As things currently stand, the Sacramento Kings do not possess a selection in the first round of the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
Their first-round pick is now in the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, a consequence of the 2022 trade that brought sharpshooter Kevin Huerter to Sacramento.
That absence of a top pick hasn’t deterred the Kings’ front office – in fact, it’s reportedly motivating them to find a way back into the first round. According to NBA Draft expert Rafael Barlowe, the Kings are actively exploring ways to make that happen.
“They’ve been ‘aggressive’ in trying to acquire a first-round pick,” Barlowe revealed during a segment on Sactown Sports 1140, suggesting Sacramento is pushing hard behind the scenes.
One name that has emerged as a possible target is Michigan State standout Jase Richardson. A freshman guard with NBA pedigree – he’s the son of former high-flying NBA star Jason Richardson – Jase turned heads in his lone collegiate season.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, showcasing not only athleticism but also efficiency.
Richardson posted impressive shooting splits of 49% from the field, 41% from beyond the arc, and 84% from the free-throw line, marking him as a polished scorer with room to grow.
Given his potential and pedigree, Richardson could be the type of player the Kings view as a valuable addition to their young core, provided they can maneuver their way into draft position to snag him.
Kings Aggressively Trying To Trade For First-Round Pick https://t.co/cqnTgYKxMN
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 13, 2025
