Kings Trade Rumors Heating Up, Rookie Acuff Jr. Safe

Trade rumors surrounding the Sacramento Kings are heating up after general manager Scott Perry made the first trade of 2026-27 last Sunday.

Perry sent second-year guard Nique Clifford to the Oklahoma City Thunder for two second-round picks. He dipped further below the luxury tax and is searching for a 14th standard contract to meet the league minimum.

With Clifford gone sooner than most expected, other executives are likely turning their eyes to Sacramento and inquiring about players' availability. Sam Amick, senior NBA writer for The Athletic, reported that the Kings are willing to listen to trade offers for about anyone except standout rookie Darius Acuff Jr.

The 19-year-old has been nothing short of impressive, spearheading a losing franchise. He's averaging 25.4 points and 7.2 assists, and is three games removed from a 32-point, 10-assist double-double.

Amick also reported that the organization feels it has drafted a generational player. Perry is razor-focused on building around his young offensive engine, and could fetch the assets to speed up the rebuild.

Sacramento's veterans are likely the odd men out: Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk.

Sabonis' offensive involvement has been inconsistent alongside Acuff. He's averaging nine shot attempts for the first time since his third year in 2018-19.

The three-time All-Star arguably had the worst performance of his career against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. Sabonis finished with zero points and two rebounds, sparking assertions that he was "quiet quitting."

LaVine's minutes will reportedly decline over the next few weeks, barring any setbacks, according to Carmichael Dave, host of the "Carmichael Dave Show" on Sactown Sports 1140.

He played 25 minutes against the Miami Heat last Sunday, his second-lowest this season. His minutes shot back up to 33 and 36 in the past two games.

Sacramento needs his efficient scoring, but wants to move on from his expiring $49 million salary. LaVine isn't a defensive-minded guard, which makes his fit alongside Acuff clunky.

Monk's role is a head-scratcher. He built a strong reputation as one of the league's best sixth men when he joined Sacramento, but now his minutes fluctuate nightly.

Coach Doug Christie played the 28-year-old 30 and 24 minutes in the first two November games against the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. He then limited him to three minutes against the Magic.

The Kings' veteran trio headlined offseason trade rumors. Perry has tried to move off their contracts, but to no avail, and he isn't settling for a discount deal either.