The NBA recently revealed the entire 2025-26 schedule, and it’s packed full of exciting games that could make an incredible season. Like all other teams, the Sacramento Kings won’t have it easy, and some matches look tougher than others.
Diehard fans will be paying close attention to the whole season, but a certain week halfway through the year is going to garner a lot of views from people who are curious—and afraid—about what comes next for the Kings. The week before the trade deadline is going to be crucial for this team.
All eyes in Sacramento will be on February 5
The NBA trade deadline is always one of the most pivotal moments of the season. It is when teams decide if they are going to ride things out with the roster they have or make some potentially franchise-changing moves. This year’s trade deadline falls on February 5, and the Kings could be in a very tricky spot at that point.
If Sacramento is in good shape right before early February, they might not do anything at all. If they are exceeding expectations, why not just stick with their current crop of players? But if they are lacking and falling out of playoff contention, it might be time for a big swing from the front office.
You can bet the rumors will be flying at this point. Maybe this will be when they call the Golden State Warriors and offer more for Jonathan Kuminga? Perhaps they get in contact with the Atlanta Hawks and attempt to move multiple players for Trae Young? There will be many possibilities and tons of speculation.
The week before the trade deadline won’t be a walk in the park for the Kings. It all starts on January 27, when they square off against the New York Knicks. The Knicks should be one of the best teams in the East, so they could demolish the Kings. Then it’ll be the Philadelphia 76ers. No one is sure how the Sixers will be in 2025-26. Will Joel Embiid be playing? Will Paul George and Jared McCain be healthy? The 76ers could be a huge win or a disheartening loss.
In the days leading up to the trade deadline, the Kings will have to take on the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies. Ideally, the Wizards should be easy to beat, but everyone else could present a huge challenge.
If the Kings have gone 1-5 in their last six games before the deadline, the pressure will be more intense than ever. The front office will be all but forced to make a move, one that could get them back on track. There might be many high-stakes and nerve-racking moments for the Kings in 2025-26, but this week may be the biggest.