Report: Kings Willing To Include DeMar DeRozan In Trade Package For Ja Morant

After news broke of the Memphis Grizzlies’ plans to shop Ja Morant, speculations have run wild regarding trade packages that teams can offer in exchange for the two-time All-Star. One report casts the spotlight on one Western Conference team and the assets that it’s willing to part ways with in order to get Morant.

Interestingly, the Sacramento Kings have long been rumored to have little to no interest in acquiring Morant’s services. According to insider Marc Stein, that could change if the Grizzlies agree to a specific package.

"Sacramento's position could change if Memphis was prepared to accept a package headlined by DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, and some level of draft capital," Stein wrote on Sunday.

Why would Sacramento be keen on unloading certain players in this situation? The answer lies with DeRozan, whose contract the Kings would very much like to offload in the near future. Last week, Forbes’ Evan Sidery reported that the Kings front office is “eager” to dump DeRozan’s salary, as he is owed $24.8 million this season.

While pulling the trigger on this move would give the Kings more cap flexibility, teams like the Grizzlies might have second thoughts as DeRozan turns 37 in August. The 17-year veteran is also averaging less than 20 points for the first time since the 2012–13 season, making it difficult for any ball club to justify taking on his salary.

On the other hand, the Kings also have good reason to have Morant low on their priority list. Though Sacramento badly needs a young court general at this point, the 26-year-old guard comes with a track record of injury-riddled seasons in the past few years, not to mention legal woes off the court.

The Kings, though, need to take a big swing sooner rather than later. At 8–30, they're dead last in the Western Conference standings; by all indications, they're bound for the lottery once again. The next several months provide the Kings an opportunity to begin a true rebuild around young assets with a clean slate. As desperate as Sacramento is, it's imperative that they tread with great caution as they consider options like Morant.