{"id":261914,"date":"2026-04-11T00:33:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:33:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/261914\/"},"modified":"2026-04-11T00:33:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:33:31","slug":"sacramento-kings-enter-critical-financial-crossroads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/261914\/","title":{"rendered":"Sacramento Kings Enter Critical Financial Crossroads"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Sacramento Kings are heading into a pivotal offseason, and according to Spotrac cap expert Keith Smith<\/a>, the franchise faces both financial strain and philosophical decisions that could define its future.<\/p>\n

With the 2025-26 regular season closing Sunday, Sacramento finds itself near the bottom of the standings<\/a> despite carrying one of the league\u2019s most expensive rosters.<\/p>\n

During an interview with Sactown Sports\u2019 The Drive Guys<\/a>, Smith didn\u2019t mince words about their financial position.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as where they\u2019re at, it\u2019s not good,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThey\u2019re at the bottom of the spectrum here of teams, and that\u2019s just far too expensive going into next season.\u201d<\/p>\n

A major storyline revolves around veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, whose partially guaranteed contract ($10 million for 2026-27) could offer flexibility. Smith explained both the upside and complications.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cIf a team can acquire DeMar DeRozan, and we\u2019re out of this for $10 million, that\u2019s free and clear, but it can be a little bit hard to pull off.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that Sacramento may ultimately face a tough decision: \u201cIf we can\u2019t get him traded, maybe just waive him and move on. We\u2019ll eat the 10 million.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings\u2019 financial crunch is largely self-inflicted, stemming from a series of win-now moves.<\/p>\n

Contracts for stars like Zach LaVine (player option for $49 million) and Domantas Sabonis (set to make $93 million over the next two seasons), along with Keegan Murray\u2019s extension and additions like De\u2019Andre Hunter\u2019s $24 million contract for 2026-27, have pushed the team into dangerous territory.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you add it all together, you\u2019re up over the first apron,\u201d Smith said, referencing the NBA\u2019s restrictive spending threshold.<\/p>\n

LaVine\u2019s situation is particularly tricky, with a $49 million player option looming. While some have floated using the stretch provision, Smith cautioned against it.<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, that\u2019s only if you need to do that to create cap space, and that\u2019s not where the Kings are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Instead, he suggested patience: \u201cI would ride it out. You may run into a team that sends contracts and a pick to get off them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Malik Monk\u2019s deal isn\u2019t viewed as toxic, despite rising costs. Monk is set to make $20.1 million in 2026-27 and has a $21.6 million player option for 2027-28.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s that bad. On a really good team, he\u2019s probably your Sixth Man,\u201d Smith noted, adding Sacramento may need to get \u201ccreative\u201d in trades by taking on undesirable contracts to extract value.<\/p>\n

Despite the bleak outlook, there are building blocks. Smith pointed to young players, including Keegan Murray,\u00a0as reasons for optimism.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m still a big fan of Keegan Murray. We\u2019re going to see that player that we all really liked.\u201d He also emphasized the importance of the upcoming draft, particularly at guard.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the direction of the Sacramento Kings hinges on organizational alignment.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to have that aligned vision from the top all the way through, otherwise nothing\u2019s going to get done that\u2019s positive,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the\u00a0Sactown Sports YouTube channel.<\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to\u00a0The Drive Guys\u00a0from 2 \u2013 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on\u00a0Sactown Sports 1140.<\/a><\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will play their final game of the 2025-26 season on Sunday afternoon when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road at the Moda Center.<\/p>\n

Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 4:00 PM PT on Game Night before a 5:30 pm PT tip-off from downtown Portland.<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season<\/p>\n

Sunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers \u2013 5:30 PM PT (End of season)<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n

Follow @FCartoscelli3<\/a><\/p>\n

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