Luka.
On the other hand, Sacramento gets three young stars. LaRavia is particularly interesting because he was a King last season but contract issues prevented them from keeping him. The Kings did not want him to go. Plus, Knecht has requested a trade from the Lakers, so he's ready to move.
Hachimura's contract is up after this season, LaRavia is done in 2027, and Knecht has a team option when 2026 is over. If the Lakers want to get something for these three players, now is a good time. And picking up a guy like DeRozan to reinforce your top star isn't a bad idea.