In true Sacramento Kings fashion, they are adamant about needing a rebuild but have yet to make any trades. There have been plenty of talks and rumors, but nothing concrete. Apparently, there was a potential deal with the Clippers that would have sent DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis there. Nope.
The Clippers have discussed a trade that would land them DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis in exchange for John Collins, per @MikeAScotto
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 16, 2026
“In fact, the Kings had exploratory conversations on a trade involving DeRozan and Ellis for Clippers forward John Collins and another small… pic.twitter.com/UKgx1w7ioc
From the Clippers' side of the equation, they would have contributed John Collins and some other unnamed player. Honestly, it's hard to say how far down the road this conversation actually got. There aren't a lot of "official" details to discuss, other than it doesn't seem like a good plan.
Collins is a solid off-the-ball player who thrives in open spaces and is ready with a quick three or a diabolical cut. Additionally, John is known to be a solid rebounder and shot blocker, though his lighter frame can be a problem when he takes on larger players in the post.
He could have been an interesting addition to the Kings. And maybe Sacramento would have actually pulled a solid role player out of the deal with the Clippers. At the same time, it kind of seems like LA was the one getting the better end of the trade on this one.
It's better for the Kings this didn't happen
No disrespect meant to John Collins and the unnamed Clipper, but DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis are better players. The Kings would be in a stronger position by keeping them while they build for the future. At the very least, Sacramento deserves a stronger trade for those two players.
Ellis has become one of the most coveted young 3&D players in the league, with numerous teams keeping an eye on his situation with the Kings. Even if Sacramento doesn't trade him before the deadline, it's likely that he will leave in the offseason to find a better fit on another team.
On top of that, DeRozan is a legend, and can produce instant offence wherever he goes. John Collins and an unnamed role player isn't enough to get either Ellis or DeRozan. It's certainly not a big enough offering to collect both of these talents at the same time.
Plus, it seems everything has changed, now. The Clippers were more anxious to trade before they sent Chris Paul home, and they started winning. Now that they're doing well, LA seems like they're less motivated to make a big move, though they should probably still consider it.