11 Former Sacramento Kings Players to Watch in NBA Playoffs

Several ex-Kings are set to compete in this year's NBA postseason with new teams.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of color representing the action on the court.As several former Sacramento Kings players compete in the NBA playoffs with new teams, their success highlights the franchise's ongoing struggles to build a consistent winner.Today in Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, but several former players from the franchise are now thriving on other teams and will be competing in the 2026 NBA playoffs. This includes notable names like De'Aaron Fox, Neemias Queta, and Harrison Barnes, who were all once part of the Kings' roster.

Why it matters

The Kings' inability to retain top talent has been a major factor in their prolonged playoff drought, so seeing these former players find success elsewhere highlights the team's struggles to build a consistent winner. However, their performances in the playoffs could also provide hope that the Kings made the right decisions in moving on from certain players.

The details

A total of 11 former Sacramento Kings players are set to appear in the 2026 NBA playoffs, spread across several contending teams. This includes two-time All-Star De'Aaron Fox, who was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 2025 and is now paired with top prospect Victor Wembanyama. Other notable names include Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, who were part of a deadline deal that sent them to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as Jonas Valanciunas, Neemias Queta, and Harrison Barnes, who are playing key roles for the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Spurs, respectively.

  • The Kings traded De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • The Kings made a deadline deal this season that sent Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to the Cavaliers.
  • Jake LaRavia signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer after being let go by the Kings.

The players

De'Aaron Fox

A two-time All-Star who was traded by the Kings to the San Antonio Spurs in 2025, where he is now paired with top prospect Victor Wembanyama.

Keon Ellis

A 3-and-D guard who was part of the Kings' deadline deal with the Cavaliers this season and is expected to be an X-factor for Cleveland in the playoffs.

Dennis Schroder

The veteran point guard was also included in the Kings' deadline trade with the Cavaliers and will play a key role as their backup point guard in the playoffs.

Neemias Queta

The former Kings center has found a home with the Boston Celtics and earned the starting center spot, emerging as a game-changer for them heading into the playoffs.

Harrison Barnes

The second-longest tenured King on this list, Barnes was traded to the Spurs alongside De'Aaron Fox and will play a big role in their playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.