Maxime

Raynaud

The scuttlebutt surrounding the Kings heading into the February trade deadline was that the team would look to move some of its veterans to kickstart a reset of the roster. No one was moved, and Sabonis underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn left meniscus during the All-Star break. The veteran center once again being the subject of trade rumors is unsurprising, especially considering the Kings’ struggles and current salary cap situation. The Kings hold the seventh overall pick in this month’s draft, and Sabonis’ future could affect that, as well as Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud earned second-team All-Rookie honors and started 56 of the 74 games he played.

Flagg, Knueppel, and Edgecombe all received 100 first-place votes, with Harper’s 93 votes not far behind. Cedric Coward’s 29 first-place votes were the least of the first-teamers. Meanwhile, Derik Queen, Maxime Raynaud, Jeremiah Fears, Ace Bailey, and Colin Murray-Boyles were named to the All-Rookie Second team.

Raynaud continues to look like one of the best value picks of the 2025 class. He’s is currently eighth in the class in points per game, but since the All-Star break, he is fifth. Raynaud has been one of the few bright spots in what has been a tumultuous season for Sacramento. Depending on what moves the Kings make this summer, Raynaud could end up being a valuable option in fantasy basketball once again next season.

Raynaud had another impressive game as he finishes out his rookie campaign. In just 25 minutes, the 23-year-old center had 17 points and eight rebounds. Raynaud didn’t provide much in the other categories, but he’s shown himself to be a worthwhile fantasy option when starting.

Sunday was the second time this season in which Raynaud grabbed at least 15 rebounds in a game, the first being a 19-rebound effort against the Pelicans on February 9. The 7-foot-1 rookie has provided solid fantasy value since moving into the starting lineup for the injured Domantas Sabonis, ending Week 23 rostered in 43 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Raynaud’s rookie campaign has been an encouraging one, but his fantasy outlook for 2026-27 depends on Sabonis’ status, as he would offer limited value if relegated to the bench.

Raynaud’s stellar rookie season continued on Friday, as he impressed by nearly logging 30 points. He shot the ball with extreme accuracy, got to the charity stripe a good amount, and finished one rebound shy of a double-double. Raynaud has been one of the bright spots for the Kings in what’s been a tough season from a wins and losses standpoint. Based on what he’s shown as a rookie, his ceiling should be high when projecting fantasy impact down the road.

Raynaud’s double-double was his 17th of the season and ninth since the All-Star break. The rookie center has provided consistent value since stepping in for the injured Domantas Sabonis, and he has been a fifth-round player since the All-Star break. Rostered in 44 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Raynaud is worth adding ahead of Sunday’s game against the Nets if he’s on the waiver wire.

With the Nets forced to go small on Sunday due to injuries, this set up to be a good day for Raynaud. And the rookie took advantage of his opportunities, recording his 16th double-double of the season. Raynaud has scored at least 20 points in four of his last five appearances, a run that includes two 30-point games. As long as he’s healthy, the rookie center should be able to provide consistent fantasy value for the rest of the season. The Kings now hit the road for four games in Week 22, starting with the Hornets on Tuesday.

Two days removed from dropping a season-high 32 points, Raynaud recorded a second consecutive 30-point game on Thursday. He wasn’t as productive on the glass as he was in Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, but many fantasy managers will be fine with the efficient 30-point effort from the rookie center. The Kings end Week 21 with a game against the Nets on Sunday, which could be another good game for Raynaud.

In what was an ugly loss for Sacramento, the rookie was once again able to be a bright spot. He set a new career high for scoring and nearly added another double-double to his resume. He has been a beacon of hope in a rough season for the Kings, and he should continue to be a strong fantasy option down the stretch. They have two more games this week, with the 76ers up next on Thursday.