Report: 2 Kings Stars With Uncertain Futures In Sacramento

This season has been nothing short of disastrous for the Sacramento Kings. After firing their first winning coach, Mike Brown,  in nearly two decades and trading franchise cornerstone De’Aaron Fox, the team has struggled to find its footing. 

Domantas Sabonis, in particular, has faced challenges since the trade, and reports suggest he plans to seek clarity from ownership and the front office about the team’s future direction. 

Domantas Sabonis could request a trade if the Kings don’t establish a clear direction this offseason, per @BrettSiegelNBA

“Many around the league are preparing for the possibility of the Kings becoming big sellers ahead of the 2026 NBA trade deadline next February, which would… pic.twitter.com/7dMOmbdN6X

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 28, 2025

But Sabonis isn’t the only one with concerns. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, who appeared on The Carmichael Dave Show on Sactown 1140, DeMar DeRozan is also expected to have "tough conversations" with the organization this summer.

"You have DeMar (DeRozan), who I think is going to be similar to Sabonis… There’s going to be tough conversations in the summer where guys decide if they feel like being part of this," Amick said.

The timing of these reports couldn’t be worse, coming on the heels of what many are calling the worst loss in franchise history—a defeat to the 17-win Washington Wizards, who were missing key players and rested starters Alex Sarr and Jordan Poole in the fourth quarter. 

With playoff hopes all but extinguished, frustration among players and fans is reaching a boiling point.

The Root of the Problem Points to Ownership

Amid the finger-pointing at players, coaches, and management, the most scrutiny should fall on owner Vivek Ranadivé. Since purchasing the team, the Kings have made the playoffs just once—a first-round exit in a hard-fought series against the Warriors. 

Despite the "Beam Team’s" initial success, Sacramento’s front office failed to make necessary improvements, leading to a stagnant mediocrity. Last season’s play-in appearance ended in humiliation at the hands of the Pelicans, further highlighting the team’s flaws.

While GM Monte McNair bears some responsibility, the Kings’ dysfunction has persisted through multiple coaches and executives, suggesting deeper issues at the ownership level. 

Ranadivé’s history of meddling—consulting family members, former players, and even failed ex-GMs on roster decisions—has only fueled instability.

Whether he directly influenced Mike Brown’s firing or the Zach LaVine trade remains unclear, but his leadership style has undoubtedly contributed to the growing unease among the team’s stars.

A Critical Offseason Ahead

As the Kings approach the offseason, the biggest concern may be retaining their core. Players like Keegan Murray, who will soon be extension-eligible, could grow wary of committing long-term to a franchise with no clear direction.

If Sacramento doesn’t make significant changes soon, another prolonged playoff drought—and a further erosion of fan trust—could become inevitable.

Image - Scott Wachter-Imagn