The Trade Details:: Sacramento sends guard Devin Carter and its **2033 second-round pick** to the Atlanta Hawks. The full return for the Kings has not yet been disclosed.
Carter's NBA Journey So Far:: Drafted **13th overall in 2024** out of Providence, Carter missed the first 38 games of his rookie season due to **left shoulder surgery**. Across **74 total regular season games** in two seasons, he averaged **6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists** in 14.8 minutes per game, with a shooting line of .401/.274/.674.
Why This Matters:: This is essentially a **salary-dump move** for the Kings, who are looking to escape luxury tax territory. With Zach LaVine opting into his $49 million deal and DeMarcus Cousins' salary still on the books, Sacramento needed cap clarity.
Historical Context:: Carter's name was frequently mentioned in trade talks a year ago when the Kings reportedly included him in packages for **Jonathan Kuminga**. That deal never materialized, but a year later, under new management, Carter is on the move.
Hawks' Perspective:: Atlanta is in **rebuilding mode** after trading Trae Young midseason. Carter is a young, defensively engaged guard — exactly the type of player a rebuilding team can afford to develop.
The Sacramento Kings are undergoing a significant front-office and roster transformation. General manager Scott Perry, who took over from Monte McNair and Wes Wilcox, has been systematically moving on from players drafted by the previous regime. Carter was one of the clearest candidates to go.
Carter showed flashes of promise in his second season. In one outing, he posted 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in nearly 29 minutes as the starting point guard. However, inconsistency plagued his game — in another appearance, he managed just two points in 18 minutes. This inconsistency made it difficult for Sacramento to build around him, especially as the Kings' rebuild took shape around younger talents like Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford.
Carter's contract pays him a guaranteed $5.16 million in 2026/27, with a $7.37 million team option for 2027/28 that must be decided by October 31, 2026. For the Kings, moving this salary helps create financial flexibility. For the Hawks, they can absorb Carter's salary using either the bi-annual exception or the trade exception acquired last summer in the sign-and-trade of Clint Capela to Houston — though that exception expires on July 6.
Sacramento: With cap space now opening up, the Kings can focus on building around their young core while managing the large contracts of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
Atlanta: The Hawks made all three of their 2026 draft picks without moving off any of them, and adding Carter gives them another young piece to develop alongside their recent acquisitions. It remains unclear whether Atlanta intends to keep Carter long-term or flip him, but as one fan noted, "He's a tough guard & an upgrade" — and at essentially no cost beyond a future second-rounder, it's a low-risk bet.
Why did the Kings trade Devin Carter so soon after drafting him in the lottery?
The front office that drafted Carter (Monte McNair and Wes Wilcox) is no longer with the organization. New GM Scott Perry is clearing house and reshaping the roster. Additionally, Carter's injury history — shoulder surgery, plus ankle, back, and calf issues — limited him to just 74 games in two seasons, and the Kings needed salary cap relief.
What does this mean for the Atlanta Hawks?
The Hawks are in a rebuilding phase after trading Trae Young midseason. Carter is a young, defensively minded guard who fits their timeline. Atlanta can develop him without immediate pressure, and the cost was minimal — just a future second-round pick.
How does this affect the Kings' salary cap situation?
Moving Carter's guaranteed $5.16 million salary helps Sacramento avoid the luxury tax. With Zach LaVine ($49M option exercised) and DeMar DeRozan still on the books, every dollar of cap relief matters for the Kings as they build around their younger core.
Will the Hawks keep Devin Carter?
It's uncertain. Atlanta could retain him as a developmental prospect or potentially trade or release him. His $7.37 million option for 2027/28 must be decided by October 31, 2026, giving the Hawks a few months to evaluate.
For Kings fans:: Expect more roster moves as GM Scott Perry continues reshaping the team. Carter's departure signals a full commitment to the rebuild around younger players like Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford.
For Hawks fans:: Atlanta is taking low-cost, high-upside bets on young talent. Carter's defensive instincts and flashes of scoring ability make him worth monitoring in the upcoming season.
For NBA observers:: This trade highlights how quickly front-office changes can alter a player's trajectory. Draft capital can be fleeting when new management arrives.
Key lesson:: In the modern NBA, luxury tax avoidance is a powerful motivator. Even lottery picks aren't safe if their salary doesn't align with a team's financial strategy.
What do you think of this trade? Did the Kings give up on Devin Carter too soon, or is this a smart salary-dump move? Can the Hawks unlock his potential?
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