The Sacramento Kings have officially entered a new chapter. After trading franchise cornerstone De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, the team is now preparing for a future that will look significantly different from the past few seasons. Following their playoff return after a 16-year drought, this core had been making strides, but the move signals a major shift in the team’s direction.
In Fox’s absence, the Kings are now focusing on building around Domantas Sabonis, who will be the centerpiece of their revamped roster. The acquisition of Zach LaVine, a proven scoring threat, also adds a new dynamic to Sacramento’s offense. With these changes, the Kings now face important questions about their identity, long-term goals, and what lies ahead.
De’Aaron Fox’s Legacy in Sacramento
Fox spent seven seasons with the Kings, playing a crucial role in ending the franchise’s 16-year playoff drought in 2023. Known for his speed, elite finishing ability, and clutch performances, Fox became one of the league’s top offensive engines. His leadership was key in reshaping Sacramento’s culture, and his departure marks the end of an important era.
In his final season with the Kings, Fox averaged 25.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, helping lead Sacramento to a 46-36 record. His ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities for himself and others was a major factor in the team’s success. With Fox’s trade to the Spurs, the Kings will need to adjust their offensive philosophy and redefine their team identity moving forward.
Building Around Domantas Sabonis
With Fox gone, the Kings will now focus on Domantas Sabonis as their main offensive hub. The 6’10” center, often compared to Nikola Jokić for his passing and high basketball IQ, will become the primary focal point of Sacramento’s offense. This season, Sabonis is averaging 20.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and elite playmaking skills from the center position.
To maximize Sabonis’ strengths, it will be crucial for the Kings to surround him with shooters and athletic players who can capitalize on his passing ability. Similar to how the Denver Nuggets have built around Jokić, Sacramento should tailor its roster to complement Sabonis’ style. If successful, this approach could keep the Kings competitive in the Western Conference despite the loss of Fox.
Zach LaVine’s Fit with the Kings
In exchange for Fox, the Kings acquired two-time All-Star Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. LaVine brings a different dimension to Sacramento’s offense, offering scoring at all three levels and explosive athleticism. Though he may not be the traditional playmaker Fox was, LaVine’s ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor will be valuable alongside Sabonis.
LaVine’s skill set should complement Sabonis’ passing game. His ability to move off the ball, come off screens, and capitalize on catch-and-shoot opportunities will give the Kings a versatile offensive attack. LaVine, alongside veteran DeMar DeRozan, provides the Kings with experienced scorers who can take over games when necessary. However, while LaVine adds a significant scoring threat, his fit in Sacramento also raises questions about the team’s long-term outlook and how they will balance their offensive structure moving forward.
Malik Monk’s New Role as Lead Guard
With De’Aaron Fox’s departure, Malik Monk is set to take on a significantly larger role in Sacramento’s backcourt. Previously used as a secondary playmaker and scoring spark off the bench, Monk will now be tasked with running the offense as the team’s primary point guard. Standing at 6’3”, Monk has always been more of a combo guard, but his scoring ability and improved playmaking make him a viable candidate to step up.
This season, Monk is averaging 18.2 points and 5.9 assists per game, showcasing his potential as a facilitator when given the opportunity. However, the responsibility of leading the team as a full-time point guard brings added challenges. His ability to manage the offense, distribute the ball effectively, and strike a balance between scoring and playmaking will be critical in shaping Sacramento’s success.
What This Means for Sacramento Moving Forward
The Kings find themselves at a crossroads. With Fox gone and Zach LaVine added to the roster, the team must now determine whether this core is worth building around or if more roster changes are needed. One of the biggest questions is whether LaVine is a long-term piece or just a temporary fix. While his scoring ability is undeniable, his contract and injury history may make him a trade candidate if the Kings opt to retool again.
Additionally, Monk’s ability to handle the lead guard role is still uncertain. If he struggles in this position, Sacramento may need to consider acquiring a more traditional point guard to stabilize the backcourt.
Another important decision for the Kings is their coaching situation. With Mike Brown gone, assistant coach Doug Christie has been named interim head coach, but it remains unclear if he will be given the permanent role. Christie has deep ties to the franchise and is respected by the players, but the Kings may seek an established coach who can implement a more structured system tailored to their new roster.