Mock Trade Sends Clippers' Darius Garland to Kings for $215 Million Guard

A mock trade has the Los Angeles Clippers acquiring a star guard from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Darius Garland.

by Nathaniel Holloway

Sep 16, 2026

A mock trade has the Los Angeles Clippers acquiring a star guard from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Darius Garland.

Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

It has been an interesting offseason thus far for the Los Angeles Clippers as they have made multiple changes to their roster while also being the subject of an NBA investigation.

Of course, the NBA investigated the Clippers due to dealings involving Kawhi Leonard, which ultimately led to major penalties, including stripping the franchise of five future first-round picks.

Following the investigation, the Clippers officially completed the deal to send Leonard to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft capital, which was originally agreed to in June.

Former Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2)

The Clippers also made other moves throughout the offseason as they drafted Keaton Wagler fifth overall in the 2026 draft, signed Rui Hachimura in free agency and acquired Max Strus from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a multi-team deal.

Despite these moves, Los Angeles may decide to focus on replenishing their lost draft capital from the NBA’s investigation, especially if the team gets off to a slow start to the new season.

If they choose this route, one player they could look to move is Darius Garland, who could draw interest from the Sacramento Kings given their need for a point guard.

Mock Trade Sends Darius Garland to Kings for Zach LaVine

LA Clippers guard Darius Garland (10)

In a potential deal, the Clippers could send Garland to the Kings in exchange for Zach LaVine and first-round picks in 2027 and 2031.

This trade could work out well for both teams as the Kings would acquire a star point guard to help with their rebuild while the Clippers would add LaVine along with much-needed draft capital likely needing to be included by Sacramento for Los Angeles to take on his massive contract.

Of course, LaVine is in the final year of his contract after opting into his player option earlier this summer, allowing the Clippers to not only replenish some of their lost draft capital in this trade, but also free up a significant amount of cap space next offseason with LaVine off the books.

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8)

Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

The veteran guard could also play a key role in Los Angeles’ rotation as he would provide the Clippers with a reliable scorer in their backcourt.

While this trade could work out well for the Clippers, they may elect to hold onto Garland this upcoming season to try and make a run at a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Kings could also decide to hold off on this trade and instead explore other options to upgrade their backcourt as they continue their rebuild.