BREAKING: Kings Linked to Another Shocking Nuggets Blockbuster Trade After Hiring New GM

The Sacramento Kings are coming off a disappointing season in which they failed to qualify for the playoffs, and they now face a crucial offseason filled with high-stakes decisions. In an effort to shift the direction of the franchise, the organization has already made significant changes at the leadership level, hiring a new general manager and promoting Doug Christie to head coach.

However, their work is far from over. With the roster under scrutiny, attention has turned to potential trades, particularly involving two of the team’s most recognizable names: Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan. Both players have recently been featured in trade rumors, and it’s increasingly likely that at least one of them will be moved this summer as the Kings look to retool their lineup.

Paul Pierce Suggests DeRozan-to-Denver Trade

During a recent episode of the podcast “KG Certified”, hosted by NBA legend Kevin Garnett, former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce weighed in on Sacramento’s situation. He proposed an intriguing trade scenario involving DeRozan and the Denver Nuggets—a team that has fallen short of expectations with consecutive second-round playoff exits.

“For the next five years, if you got the best player, you got to put some pieces,” Pierce explained. “I feel like if they had a DeMar DeRozan with that team right now, with [Nikola] Jokic — he wouldn’t need to be the best player or even the second-best player every night. He’s going to give you more than what Michael Porter Jr. gave you.”

Pierce’s suggestion may be bold, but it holds merit. DeRozan, a veteran with elite mid-range scoring and playmaking ability, could complement Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon nicely. With Jokic as the fulcrum of the Nuggets’ offense, DeRozan wouldn’t need to carry the scoring load nightly but could offer a more consistent, experienced alternative to Michael Porter Jr., whose production has been erratic in the postseason.

A Trade That Helps Both Sides?

If this proposed trade were to materialize, the Kings would send DeRozan to Denver and likely receive Michael Porter Jr. in return, along with additional assets such as draft picks or young prospects. While Denver has been reluctant to part with Porter Jr. in the past, their latest playoff disappointment may prompt a change in strategy. Upgrading with a more consistent veteran presence like DeRozan could improve their title odds.

From Sacramento’s perspective, Porter Jr. aligns better with their current rebuild timeline. The Kings have a relatively young core that includes Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, and Malik Monk, and bringing in a still-developing but high-upside forward like Porter would allow them to build for the future while remaining competitive in the present.

Meanwhile, DeRozan, at 35, would have the chance to chase a championship in Denver alongside a former MVP in Jokic—an opportunity that could benefit both his legacy and the Nuggets’ title hopes.

What’s Next?

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Sacramento’s front office. The Kings must decide whether to continue tweaking the roster around their current core or fully embrace a younger, long-term vision by moving on from veterans like DeRozan. A deal involving Denver could be one of several options on the table, and much may depend on how willing the Nuggets are to shake up their roster following recent postseason frustration.

In any case, the 2025 offseason is shaping up to be a defining moment for both the Kings and Nuggets as they attempt to pivot toward a more successful future.