Since becoming the general manager of the Sacramento Kings in 2025, Scott Perry has talked a good game. That includes his long-term, patient strategy for the rebuild process. With the trade deadline looming, fans will get to see if he practices what he preaches or if it's all smoke and mirrors.
After the implosion of the Kings during the course of the 2024-2025 NBA season, Scott Perry was brought in as the new GM to right the ship. He's been part of various front offices and executive teams in numerous capacities over the past 20+ years in the NBA.
Before Sacramento, Perry had a six year run as the GM of the Knicks where he played a part in building them into the monster they've become. Yes, that includes bringing Jalen Brunson to the Knicks in 2022, a watershed moment for the franchise that came with a bit of controversy.
Now, Perry heads up the Kings and hopes to lead them to being legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. He knows the rebuild process will take a long time and requires patience, something he claims co-owner Vivek Ranadive has bought into. The upcoming trade deadline will test that.
Perry has to start making decisions, but only when they're the right ones
One thing that the general manager has made clear is that he's not going to make trades for the sake of making trades. Perry is looking for youthful, athletic players who can play defense and work consistently as a team. It will take time to get the right group of guys together.
Still, the NBA Trade Deadline is coming up at 3:00 PM EST on Thursday, February 5th. That's mere weeks away, and other teams have already started to make moves. There will be incredible pressure on Perry from fans, the ownership, and even the team to do the same.
Scott Perry needs to hold firm for the right opportunities. Making a rash trade for someone like Ja Morant isn't going to help the franchise, and it could destroy the rebuild before it even starts in earnest. Perry has a plan and he needs to keep focused on it.
If Perry can't find the right move before the trade deadline, he's likely not to make one at all. And that is exactly what he needs to do. The draft is coming up, as is free agency, and the Kings have several players hitting the market. Making rushed, bad trades now won't build a better Kings' future.