Kings weighing trade options as season continues to slide

The Kings appear headed toward a reset as their difficult season continues to spiral.

Sacramento is off to a 6-20 start and is expected to explore the trade market ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape. The Kings have lost 15 of their last 18 games, including seven of their past eight, and sources told Spears there is a growing disconnect between parts of the roster and coach Doug Christie’s staff.

Christie took over midway through last season after Mike Brown was dismissed and guided Sacramento to a 27-24 finish. Despite a quick exit in the play-in tournament and a front-office overhaul last spring, Christie was retained and named the permanent head coach under new general manager Scott Perry.

Early this season, Christie publicly criticized the team’s effort, once calling a performance “shameful.” He has since backed away from that approach, even as the losses have mounted, suggesting a shift in how he is trying to reach the group.

Perry told The Athletic’s Sam Amick last month that he has “complete confidence” in Christie, indicating a coaching change is not currently under consideration. With trade rumors swirling, Spears notes it is possible roster turnover arrives before any decision is made on the bench.

Christie’s contract, however, offers flexibility. Amick previously reported the deal is guaranteed for two years at roughly $2 million annually, well below the league average for head coaches, making a future change financially manageable if Sacramento chooses to go that route.