Here's how the Sacramento Kings can get their 2025 first-round pick back

The nice thing about a “weaker draft class” (as the 2024 NBA Draft is supposed to be) is that you almost always end up with a super-strong one. And the 2025 NBA Draft class – led by the outstanding Cooper Flagg – is considered a real power.

Unfortunately, our Sacramento Kings currently do not have a first-round (or second-round) pick in the upcoming draft. The reason for this is the Kevin Huerter trade that the Kings arranged in the 2022 offseason.

As part of the package, the Kings traded a lottery-protected 2024 first-round pick. Since the Kings ended up in the lottery (with the 13th overall pick), the 2025 pick became a protected top 12.

That's not to say this was a bad trade. Despite the down year, Huerter has been a good supporting player for the Kings since joining the team two years ago. However, there is a way we can take advantage of the Huerter trade and get our 2025 first-round pick back.

Look, I want everyone reading this to know that I am very much against tanking. I know the logic behind it. The higher your draft pick, the better your chance of getting a player that will change the franchise. That is undeniable. But as humans, I think it is a waste of time here on earth to intentionally waste valuable seasons. So I am by no means saying that the Kings should do what I am about to type.

Still, there's a chance the Kings could sneakily fight their way back into their first-round pick. Currently, many websites have the Kings as a playoff team (thanks to their stellar offseason), leaving them without a top-12 pick in the draft.

But remember, the Western Conference is extremely competitive this year (as it always is). Every team except the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers will be fighting for a playoff spot. If the Kings get hit by the injury wave (*knock on wood* so that doesn't happen) or get off to a slow start, they could easily pull off a 2020-21 Toronto Raptors and stealthily earn a top-10 spot. And if they get a top-10 pick, the pick they owe the Hawks will roll over to 2026 (that pick would be top-10 protected).

If you recall, the player the Raptors got in the draft they failed to take was none other than All-Star forward Scottie Barnes. Of course, we would prefer the Kings to stay healthy, play well and make it deep into the playoffs, but if that's not possible, we might as well try to capitalize on a loaded draft class.