There are two distinct groups on the Sacramento Kings' roster this season. One is the crew of veterans who have been on the team or in the league for a few years. The other is the rookies and sophomores who are the next generation. It remains to be seen who the Kings will focus on for now.
Sacramento has a lot of work to do. They had one of their worst seasons in the history of the franchise when they finished with 22 wins and 60 losses in 2025-2026. Projections for this season aren't exactly great. Many in the media are calling for them to be the worst team in the league.
Unfortunately, that is an achievable goal for the Kings. It's going to take years for the rebuild to pan out into anything positive. While continuing the growth, development, and overhaul of the roster is important, fans are unlikely to see Sacramento climb out of the NBA's basement any time soon.
For now, the Kings have a decision to make about how to proceed this season. They have several veterans who are capable of leading the roster. At the same time, Sacramento also needs to get their young players on the court so that they develop into the future of the franchise.
Moving towards the next Kings episode
Complicating this is the future of vets like Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, De'Andre Hunter, and Malik Monk. All are capable players who are likely to be moved at the first opportunity the Kings' front office gets. Both LaVine's and Hunter's contracts are up at the end of 2026-2027.
Sabonis and Monk each have another season left after this one, assuming Monk uses his player option to stay for 2027-2028. The Kings will continue to entertain trade offers for both of them. Keep in mind that it has not gone well so far, mainly because of the Kings' absurd asking prices.
At the same time, these same vets are the most expensive players on the roster, so benching them all is tough. As such, the Kings will start the season focused on the experienced members of the roster in order to give the rookies and sophomores time to develop before the pressure really hits.
By the end of the season, both LaVine and Hunter will likely be gone. And if the Kings have their way, Monk and Sabonis will quickly follow. For now, Sacramento will remain the veterans' team. But there will come a time when it belongs to the current crop of young guns.
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