The Sacramento Kings are eyeing veteran guards Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart of the Washington Wizards as potential trade targets this summer.
NBA insider Jake Fischer dropped this nugget Thursday, noting that Sacramento’s front office is actively searching for backcourt help.
"Sacramento has continued to evaluate its point guard options, according to league sources," Fischer reported. "New general manager Scott Perry, remember, immediately highlighted the Kings’ need for improved playmaking during his introductory press conference."
The Kings aren’t just looking at Holiday and Smart. They’re also considering "more affordable free agent ballhandlers like Malcolm Brogdon."
Why would the Celtics consider trading Holiday? Money problems.
Boston is facing a financial nightmare this offseason. The team is staring down a $231 million salary bill and an eye-watering $263 million tax penalty.
That’s not a typo. The tax bill is bigger than the actual payroll.
For the Celtics, every $3 million spent on a player will cost them an additional $25 million in tax penalties. They’re currently $22 million over the second apron – the NBA’s harshest spending threshold.
Making matters worse, Jayson Tatum will likely miss most or all of the 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles.
Trading Holiday makes financial sense for Boston. He’s set to make $32.4 million next season and has two more years on his deal (with a player option for 2027-28).
The Wizards, meanwhile, are in full rebuild mode.
Washington is looking to move veterans like Khris Middleton and Smart, who’s entering the final year of his contract. Despite going 5-4 when both players shared the court after the trade deadline, the Wizards can’t pass up chances to reshape their roster.
They’re sitting $18 million below the tax line with $20 million in non-guaranteed contracts they can work with.
Washington has several financial tools at their disposal, including a $14.1 million midlevel exception and three trade exceptions worth $9.9 million, $5.3 million, and $2.5 million.
Why do the Kings need a guard? They’re still trying to fill the hole left by De’Aaron Fox, who they shipped to San Antonio at the February trade deadline.
Sacramento has plenty of trade assets to work with. Starting in 2026, they’ll own all their future first-round picks, plus they have tradable second-rounders.
The Fox trade also netted them an unprotected 2027 first-round pick from San Antonio and an unprotected 2031 first from Minnesota.
Even with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis on max contracts, the Kings have financial flexibility. They’re $24 million below the luxury tax with only eight players under contract.
Sacramento’s total salary sits at $163 million, giving them room to either take on money in a trade or use their $14.1 million exception in free agency.
