Sacramento Kings Trade Jalen McDaniels to Spurs, Clearing Roster Space

The Sacramento Kings have traded forward Jalen McDaniels, along with a 2031 second-round pick and cash considerations, to the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN reported on Monday. 

The Spurs, however, are expected to waive McDaniels, while the Kings gain valuable roster flexibility for potential future moves.

In return, Sacramento will receive a 2025 top-55 protected second-round pick from the Spurs, originally belonging to the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. 

While the pick is highly protected, the trade primarily serves Sacramento’s interest in freeing up roster space, positioning them for potential midseason moves or future signings.

McDaniels, 26, was acquired by Sacramento earlier this summer from the Toronto Raptors in a trade that sent Davion Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, and a 2025 second-round pick (via Portland) to Toronto. McDaniels, in the second year of a two-year, $9.2 million contract signed with the Raptors in 2023, has averaged 6.9 points and 3.3 rebounds over his five NBA seasons.

Last season, McDaniels played a limited role with Toronto, averaging 10.1 minutes and 3.4 points in 50 games. Despite flashes of potential, his time with the Raptors and Kings has been characterized by inconsistency, which likely contributed to Sacramento’s decision to move on from the forward.

By trading McDaniels, the Kings now have more flexibility to adjust their roster, potentially eyeing trades or free agent signings as they seek to build on their recent playoff appearance. 

Sacramento’s decision to part ways with McDaniels aligns with their broader strategy of maintaining financial and roster maneuverability in an increasingly competitive Western Conference.

For the Spurs, the trade appears to be more about financial considerations, as they will waive McDaniels, clearing him from their roster. However, this move also provides the Spurs with a modest future asset, albeit a heavily protected draft pick.