Kings become new Wizards in building NBA Finals teams
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: May 31, 2026, 6:47 PM
Last updated May 31, 2026
The Sacramento Kings have gained a reputation as a source for championship contenders after contributing players and coaches to recent NBA Finals teams. The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, both of whom feature former Kings personnel, are headed to the 2026 NBA Finals. Key figures include Michael Malone, Luka Dončić, Tyrese Haliburton, and De'Aaron Fox, all of whom played significant roles elsewhere after leaving Sacramento. The Kings are projected to select seventh in the upcoming NBA Draft, raising concerns about their future success and the ongoing struggles of their franchise.
- •Kings have contributed players to four of the last eight Finals teams.
- •Michael Malone coached the Nuggets to the 2023 title; Kings previously fired him.
- •Sacramento passed on Luka Dončić in the 2018 Draft for Marvin Bagley III.
- •Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers to the 2025 Finals after being traded.
- •Kings are selecting seventh in the 2026 NBA Draft.
- 6:47 PMYahoo Sports — The Kings are officially the new Wizards (in helping build NBA Finals teams)
"Move over, Wizards. The Kings are the NBA's new farm team for championship contenders.
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