The 2025 NBA season was a transitional one for the Sacramento Kings, a franchise that made bold moves in hopes of elevating their competitiveness in the Western Conference. One of the most significant and surprising transactions involved trading away De’Aaron Fox, their All-Star point guard and longtime face of the franchise, to the San Antonio Spurs in a blockbuster three-team deal that also included the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan-LaVine Reunion in Sacramento
In that multi-team exchange, the Kings acquired Zach LaVine, the high-flying former Bulls shooting guard, and reunited him with his former Chicago teammate DeMar DeRozan, who had already joined the Kings earlier. The move brought excitement to Sacramento, with hopes that the duo could spark a playoff push. However, it now appears that the reunion might be short-lived.
Reports emerging out of Sacramento suggest the Kings are seriously considering trading DeRozan this offseason as they look to reshape their roster once again under new front office leadership.
Potential Trade: DeRozan to Orlando?
One of the most discussed hypothetical trades was proposed by Sacramento media personality Matt George of ABC10, who floated the idea of sending DeRozan to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and veteran guard Cory Joseph.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) is a proven “Three-and-D” wing, exactly the type of player Sacramento may be seeking. His ability to knock down outside shots and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for any playoff contender.
- Cory Joseph, while not a high scorer (he averaged 3.5 points per game last season), is a reliable secondary ball-handler and brings veteran experience—something the Kings may find useful in stabilizing their backcourt following Fox’s departure.
From Orlando’s perspective, acquiring DeRozan could add a much-needed scoring punch alongside young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Magic, who had a strong defensive identity during the season, at times struggled with consistent offensive production outside of their main stars. DeRozan, a mid-range maestro and seasoned shot creator, could offer them a new dimension offensively.
What Lies Ahead for the Kings?
The Kings’ roster is in flux, and this summer could bring more change. With a new general manager and head coach leading the charge, Sacramento seems poised to enter a new phase of roster construction—one that may emphasize modern spacing, defense, and versatile perimeter shooting.
DeRozan, who still holds value as a veteran scorer and leader, may not perfectly fit the mold of what Sacramento is trying to build moving forward. While he remains a threat on offense, his limited three-point shooting and aging defense might not align with the team’s long-term vision.
If the Kings pull the trigger on a deal like the one with Orlando, it could signal a clear shift toward a more modern, perimeter-oriented identity and set the tone for what fans can expect from the franchise in the 2025–26 season.
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