The Sacramento Kings are not expected to pursue Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young as they look to fill their backcourt void this summer.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, internal discussions took place about targeting Young, but the franchise ultimately chose to move in another direction. The Kings reportedly backed off due to concerns about Young’s offensive-first style and his expensive contract.
Young is owed $45.9 million for the 2025–26 season and holds a $48.9 million player option for 2026–27. The 26-year-old averaged 24.2 points and a career-high 11.6 assists in 76 games during the 2024–25 campaign, but shot just 41.1% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc.
Sacramento is coming off a second straight season without a playoff berth, finishing 40–42 and losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in tournament. The team traded De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in February, leaving a major hole at point guard.
The Kings are now focusing on more cost-effective veteran options, including Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook. Jones, 29, played for Phoenix last season and posted 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 41.4% from deep.
Westbrook, 35, is coming off a solid season in Denver where he averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists in a reserve role. He played in 75 regular season games and contributed 11.7 points per outing in the playoffs.
Both guards are unrestricted free agents. Sacramento has also shown strong interest in Dennis Schroder, per Marc Stein, but the Kings are preparing alternate plans if a deal does not come together.
