Kings Fire Sale Imminent: The End of the Sacramento ‘Big Three’ Era

Kings Fire Sale Imminent: The End of the Sacramento ‘Big Three’ Era

 

SACRAMENTO, CA — The brief, tumultuous, and ultimately disappointing era of the Sacramento Kings attempting to compete with an expensive veteran core appears to be over. Per reports from local radio host Carmichael Dave, the Kings are reportedly gearing up for a full-scale rebuild and plan to aggressively explore trades for their three All-Stars: Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan, along with other veteran contributors.

The news comes as the Kings stumble out of the gate with a dismal 3-7 record through the first few weeks of the 2025-26 season. The team’s struggles have been pronounced, ranking near the bottom of the league in both defensive and offensive metrics, painting a picture of an expensive roster that is neither good enough to contend nor bad enough to generate top lottery picks naturally. This reported shift represents a stark and necessary pivot for the franchise, signaling that the front office is finally ready to reset the clock and embrace the path of long-term asset accumulation.

 

📉 The Tipping Point: Why Sacramento is Rebuilding Now

 

The decision to move on from a core that includes three established All-Stars is drastic, but Sacramento’s poor start makes the move almost inevitable. The current roster is a costly patchwork that lacks continuity and an identity.

• Financial Constraint and Underperformance: The Kings have invested heavily in a core that is hemorrhaging value. The team’s current performance metrics—including a 27th defensive rating and 26th net rating—indicate the current construction is fundamentally flawed. Keeping this core intact only burns future draft equity without achieving short-term success.
• The LaVine Contract Burden: The massive contract of Zach LaVine ($47.5 million this season, with a $48.9 million player option next year) is the most daunting financial commitment. While LaVine has been one of the few bright spots, averaging over 25 points per game on highly efficient shooting, his contract size combined with a history of knee issues makes him a difficult asset to justify holding onto during a rebuild.
• Failed ‘Big Three’ Experiment: The current trio of LaVine, Sabonis, and DeRozan has never fit together seamlessly, particularly due to defensive limitations and a lack of consistent floor spacing. The previous regime, which acquired these stars (including the controversial trade of De’Aaron Fox for LaVine), prioritized talent over fit, resulting in a roster that is now collapsing under its own weight.
• Protecting Young Assets: By starting the rebuild now, the Kings can focus on maximizing the development and trade value of their remaining young players, such as the sidelined Keegan Murray, Keon Ellis, and recent draft picks.

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💰 Trade Value Breakdown: The Three All-Stars

 

The success of Sacramento’s rebuild hinges entirely on the return they can generate for their key players. Each star presents a unique challenge and opportunity for the Kings.

 

1. Zach LaVine (Guard)

 

• Current Status: Playing at an All-Star level (25.2 PPG, 52.7% FG, 43.1% 3P).
• Trade Challenge: The $47.5M+ contract and health history are massive deterrents for acquiring teams.
• Kings’ Goal: LaVine’s current production offers a rare window to trade him when his on-court value is high. Sacramento must aim to offload the full contract and acquire a combination of future first-round draft picks and high-upside, cheap young players. Teams seeking an immediate offensive punch, like the Miami Heat (if they miss out on other stars) or a desperate Eastern Conference team, will be the primary targets. The Kings may have to take back an undesirable salary or a lesser-valued draft pick to clear the books.

 

2. Domantas Sabonis (Center)

 

• Current Status: Solid production (15.3 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG), but below his peak All-Star level.
• Trade Challenge: The significant contract extension ($42.3M this year and $94M over the next two seasons) and his specific skillset (elite passer/rebounder, poor rim protector/shooter) make him a niche acquisition.
• Kings’ Goal: Sabonis, being a playmaking center, appeals most to teams desperately needing his interior presence and passing, like a rebuilding Boston Celtics (who may need an anchor while their star returns from injury) or a team needing a complementary big to pair with a scoring wing. The Kings should hold out for the best combination of young talent and draft picks. His value is complicated, but a team with a glaring center need may overpay.

 

3. DeMar DeRozan (Wing)

 

• Current Status: Highly efficient veteran scorer (20.8 PPG, 50.0% FG, 43.5% 3P).
• Trade Challenge: Age (36) and defensive limitations.
• Kings’ Goal: DeRozan is the most easily movable piece due to his manageable contract ($24.7M this season, $25.7M next). A contender needing a mid-season scoring boost and veteran leadership—such as the Dallas Mavericks (who just fired their GM) or a team like the Philadelphia 76ers—will pay a solid price. Sacramento should seek to maximize his value for immediate draft capital (top-20 protected first-round pick) or a promising young player who is currently blocked on a contender’s roster.