The Sacramento Kings’ strong season ended disappointingly against the Golden State Warriors. The Game 7 loss exposed some flaws that they will need to address if they are to take the next step next season. The Warriors celebrated when Domantas Sabonis was playing quarterback. He was tasked with defending away from the basket and blocking drives while Kevon Looney fought for rebounds.
It didn’t go well, especially in Game 7, when Looney celebrated the offensive glass, giving the Warriors extra possession after extra possession. The fact that the third seed was defeated by the sixth seed in this way is disappointing but it should be easy to deal with this summer. That leads to a hypothetical deal that could help Sacramento boost its frontcourt next season.
Trade: The Kings support the front yard.
spurs
Richawn Holmes
2026 first-round pick
At first glance, this may not seem like a worthwhile deal to the Kings, but it will help them in a number of ways. After four injury-plagued seasons at Portland, Collins signed a three-year contract with the Spurs, and over the past two seasons, he has performed surprisingly well. In fact, this season, after Jacob Boltel was traded, he started 19 games and averaged 16.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
Collins proved to be a skilful attacking player by scoring at the post and shooting high over the edge. Collins can even knock down three goals, as evidenced by the fact that he’s shot 37.4% from downtown this season. Factor in that he’s a good passer, and he’ll be a good addition to any front court, including the Kings.
He would give Sacramento a promotion at the backup position and even give coach Mike Brown the option to play Sabonis and Collins together if necessary. With Collins’ ability to both ground and pass, he probably won’t hurt their offense. His ability to score in the penalty area will also prevent teams from putting a winger on him.
Defensively, Collins is an experienced tackler and capable frame guard. However, just as important is that it brings toughness to the table. He has developed a reputation for being physical and playing with an edge. While this hasn’t translated into wins for the young, rebuilding Spurs team, it could be helpful to have an enforcer of some sort on the Kings to fight back when opponents try to bully the rookie team.
As for the Spurs, they’ve been in an asset grab mode over the past few seasons, which has resulted in them having an impressive number of draft picks. The Collins trade fits with their recent strategy of acquiring undervalued players and later transferring them in exchange for their picks. They are also in position to take the top spot in this year’s draft by picking Victor Wimpanyama.
Even if they don’t, Collins will probably be in. Thus, a 2026 transfer first that could be a protected Top 10 through 2028 for Collins makes sense for the Kings. Not to mention, it would allow them to part with Richaun Holmes’ contract, giving them added value.
Ultimately, the Kings proved to be much better than expected this season, but they will still need to improve this summer. By trading with Collins, they would get a frontcourt promotion at only the cost of a late first-round pick and let them pass on a bad contract in the process.