Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry urged patience during a post–trade deadline press conference last week, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.
It’s a difficult message for fans, as Sacramento is back in rebuild mode just three years after a 48-win season and its lone playoff appearance in two decades.
The Kings hold the league’s worst record at 12-42 and feature several high-salaried veterans, yet made minimal moves at the deadline.
The only notable trade sent Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder to Cleveland in exchange for De’Andre Hunter.
While Hunter struggled this season with the Cavaliers, losing his starting role and shooting 42.3% from the field and 30.8% from three, Perry believes his defense and track record make him a long-term asset.
“(Hunter) allows us to defend at a high level, I believe,” he said.
“He’s exhibited that throughout his career. He’s been a very good shooter from the perimeter. I know his numbers were a little down this season coming from Cleveland, but there’s enough historical evaluation that leads me to believe he’ll be helpful for.”
Perry also addressed moving Schröder, who signed a three-year, $44.4MM deal last offseason but was replaced as the starting point guard and ultimately included in the trade.
“As the season unfolded, the fit didn’t work,” he said. “That happens sometimes.”
Despite trade rumors, the Kings kept Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk.
Perry offered little explanation, though expiring contracts could make LaVine and DeRozan easier to move in the offseason. Monk and Sabonis drew interest, but their contracts limited trade options.
“Well, he’s here,” Perry said of Sabonis. “His future is with the Kings right now. … He’s a Sacramento King right now.”
ICYMI: General manager Scott Perry is optimistic about De’Andre Hunter’s fit with the Kings. That + more from Perry on Sacramento’s deadline trade. https://t.co/dy4XTnpVZB
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 10, 2026
