The Sacramento Kings are shaking up the NBA landscape with a blockbuster three-team trade that sends shockwaves through the league, landing them a dynamic young superstar while shipping out veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan. In a bold move to reshape their roster around Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, the Kings are betting big on a playoff push in the ultra-competitive Western Conference for the 2025-26 season.
After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign that saw Sacramento miss the playoffs following a Play-In Tournament exit, the Kings have been aggressive in retooling their lineup. Their lone postseason appearance since 2006-07 has fueled their urgency, and this summer, they added Dennis Schröder, Nique Clifford, and Maxime Raynaud to bolster their core. But the latest trade proposal, as outlined by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman, takes their ambitions to another level.
In a jaw-dropping three-team deal, the Kings would acquire Anfernee Simons, the electrifying $100 million guard, along with an unprotected 2027 first-round pick from the Boston Celtics in exchange for DeRozan and Keon Ellis. Meanwhile, Sacramento would also net Georges Niang from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Terence Davis. The Celtics, in turn, would send Sam Hauser to the Hawks for three second-round picks, rounding out the trade’s complex framework.
For Sacramento, Simons represents a game-changer at point guard. The 26-year-old’s explosive scoring and playmaking ability could seamlessly slot him into the starting lineup, potentially supplanting Schröder and forming a dynamic backcourt alongside LaVine. Paired with Sabonis’ elite passing and post presence, Simons’ ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot could unlock a new level of offensive firepower for the Kings. The unprotected 2027 first-rounder adds long-term value, giving Sacramento flexibility to build around their young core.
On the other side, Boston’s decision to part with Simons, whom they acquired earlier this offseason in a trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, raises eyebrows. Despite losing Jayson Tatum for the season due to a torn Achilles, the Celtics remain Eastern Conference contenders with their revamped roster. Adding DeRozan, a six-time All-Star known for his clutch mid-range scoring, could provide a veteran spark to complement their championship aspirations. However, swapping a young, high-upside guard like Simons for the 36-year-old DeRozan is a gamble, especially as Boston navigates a delicate retooling phase.
The inclusion of Niang in the deal gives Sacramento a reliable floor-spacing forward, while the Hawks’ acquisition of Hauser signals their intent to stockpile assets with an eye toward future drafts. Every team walks away with something, but the Kings and Celtics are undeniably at the heart of this seismic shift.
For Sacramento, this trade is a statement of intent. After years of languishing in the NBA’s wilderness, the Kings are betting on Simons’ star potential and a revitalized roster to finally break their playoff drought. Boston, meanwhile, doubles down on win-now moves, banking on DeRozan’s experience to keep them in title contention. As the 2025-26 season looms, this blockbuster swap has fans buzzing about what’s next for these two franchises.