While it makes no sense, the Sacramento Kings seem to have no interest in Devin Carter. It's weird since Nique Clifford is underperforming at the same level, yet he's considered a building block of the franchise. There's a reason for that, and it all comes down to bad timing for Carter.
Sacramento is on the precipice of major upgrades to the team. Scott Perry's rebuild has the potential to turn the Kings into a real playoff team, possibly even a contender if done right. The best part is that the process started with the 2025 NBA Draft, which saw the Kings walk away with some great talent.
The team drafted Nique Clifford in the first round and Maxime Raynaud in the second, both good choices. Then, Sacramento made an incredibly smart move by signing undrafted rookie Dylan Cardwell to a two-way contract. This is the rookie core the rebuild needs to get started.
Raynaud has grown fast, becoming the starting center for the team. Cardwell is also playing great, thanks to his strong defensive presence and high-energy connection with the Sactown fans. Clifford, on the other hand, is having a bit more trouble finding his legs in the NBA, though he will get there.
Why Clifford isn't getting the Carter treatment from the Kings
Devin Carter was a Kings' draft pick a season earlier. He had issues with injuries, played in the G League, and has spent a lot of time on the bench. Like Clifford, he has had problems getting into the NBA rhythm. Unlike Clifford, the Kings have all but washed their hands of Carter.
It seems unfair, but it all comes down to timing. Carter was drafted just before the 2024-2025 implosion that saw Mike Brown get fired, De'Aaron Fox leave, and the Kings get thrown into turmoil. He was largely lost in the shuffle as new coaches, front office, and players joined the franchise.
Clifford jumped on the roster at the beginning of the rebuild process. While there are changes coming, it's a somewhat more stable time to be on the Kings. In addition to other players like Raynaud, Cardwell, and Achiuwa, Clifford has become directly associated with that rebuild.
Unfortunately for Carter, his brand is now associated with last year's trainwreck along with Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis. It's not fair to Carter, who has so much potential, but he will ride the bench until he gets traded or leaves unless something drastic changes.