In the midst of the ongoing 2025-26 NBA season filled with major surprises, renowned podcaster Bill Simmons has proposed a dramatic three-team trade that could reshape the landscape for several teams. According to this suggestion, Sacramento Kings star Zach LaVine would head to the Los Angeles Clippers, while Malik Monk – a former Los Angeles Lakers player – would move to the Boston Celtics. In return, the Kings would receive a slew of expiring contracts, allowing them to aggressively rebuild their roster.
Background: Sacramento Kings are in serious decline
The 2025-26 season has started far from ideally for the Sacramento Kings. With a record of just 3 wins and 11 losses, the team is languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The combination of Zach LaVine and other key players hasn’t yielded the desired results, prompting the Kings’ management to consider major moves ahead of the trade deadline. In his podcast, Bill Simmons envisioned a massive three-team “blockbuster” trade to help the Kings free up salary cap space and kickstart their rebuild.
Simmons emphasized that the Kings need to act swiftly to avoid wasting more time. With LaVine and Monk as two key guards who haven’t delivered the expected outcomes, trading them could be a strategic move.
Details of the proposed three-team trade
According to Simmons’ idea, this trade involves three teams: the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics. Here’s what each side would receive:
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Sacramento Kings receive:
- Anfernee Simons (from Boston Celtics, 1-year contract worth $27.7 million)
- John Collins (from Los Angeles Clippers, 1-year contract worth $26.6 million)
- Bogdan Bogdanovic (from Los Angeles Clippers, 1-year contract worth $16 million, with a team option for another $16 million)
In total, the Kings would acquire approximately $70 million in expiring contracts, freeing up significant cap space after this season. This would enable the Kings to focus on drafting young talent or signing free agents in the offseason.
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Los Angeles Clippers receive:
- Zach LaVine (from Sacramento Kings, 1-year contract worth $47.5 million, with a player option for another $48.9 million)
- Dario Saric (from Sacramento Kings, 1-year contract worth $5.5 million)
The Clippers are in need of bolstering their scoring, especially after Bradley Beal suffered a season-ending injury. LaVine, with his impressive scoring ability, would be a perfect fit alongside stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
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Boston Celtics receive:
- Malik Monk (from Sacramento Kings, 3-year contract worth $18.8 million per year)
The Celtics, the reigning champions, are looking to reduce their luxury tax burden. Trading Simons (an expiring contract) for Monk – a reliable role player with strong three-point shooting – would provide long-term value without significantly increasing costs.
Benefits for each team
This trade appears to be a “win-win-win” for all parties involved:
- For the Kings: This is a golden opportunity to “reset” the roster. With $70 million in cap space set to be freed up, they can invest in young talent or sign star free agents. After disappointing seasons, a rebuild is essential for the Kings to return to contender status.
- For the Clippers: Losing Beal is a major blow, but LaVine would compensate with his versatile scoring. Paired with Saric as a backup, the Clippers could strengthen their offense and maintain their top position in the West.
- For the Celtics: Monk, who previously played for the Lakers in the 2021-22 season, would be a quality addition to the bench. With a reasonable contract, the Celtics can lower their luxury tax while preserving roster depth, aiding their quest to defend the title.
Reactions from the community and feasibility
Bill Simmons’ idea quickly garnered attention from the NBA community. Many fans on social media believe it’s a sensible deal, especially given the Kings’ current “fire sale” situation for a rebuild. However, its feasibility depends on player and management approvals. LaVine has a player option, while Monk is on a long-term deal, which could pose some hurdles.
Though it’s just a hypothetical proposal, this trade reflects modern NBA trends: teams are willing to make massive deals to adjust strategies. With the trade deadline approaching, it’s possible a similar version could materialize.
If this trade comes to fruition, it would undoubtedly be one of the biggest “blockbusters” of the 2025-26 season, altering the Western Conference dynamics and bolstering powerhouses like the Clippers and Celtics. Stay tuned to see if Simmons’ vision becomes reality!