When we think about the Sacramento Kings and their needs in free agency, center isn’t often at the top of the list. The Kings have Domantas Sabonis at center, and Domas has been an All-Star and All-NBA in his time in Sacramento. So I raised an eyebrow when it was reported that the Kings are the odds-on favorite to land Jonas Valanciunas in free agency:
The Sacramento Kings are the favorites to win the Jonas Valanciunas sweepstakes, per @BovadaOfficial
Sacramento Kings: +400
Los Angeles Clippers: +500
Charlotte Hornets: +550
Utah Jazz: +550
Chicago Bulls: +550
Washington Wizards: +650
Oklahoma City Thunder: +650
Brooklyn Nets:… pic.twitter.com/BNFLEZUohC— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 18, 2024
We normally don’t pay much attention to betting lines around here, and these odds in particular suggest that the bookmakers don’t have a strong idea where Jonas will land. The Kings being in first place seems like a situation of “somebody has to have the best odds, and Jonas and Domas are friends”.
But the odds do make you stop to think, would Valanciunas be a good fit in Sacramento? The Kings have struggled to find an impactful backup center since acquiring Domas. Richaun Holmes never adapted to his role and ended up costing the Kings a 2023 first round pick to unload. JaVale McGee was too up and down. Alex Len is solid and reliable but unspectacular. Jonas would be a significant upgrade to the Kings center depth, allowing Sacramento to have one of Sabonis or Valanciunas on the floor at all times.
Valanciunas also brings significant size and toughness to a Kings team that has lacked it in recent years. Although Jonas is listed as just an inch taller than Sabonis, Kings fans saw firsthand this season how much bigger Valanciunas plays. Too many times.
I’d have some concerns if the Kings signed JV as one of their main big moves this offseason. Although Jonas is willing and capable of shooting the three (career 34% from beyond the arc), he’s coming off a down year where he shot just 30.8% from 3, and was often benched late in games by the Pelicans. Even if he returns to form next season, JV and Sabonis are a tenuous fit next to each other. We saw in Indiana that Sabonis isn’t maximized next to another center, and I don’t like the idea of Sabonis regularly being asked to guard 4s. Sabonis showed himself capable of handling smaller players briefly on switches this past season, but that’s a far cry from doing it game in and game out.
I suspect this ends up as a blip in the offseason radar and Jonas ends up signing somewhere else, but there are certainly worse ideas to discuss over a weekend in the offseason. So chime in below, what do you think about Jonas Valanciunas as a Kings FA target?
Is it feasible from a financial/cap perspective? I thought we were pretty much maxed out, with or without Monk?
It would take the use of the MLE, and likely most of it. That would be nonsensical if Monk walks in free agency. Monte would need to use that exception to replace Monk’s production, and none of that even brings up the idea of fit.
If Monte sees him as a backup to Sabonis, then just use the vet minimum on a guy like Len. If he sees him as a front court partner, then I question is managerial skills.
yes, cannot play together. But useful as a backup and insurance in case of injury. a luxury perhaps on a team that will need a lot more other thing.
Heard SAS cut ties with Keldon Johnson- not my favorite guy at all. thoughts?
Where did you hear that about Johnson?
my feed- said they would pursue trade options for him
Cut ties? How do you mean?
I’ve thought he could be a good addition to the Kings. He’s a bit redundant with Keegan, but he is strong, long and defends well. Kind of a poor man’s OG. Do you slot him as a starting forward alongside Keegan and Sabonis? I’m not sure that gives the Kings enough size. I also worry about a guy who lost minutes on a shallow Spurs team to Julian Champagnie
He does have a nice descending contract, though. If the Spurs wanted a vet like Barnes or Huerter in a straight swap, I’d be down.
OK I was waiting for along the road time but this is my take.
Huerter, Mitchell, Duarte and 2 seconds for Keldon Johnson. I have studied him a lot. He can play SG next to Fox. The guy has a motor that just doesn’t quit. He can shoot 3’s but his real strength is driving to the basket. He knows how to use his body(210 pounds worth) to attack the rim. Can rebound and loves to run. He has been the Spurs leading scorer the last 4 years. He would take a lot of pressure off Fox. He is young and has a declining contract.
Next I would trade Barnes, Lyles and Vezenkov and 2 seconds for John Collins. You srarters nwould be Fox, Johnson, Murray, Collins and Sabonis. I have some ideas about bachups but will wait for another time.
He is 6′ 5″ and can play shooting guard.
The Keldon Johnson thing wasn’t real. A fake account reported news and someone else picked it up and thought it was real.
In part you were right. The Spurs are thinking of putting in reserves as a 6th. man. Also they are trying to evaluate him to see if he would be tradeable. Nothing as of yet.
Thank you Jack for clarifying things… for Greg.
ok, bad food ( feed)
I’ll take Len. Who ever isn’t going to play a lot of minutes anyway
So while not a huge fan of using the MLE on JV, I would argue if Monk leaves, essentially Keon/Davion absorb those minutes with a four guard lineup of Fox/Ellis/Davion/Huerter.
A LOT can change but I’m not sure we need another guard unless we’re moving one of the current top 4. Playmaking definitely is a priority though which Monk brings to the table.
I don’t believe Keon and Davion can makeup for the playmaking lost if Monk leaves.
Nope. That’s not really their game.
alternate scenario; MM goes, draft a guard ( ugh), sign FA wings, trade for a PF, then a JV signing makes sense. But for cheap and late in the process.
Hopefully we will know more about the Monk situation on draft night. Package the 13 and players for a “monk style” player, then monk probably is gone.
Draft a playmaking/scoring guard, monknis probably gone.
Don’t draft a guard like above, and that hints to me that Monk is staying. It’s all guessing, whichbis part of the fun.
The Kings are unlikely to know anything more at draft time. Free agency is after the draft and while I know handshake deals happen all the time, but the Kings wouldn’t be told about it. Monk and his agent aren’t going to risk the deal and tampering penalties on Monk’s new team in that scenario.
it took 5 years for Monk to be Monk. No rookie can reproduce that or he would be #1.
If they can just get Monk to re-sign, draft Edey (if available still). Jalen Smith would be the optimal use of the Mid-level. Re-sign Len , cut McGee. Presto! Sacramento is no longer a small team.
Pass. I don’t like the use of salary on a backup big that won’t likely play with sabonis much.
It’s 10-13 minutes a game, and I don’t see it being crucial to the team’s success.
You’re right.
Hard pass . Need long wings more and two position power guys . Like Caleb Martin, Kelly Oubre and Derrick Jones . MLE should be enough to get one . Barnes or Huerter and 2nd for Collins might work ? Makes team better as long as Monk stays. .
I think we are going to be really disappointed this off season guys! Lol
I think you’re right.
I think most fans are disappointed most offseasons. Imagining the possibilities give us hope, and then after concrete signings/trades happen, the possibilities evaporate and then there is that familiar sinking feeling.
Still, I will be quite happy if Monk decides to stay. His pick and roll with Domas seemed like the best Kings halfcourt play.
In other news, OKC is out. They lost for two reasons.
They were too athletic and had too many dogs. 😉
We must believe in our king Keegan Murray he is the only hope for the kingdom.
they were young, athletic, had dawgs but Mavs had more experience and a few guys who played out of their gords- like Washington and Jones.
Can they afford Jones as an URFA this offseason?
Glad to be occupying real estate in the mind of Yakshi 🫡
It took me forever to even notice you, and then your odd takes seemed to be everywhere. I hope vacation is fun.
I don’t mind you. Goofy is always fun, so I plan to run with the “dogs” and “athletic” routines until something funnier comes along.
Some Kings fans are so anti-Kings that they’d do a backflip onto a spike.
Hopefully you don’t go that far to prove another goofy point.
So benevolent. Actually allowing someone to have an independent thought.
Glad you are allowing us to exist in your presence.
I share your concerns. I am going down my mental list thinking of all the teams that have been ruined by athletic athletes………thinking……….still thinking……I’m still thinking but I’m down to team 40 and am still (and I know they are out there) nobody really comes to mind other than Joe Alexander and he had so few actual basketball skills other than the massive hops he had……and dude what do you have against dogs?
Personally I wouldn’t mind if we got a little bigger and a little more athletic (but you know…..not too athletic) I wouldn’t want any too athletic athletes to drag us down cuz I…….cuz it’s theoretically possible I heard (from you….so consider the source) that a an absolute athletic stud could ruin us.
Marvin Bagley.
I think you are right. It takes too many perfect moves for this to work out.
Sabonis says there should be shooters at every position around him. Not sure if Valanciunas fits the job requirements. If there’s a chance that he could be utilized as a stretch 5 next to Sabonis, the team could roll the dice on him and if it does not work, he would still be useful as a backup center. in other words, the worst case scenario is still not bad.
JV is a viable option, it depends on the price. He’s a valuable player, I think other teams will offer more money and a bigger role.
Should the Kings pursue Josh Giddey?
Giddens has had some struggles this season, especially in the playoffs. He does rebound well. He is a playmaker, and he has size.
The shot is the main question about his game. If he can’t shoot, then other aspect of his game might not cover the lack of shooting.
not a bad question. Maybe after the draft, and after seeing what happens with Monk would be a good time to discuss.
In the meantime, looking at your logic for considering Giddey, what if that player did have a shot, not only off the catch but also off the dribble, and on the move in various actions, and from deep (near the logo), and a number of dribble-drive moves, and a nasty step-back in the midrange with 5 years of data backing it?
Are you referring to Monk?
Monk can do those things but has way more athleticism and finishing at the rim.
Actually, I was talking about the same prospect I discussed on the previous thread.
I expect Monk elsewhere next season. Giddey can still improve his shot, and I like that he has size.
I just don’t see the value in Giddey. He’s just kind of out there and doesn’t do anything particularly well. Seems like the NBa nerds like KOC hyped him up the last two years and now he’s flaming out in the playoffs.
He rebounds at a higher rate than Barnes, Huerter, and Keegan, even Lyles. His assist % is about 24. He does a lot of the things that the kings forwards and SGs don’t do. He really lacks in the shooting aspect, and his defense isn’t any worse than Huerter. There is value. Maybe OKC just doesn’t play to his strengths?
As a lead or secondary initiator off the bench, I think he would be good, especially if Monk goes elsewhere.
I think it could work. Post Sabonis up high and JV down low. We’d get all the rebounds. Sabonis could get fewer minutes reducing his wear and tear. Sabonis put up 500 3s a day over summer.
Valanciunas:
Productive big who is a space filler, blocks shots, passes well, scores well, has some 3 point game, good teammate, Tough/“dawg” presence, true Professional.
He played 82 games last season. He’s played an average of 71+ games/season.
(Harrison Barnes played about 76 games/season for his 12 seasons and one could argue that they have had similar solid starter, not All-Star careers)
Inarguably an upgrade from the very capable Alex Len.
Could he play stretch 4? At times, Yes.
Can he guard a stretch 4 – probably not, he’d switch with Domas, who is not a rim protector, but either one would struggle with the PJ Washingtons and Michael Porter Jrs.
Other Comps:
Do you like JV more than Steven Adams?
Do you like JV more than Jusuf Nurkic?
Do you like him better than Mason Plumlee?
Would you prefer to just draft Zach Edey (and re-sign Alex Len)?
Is JV/Lithuanian Lightening the best signing Sac can make to upgrade this team? Perhaps.
Vivek’s Kings struggle mightily to sign free agents, and trades are more speculative talk than workable outcomes. Taking a flier on the Jalen Smiths versus the solid reliability of a Valančiũnas is a gamble either way. And if you are going “win now”, it’s a more straightforward answer.
Lastly- Domas is a machine- but he’s human, and if goes down, all the Kings have going in to next season as of now is Trey Lyles. They need insurance/backup and Domas needs rest.
Sorry Rik but this is one of the ways I would use Jalen Snith.
I’ll allow it. As long as it’s Snith.
And I understand. Jalen is like the mystery box.
Solid points, and YES! draft Edey. He’s Wemby without the skinny!
If he is drafted by Sac, we can call him Yao King
I don’t understand why this is even a conversation. Not “around the league” or here.
I really can’t see a reason why he’d want to come here at all. If you wanna talk about moving Domas and replacing him with public enemy #1, arm breaking, leg busting quasi-star in JV, I’d be interested in seeing what shakes out around that, maybe. (Domas and change for Ingram and JV?) Otherwise I don’t see him coming here to play second fiddle to Domas, at least not until he’s at that “Javale McGee on the Kings” stage.
I doubt that’s a thing, tho, so how about “no” as my final answer?
I was very glad to see that this post was a reaction to internet hot takes, rather than a real proposal by TKH. Those ‘odds’ go to show you that the East Coast (I mean the internet) thinks we’re still the Kangs when it comes to the front office. Length and strength; that’s what they need at every position (OK quickness too, not two slow post guys). The playoffs so far are a public relations video for physicality. Our old friend Halliburton is just about the only skinny guy who’s succeeding. Hit the gym and put on Donovan Mitchell videos, Fox! As for trades, Dallas’ GM has exec of the year wrapped up with Washington and Gafford. PJ looks like Aaron Gordon plus a corner 3! Length! Strength! And Dallas drafted Lively at 13. Don’t tell me you can’t get an instant rotation guy there. They completely remade that team with new role players. Mostly at the deadline! So surprise us this off season Monte; make me think you’re more than a guy who looks good around a conference table in a half-zip over a polo shirt. I hope you are.
Seeing as he solves none of the problems the Kings currently have and there is no way he and Sabonis can play together, I’m gonna go ahead and say no.
You forgot to mention, he’s never gonna sign for what these people are thinking.
Wonder if the pacers would be interested in swapping Hali for Sabonis straight up
I’m gonna need more. Hali just shot 0% for free throws in a game 7 matchup. That’s just unacceptable when it’s all in the line like that.
Is this before or after the DiVincenzo for Huerter deal? 🙂
Yes I’m interested if for mid level. Don’t these guys play together on the national team? Someone please post some highlights or analysis.
Domas needs this guy to unleash that next level.
Zero interest. I know the Kings have been historically allergic to quality long, defensive bigs, but the conventional wisdom should win out here.
No.
They should pursue Zach Edey because of age, potential, and of course, contract.
Think of Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, or Rik Smits and Reggie Miller.
Just to clarify, Sabonis is a keeper.
Please don’t think of me, folks.
you were always a keeper!
I would rather you announce NBA games and not Reggie. Please, I beg you!
it had been a decade that we have a true defensive BIG inside.
(Lsst one I can think of is Sammy D)
Edey is the chosen one !!
(To Monte: Pls trade down and pick Edey)
I do not agree with that conclusion that Edey is a defensive big. slow reaction time, does not block a lot of shots for his size, not switchable. he would offer some rim protection. however, in the nba I think it would be below average for a non-switching center.
Literally everything you just said was a lie (except maybe the part about you agreeing.)
not sure you understand what the definition of a “lie” is.
don’t get me wrong. I think Edey has good hands, good touch, is coordinated, and can get from one side of the court to the other reasonably fine. those things are different from reaction time.
Ok Maybe not a “lie,” And maybe he’s not so “switchable,” but he’s a dominant rebounder, he blocked 2.2 shots per game in college, he’s VERY quick, especially for a giant He’s even fast! 3.42 3-quarter court combine sprint time.
He’s a winner. (Hello Monte!) He’s an older rookie who can do EVERYTHING Alex Len does, and Len was the most efficient player on the Kings roster, and their best defender in the paint. He would cost about the same, and he can bring reliable scoring when the offense bogs down. I hope his hype dies down so we get a shot at him.
You mean to say trade up and get him before Hinkie does!
If I were making the decisions, I would be going into the draft process thinking of it as a chance for someone to convince me to not draft Zach Edey
A couple things:
1) I think it’s pretty clear if we’d traded for Siakam (without giving up Keegan), we’d be in the WCF right now. That was a missed opportunity IMO.
2) I think the priority for the off-season is to find an undervalued 4th fringe star to push the team over the top. Lauri, Mikal Bridges, Ingram, etc. The next one is getting a rim running lob threat. I think a rim protector would be great, but I’m not sure it moves the needle enough unless we get someone truly solid who contributes on offense as well.
3) I hope MM stays in Sacramento. I’m not 100% convinced a team is going to make a huge swing for him, but I’ve been wrong before. I’m not certain at least that he’s going to jump if it’s close.
4) JV would be a solid piece in my mind for two reasons. He’s great Sabonis insurance, he allows the Kings to be physical with some other more physical teams, and him leaving makes NOP less dangerous. I also like him including the acquisition cost significantly more than Adams and Nurk. I like him outright more than Plumlee, but would be not opposed to him if that’s the move.
5) Ideally we get a good wing piece this offseason, but who are we using the MLE for that’s a lot better than JV? Guys I’d love to get but I don’t think come here (and certainly not at that cost) are DeRozen, Bruce Brown and Saddiq Bey.
Good thoughts. I disagree about Siakam though. They still have to re-sign him this offseason. They needed interior presence from him more than the Kings do, and less outside shooting. And getting this year to the WCF, compared to the ECF is a pretty wide gap.
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