Kings Trade Deadline Shakeup: LaVine Sabonis DeRozan

Merlin sees a troubled Sacramento club. The 6 and 20 Kings are "expected to explore making trades of [their] veteran players," per Marc J. Spears and Andscape. Fans have booed and a source says there is a disconnect between some veterans and coach Doug Christie. The team is last in offensive efficiency and 27th in defensive efficiency, so a roster shakeup before the Feb 5 trade deadline looks likely. The names in play are familiar: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis and Russell Westbrook. Teams have "done due diligence" on LaVine and the Clippers "have some interest" in DeRozan, while Sabonis "is prepared to remain in a Kings jersey for the foreseeable future." Merlin thinks moving a veteran could reset the room, but it will cost assets and clarity and will reshape Sacramento for better or worse.