We’re in a strange lull today and tomorrow. The draft is completed, and NBA free agency kicks off on Sunday. In the meantime teams can make trades, as we’ve already seen this morning, as the Mavericks sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to Detroit, and teams can re-sign their own players, as we saw the Toronto Raptors extend Immanuel Quickley.
The big question for Kings fans is whether yesterday’s trade was simply a cost-cutting move, or if it was a move to set up something else. The Kings shed salary yesterday, which opens up a few options. First, and I want to clear this up because there was confusion in yesterday’s comments section, this trade open up the full Mid-Level Exception for the Kings. Before cutting this salary, the Kings technically had the full Non-Taxpayer MLE available to them, but using it would have hard-capped the team at the first apron (I confirmed these details with Spotrac’s Keith Smith). So before this trade, the Kings were realistically limited to the Taxpayer MLE.
So with yesterday’s trade, the Kings now have room to use the full MLE of around $12.9 million, rather than the Tax MLE of $5.2 million. Another thing worth noting is that under the new CBA, teams can actually use the MLE in trades, rather than just being able to use it to sign free agents.
As we wait for free agency to begin, one major storyline hanging over the league is Paul George’s contract option. PG is widely seen as the crucial domino for free agency, as his decision will determine what a lot of other teams do. George has the option to opt-into his current deal for a final year at $48.8 million, and has a 6/29 deadline for that decision. If he opts in, it will likely mean he’s opting in to be traded somewhere. Whatever happens with George will impact the market for many other wing options that have been discussed in connection with the Kings, such as Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Cam Johnson.
Use this thread to discuss any ongoing NBA news today, as I expect we’ll continue to see some deals as teams prepare for free agency, and we’ll get separate posts up for any Kings-specific news.
Yes. Yes they will.
I just posted this in the previous thread but I was surprised at what Quickly got from TOR (5/175). Makes no sense to me.
When players like Quickly, Herro and Poole are making $30 plus million a year, it really puts into perspective the discount Monk took.
The Mavs opened up a lot of room below the first apron with the THJ trade, presumably to resign Derrick Jones.
Teams in the West keep loading up. All eyes on Monte.
Those 3 players above got paid for being non-impactful winning players. Monk is better than all 3, so I am glad they got him at the price they did. The league and GMs are bonkers with the amount of cash for middling players. I know the cap increases and what not, but damn that is a lot of cash.
Yeah I would rather have MM than all three of those players not even considering the contracts.
Disagree with you on Herro. Herro statistically both offensively and defensively a better player.
Monk for all his offensive gifts. Pretty awful on Defense.
I feel like we Kings fans tend to underweight a player’s defensive capabilities when evaluating their overall value. Probably comes from years of GMs and coaches not focusing on defenders.
Herro is the closest of the 3.
Hi Greg, I just wanted to thank you for keeping this site and the conversation going during they offseason.
I’m not on social media anymore so not sure what happened to all the other writers but appreciate your work!
Word is that they encountered a party of cannibals while investigating rumors of a very agile 7’8″ man in the jungles of Antarctica.
At least someone’s looking for tall wings that can play for the Kings…
Not anymore they aren’t.
I am of the understanding that the Sacramento Kings will only entertain the basketball talents of wings, small forwards, power forwards and centers, however they must be no taller than 6’3″ (75 inches) or 190.5cm in shoes.
Others need not apply (by orders of the Chief Dismissive Little Chap)
That’s why there isn’t a single Sacramento (or, dare I say it? Stockton) King who is taller than 6’3″. This is objective fact, I’m told. Frequently.
Stockton has a few forwards and all are taller than that.
Why can’t the NBA team do that?
I have it on good authority that nobody in the entire organization is allowed to be taller than Vivek because he gets jealous. Your fake news about Stockton is wrong.
When they pick up a 6’2″ player, they have to hunch when they walk past Vivek so he doesn’t notice.
You need different friends.
You’re mistaken. I get this information from an expert who posts the same things on the Kings Herald over and over again because he knows things and he’s real smart. Real smart.
You should stop re reading your stuff.
Encountered some login problem previously….and feels relieved that finally can get in to TKH and chat with all of you guys again..
I have faith that we may end up with one of the Kyle Kuzma or Cam Johnson…
(But hopefully we can still retain Harrison Barnes…as he is one of the soul for this team)
Me too, I couldn’t access the site for about 3 months. Luckily, it resolved itself a few weeks before the draft.
Same. It’s been really annoying not even being able to throw someone a 👍 for a good comment.
One more day…
&ct=g
What are your thoughts about Brandon Ingram on the Kings?
It’s a bit like (but better than) adding LaVine. It’s a definite upgrade to your starting lineup, but it does not address interior defense too much. That said, if the price is Huerter and/or Barnes and a pick (which gets tricky, since the Kings picks are tied up for the next two years right now), you have to do it, right?
Put another way, I’d rather have Ingram than Kuzma, Wiggins, Collins or LaVine, and probably more than Portis or Jerami Grant (again, depending on the varying price tags).
Definitely better than Lavine. Or Kuzma, Wiggins or Collins.
I’m told there are some cap issues in Milwaukee that could make Portis available, but I’d imagine that the Bucks would do everything possible to keep him. He really is the fire that gets lit under asses up there.
Grant would also seem like a good fit, particularly if he can be had without any (or much) draft capital. He, Portis and Ingram feel like guys who can push the team farther into the playoffs. I don’t think the four I mentioned up top can move the needle that way.
You never know the validity to these things, but I saw something somewhere that Portis and Doc Rivers do not get along (imagine, Doc Rivers not getting along with someone!). That’s the one thing that I could see getting Portis moved. I don’t think that the Bucks can afford to be financially frugal as long as Giannis is the face of the franchise, so the Bucks are only going to make moves that at least appear to improve the roster, price be damned. That’s the trick to a Bucks deal. Does Huerter or Barnes for Portis and Connaughton (among their worse value contracts) make them better? And if the answer is no, would you throw in Ellis (or Devin Carter) to sweeten the deal, and would they bite?
When can we trade Carter, by the way?
(NOT that I am eager to get rid of him; just curious)
I think that you can trade him at any time before he has signed. Not sure if you can trade him right away after he has signed.
Good points, all.
To get Portis and Patrick, I think that I would include Ellis or Carter, despite how good I think that both are going to be.It’s a tough one for sure, and I imagine McNair would rather include almost anything else as a sweetener.
Given the difference that Keon makes on defense, and a reasonable assumption about Carter’s, I think I’d prefer to send Monk than either. A lot of Kings players saw the light on the defensive end once Ellis began getting significant minutes. Monk may also show improvement, but I’d be willing to bet that Carter will be a better defender on day one than Monk will ever be.
Factor in salaries, and the medicine goes down a lot easier. For the record, I adore Malik Monk, he’s an absolute joy to watch most of the time. If there’s a way to get the return we want without Ellis, Carter, or Monk going out, it would be an absolute coup, but it doesn’t seem realistic in the least.
I can’t shake the feeling that Ellis is going to be the camp animal this year. Dude got a taste last year, and I think that he is going to take camp very seriously – and personally.
Yeah – I also believe that Keon will be Neon, so to speak, moving forward. He’s got the tools and, as you put it, the taste.
In the short stint of starter minutes, he made a real difference in winning. And his price point is amazeballs. The kid (hey, I’m old, he’s a kid, they all are) is a winner. And a tenacious one as he worked and earned his spot and I don’t know if that gleam will glitter quite the same for another squad. I consider him a part of TKC – The King’s Core – which is Five, not Four (Fox, Sabonis, Keegan, Monk and Keon). Now that they have a secure core, I can’t imagine McNair willing to split that up.
I wanna feel the same for the shiny new toy (Devin Carter) but we’ll see.
Just my opinion: Pat Cannaughton would be a fine replacement of Duarte/Huerter – he plays tough D, he’s a tough dude, and he shoots at a career 35% 3FG. He is apparently also better at baseball than Michael Jordan. He was 8th in min per game for a Championship team, and has a ring. He played 76 games last year. He is who we all wanted Chris Duarte to be and hope Colby Jones to be. He is due $19M/2 yrs (Trey Lyles money). Bobby Portis, Jr. is owed $26M/2 yrs.
Yeah, it’s not that Cannaughton is bad – he’s just the odd man out in this scenario when you look at how Milwaukee can improve their roster, and his contract (while not overly onerous) is one of the reasons why.
IMO you value Portis too much.
if you are playing against them who do you fear? BI, Kuzma, Grant, Portis, John Collins?
not fear to get punched (Portis wins that) but fear to beat you on the court?
Agree. Would want him more than any of those. He might slow down the offense, he might effect spacing since he has a limited 3 point shot BUT he can go get a bucket.
NOP don’t want to pay him full option- they want to build around that tank zion. They gave up Nance, will lose Jonas and Marshall but got back a true PG- they are shifting direction. Could re-coup the draft pick losses for d. Murray with a Kings trade. and maybe get back Huerter.to replace D. Daniels. Took a center in the draft.
Are you talking to me?
Never mind, I’ll give my thoughts any way.
Purely from a player perspective, I prefer him by much over Kuzma.
When you look at the contract and team control perspective, the preference may flip. A one year rental to lose him or a massive overpay to keep him worry me.
But I have serious doubts that Kuzma moves the needle, and I often prefer to pay more for something good than less for something that doesn’t really give me anything.
I have a feeling BI ends up on the Rockets. They’re looking for star caliber players (BI is an all star) and they have the picks and players to make a trade happen. I don’t think the Kings have the assets to make the trade.
No thank, as he is unlikely to re-sign. He’s too expensive now and in the future, and does not rebound or play difference to actually pass the test of what Brown and Monte want. This is also why I say no to Kuzma, an inefficient offensive player.
Portis, Wendell Carter, and Collins are the best players for a Sabonis-led team. If we get one of them and J. Smith, Achiwa, Stewart, etc, then we are much better competitors without tax problems.
oooh, I like WCJ! My only problem with him is that he has averaged 53 games a season in his 6 years in the League. (I wanted him over the other Duke Blue Devil that was picked at the #2 spot in the 2018 draft, but not at #2, of course).
I prefer him over the similarly stat-ed John Collins because he can subbed in at the 5 to give Domas some rest, and still fits as a starting PF. But his health is a concern.
I think one problem in trying to get WCJ out of ORL is that the only other player under contract who can play C is J. Issac (unless you count Banchero).
Wonder twin powers, activate!
Wonder twin! We’re getting Kris Murray?!
I want to get Kris just so that we can nickname him “12 fouls.”
and we can blast this .gif to ad nauseum death
They could be like Taylor and Tyler Rogers, and Kris has to shoot everything underhanded.
I feel like submarine shots might not be very effective in the NBA, even if he can throw a mean slider.
Who are the best players available to target with the full MLE?
The full MLE market appears to be pretty sparse to me. I mean, even if I look at from a non-Kings centric perspective:
Maybe Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? Not the perfect fit for the KIngs, but he’s probably full MLE level.
I will be interested to see what the offers are like for Tobias Harris. My guess is that they will be more like what Barnes and guys like Rui Hachimura got last year, which was above the MLE.
Davis Bertans is probably under a full MLE, and maybe by quite a bit.
I have no idea what the market what will be like for Miles Bridges.
Tyus Jones might be a full MLE guy, and he does play guard, so…
When I was looking in to all the exception stuff yesterday, it looked like Bobby Portis’ salary fit right in, which is nice, but the Bucks have to be willing to move him. Would you take him for the full MLE?
I don’t think that the Bucks would, because it does not improve the team, and the MLE options on the market would likely not make them better than they are with Portis. But that does not take into consideration if they could parlay the MLE into another trade, I suppose.
Full MLE and a future pick? Guessing it would defeat the purpose of their reducing salary for us to offer them a Huerter or Barnes, right?
The catch for me is that it does not improve the team now, and that could make for cranky Giannis. Now, if the move enables them to improve the roster in another way this year, sure. But the question then becomes, who can the Bucks sign via the MLE that is more impactful for them than Bobby Portis?
How about Jalen Smith or Naji Marshall?
Some other names that could be (and maybe some can add more)…these are names that jumped out to me from NBA Free Agent Tracker. I know some of these are going to make more than the MLE – I just wanted to throw them out there. Maybe a little sign and trade creativity.
**Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong on these guy’s free agent status.
Precious Achiuwa
Isaiah Hartenstein (might get more)
Miles Bridges (or maybe not depending on your thoughts on his awful actions)
Jalen Smith
Cam Payne
Monte Morris
Spencer Dinwiddie
Tyus Jones (might get more)
Mo Wagner
Jonas Valucinas
Tobias Harris
Cody Zeller
Jose Alvarado
Saddiq Bey
Robert Covington
Naji Marshall is also kind of interesting.
Agree on Naj. Seems like an interesting fit.
yes and Caleb Martin
Inreally like him.
Naji feels like he’d fit perfectly with what we have and what we need.
My understanding is that there’s something already in place to keep Bridges in Charlotte, so we’re unlikely to need to agonize about the pros and cons.
Sue me, but Mo Wagner is trash.
If Tobias can be had at the MLE, I would think pretty hard on that one, but I’d say that Rob is right about him being offered more elsewhere.
Jalen Smith feels like he could end up being a real steal, if he can be had. Payne is one of those guys that every time I watch him, I can’t believe how effective he is, and I find myself infuriated. Alas, he is a guard.
Bey’s shooting was a bit off last season, but his career average from three is 35.1%. Not great, but serviceable, and he defends and gets boards.
If Covington has anything left in the tank, he could provide some vet leadership, but I don’t have any idea if he can still bring it.
A lot of other interesting names on the list that could prove helpful, but I’d trust the far-better informed to make that call.
The Kings could get a collection of brothers, relatives that are the side car to their main engine siblings.
Mo (not Franz) Wagner
Jalen (not Jaden) McDaniels
Justin AND Aaron (not Jrue) Holiday
Kris (not Keegan) Murray
Seth (not Steph) Curry
and, of course
Thanasis (not Giannis) Antetokounmpo
Just a thought while you are waiting…
(because what else is there to do?)
Andy wants Les Wagner, not Mo Wagner.
The ashes of Robin Gibb in our trophy case and let’s bring Adrienne Maloof on as a minority owner!
Tommie Aaron. Ozzie Canseco. Collect the whole set!
Jim Belushi’d. My brother Brian is all right though.
This guy gets it.
Andy Bey can’t defend a dead rabbit.
Naji Marshall would be a great fit.
Noting that this is FAR better than Kyle Kuzma’s career average from three.
Right? Kuzma is not a 3pt shooter. He’s a gifted mid-range and downhill scorer, but I do not consider him a shooter. I really don’t like the idea of him next to Sabonis for that reason.
I like a few names on that list but would be very intrigued with Jalen Smith. Checks a few boxes with also some signs of improvement. We need some interior and weakside defensive help desperately, along with some skywalkers with length for the other end. Dig in on some per 36 numbers, his age at 24 and at least a few signs of some stretchability theres some inklings of a player who may start to play his best basketball over this next deal in the right situation.
And he shots the three at 40% or a little better.
Cam Payne, Precious Achiuwa…or Hartenstein hands down.
Any thoughts on Brandon Ingram? I read the below a few minutes ago in a discussion about his status with the Pels. Seems like he’s been hurt a lot.
The Sacramento Kings could be a team to emerge for Ingram as they have been seeking upgrades on the wing and would have matching salary in Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter.
Looks like it’s already been asked!
Jack and co, rejoice!
https://x.com/MikeAScotto/status/1806739862042911024
The BAE won’t be enough to get him, but considering the options, I might be tempted to throw a lot of the MLE bag at him.
I’m still wondering why he was so low in the Pacers’ pecking order, with these stats. Something about him worries me, but he may be worth the gamble.
I think it was a numbers thing. Along the front line, he was behind Turner, Siakam (albeit for a short portion of the season), Toppin, and Isaiah Jackson.
He is not quite the floor spacer that Toppin is, and he’s not the banger that Jackson is, so his role may have been specific and surgical?
Yeah, I really believe he was just lost in the shuffle once Siakam came along. His numbers dropped significantly once the trade happened, yet he still finished with more minutes than Jackson.
I have not watched a lot of Jalen Smith, but he seems to be a practical target which would be less of a gamble than other possible targets. it would not require a future first to get him. he has positional versatility at the 4 and 5. he has some role versatility on offense. he has more switchability on D than some other bigs. using the MLE, he would not break the bank.
I’d start with a 3 year $30M offer and go from there. Definitely 3 years, hopefully with a TO for the 3rd, to get his Full Bird Rights. A deal like that could end up being a steal or a minor annoyance depending on how things play out.
no objection here.
i also wonder if he could further improve by wearing contact lenses for increased peripheral vision. just based on my own personal experience wearing eye glasses while driving a car.
What about the cognitive neuroscience that Jalen Smith has? Is he a high level processor on the basketball court?
re: processing, it appears normal. but as I said before, I have not watched a lot of him.
Good IQ.
He has mentioned in a couple of takes than he would prefer glasses oover lenses.
Why toy with him? What are you gonna realistically do with that leftover $2.9M/yr? I think just throwing the full MLE at him will show him a level of seriousness and commitment that would be extremely persuasive. He and his agent will know that’s the max we can offer and have the option to take it or leave it. I just see no value in hardballing him over what are peanuts by NBA standards.
Remember, a full MLE is now up to $55m: $12.9m / $13.5m / $14.2m / $14.8m. The difference between a 3/$30m investment and a 4/$55m investment is (checks calculator) $25m. And the $10.7m over the first three years, while not a back breaker, can be the difference between being over the 1st apron and not being over the 1st apron, which could be the difference between Monte having to attach picks to give away a player and not having to attach picks and give away a player.
The first apron is probably a consideration for Vivek, but if you want to win you’re gonna have to pay for talent and I’d prefer the team bite the bullet on the tax than miss out on a PERFECT fit in Smith. But then again, it’s not my money.
Yep, and it’s Vivek. And the A’s loom large in the background.
That is Vivek’s problem. Not the fans problem. There is a glaring obvious need for this team and he has done nothing to change that.
Pay up.
There is fantasy and there is reality. Vivek is a reality.
The owners that view their teams as toys afford themselves (and their fans) a much wider margin for error. The owners that manage it as a business narrow that margin considerably. Teams like SA and OKC are managed well enough to find success in such an environment, and I’m sure that Vivek has put that in Monte’s ear at some point or another.
The next time that this ownership pays tax for a player will be the first time that this ownership pays tax for a player. And it is as likely as not that it will never happen.
Yeah…I get that.
Why do all the fans accept it?
You’re right, let’s picket and camp in DoCo until this shit changes!
Let me know when they come out talk to you.
I’ve expressed my outrage directly to Vivek. I said “Vivek, I simply won’t stand for this! I know that every single other Kings fan except for AnybodyButBagley is totally content with it, but I just don’t care!” We’ll see how he responds to my outrage.
Appreciate that.
Why won’t you show your initial level of commitment and go stand there?
Your contribution is always epic.
The relevance is impeccable.
Read your post and google the word relevance.
There is at least some residual over the fact that he saved this team from moving to Seattle. But he has burned through most of that goodwill. Bottom line, the Kings really are still the only game in town.
He definitely did do that. They are the only game in town. This doesn’t mean the fans should gladly accept mediocrity for the next decade.
Look what he got in Ellis!! OOOOHHHH AHHHH
…shiny object
Well, first off, I don’t think that it’s “all fans.” Second, there are those that are not happy with it, but take more of a “sum of its parts” perspective. To wit, I’d like this team to be better, while also maintaining a level of happiness that they are still the Sacramento Kings.
I can’t imagine anyone having an issue over the signing or playing of Keon Ellis. Literally no downside to it whatsoever. That does not solve the issue at the stretch 4 or at wing depth, but it is also not the reason that we still have those problems. It’s such a great story, and while it does not erase those issues, should it not still be celebrated? Is the thought that fans should just be miserable about everything and ignore the good stuff until the other things are fixed? Because I think that most Kings fans are multi-taskers and can digest the good and the bad, without having to pick just one or the other. I think that overall the fanbase rocks. Your mileage may vary.
No downside at all to Ellis.
Ellis is not the win this fan base needs to cling to and accept as the ultimate success. Winning playoff games and contending for championships means something.
An occasional average player from a two way deal shouldn’t even hit the radar.
I have no fear that Vivek or the NBA will move this team. Get over the idea that “we are lucky to have them.” It is ok to win.
See all of the other NBA franchises.
Frustrating watching this off season unfold knowing that the true need to change this team isn’t a factor.
The draft pick was great…for a guard. I think we got a great player. We didn’t get the piece this team needs to win.
Keon Ellis is a great story. Good for him. Moving on.
It’s not a fear of them moving. It’s an appreciation of them not moving. Again, I think that most fans can weigh the appreciation of what Vivek did in keeping the team here against the overall lack of success of his ownership tenure. The notes seem about right to me. There are fans on one end of the scale that will be forever grateful. There are fans on the other end that want him to sell the team yesterday. And then there is the majority of the fanbase that falls somewhere in between those two extremes.
ALL of the other NBA franchises? Does that include Detroit? Charlotte? The Wizards?
I too am very concerned that the glaring needs of this roster will go unaddressed for another season. I will not be happy. It will not make me less happy about the Kings being here or Keon Ellis, however. It will make me unhappy that we have an unbalanced roster that is unable to compete at the NBA’s higher levels.
I’m fine with Carter as a player. I wish that the asset that was the draft pick was used to address the more glaring roster needs, and the front office has yet to prove to me that they are capable and nimble enough to navigate the off season market. There is time for them to prove me wrong, but I will likely feel this way until they give me a reason not to.
As of 6/28/24, I don’t think that I am looking at a serious playoff contender. Time is still left to change that, and more importantly, I am often wrong. But I sure understand the concern and consternation, to a point.
There is no reason that Sacramento should be compared to Detroit, Charlotte, or the Wizards. But…they are because of their record setting streak.
I honestly have no issue with Vivek owning this team. He needs to be actively involved again. He needs to realize that the whole world sees something his front office isn’t fixing. Please meddle with this team again Vivek.
As of 6-28-24 we have the same team except we swapped out an undersized guard for a rookie guard.
Maybe this one can score?
How much will he score playing behind Fox and Monk?
The obvious reality isn’t being dealt with.
Who would you b have picked at 13? Knect?
I would have preferred to use it as a trade asset. Value unknown, obviously.
Trade thirteen and other players for a power forward. I understand we got a good player. We don’t need that specific player.
Use the pick to get something we need.
This is where I land. Walking and chewing gum at the same time. I like the Ellis narrative AND I’m frustrated over the lack of an effective PF.
I’m a huge SF Giants fan. I followed them from the 70’s to the 2000’s (and still do), figuring there was a chance I could go an entire lifetime without ever seeing a championship. There have been Cubs and Red Sox fans who literally never saw a championship in their lifetimes.
When the Giants won it all in 2010, it was truly delightful, but it didn’t change my day to day life in any meaningful way other than getting to rub it in the faces of Dodger fan friends. Outside of that, life, family, work, and my hobbies all went on as though nothing changed. I’m not any different as a person, based on the three Giants championships I’ve seen.
I feel bad for people who define themselves by whether or not a bunch of grown men they have no relationship to, who throw a ball at a hoop, stick, or person, have won a championship or not. I’d love nothing more than for my hometown to win a championship but I don’t define myself in that way. But it’s downright false to think that means I accept mediocrity. In fact, it shows a small-mindedness that I can’t get on board with.
You do have basic literacy skills.
Appreciate this post.
I have many leatherbound books and my house smells of rich mahogany.
I have always pictured a drooling mop haired person in a blue tent on K street.
For you…I am happy that isn’t your reality.
How charitable. Nope, just a nerd tech management professional. I don’t ever think about what type of person you are, to be honest. I do frequently wonder whether you are an actual Kings fan, however.
Been a Kings for a while now. Kansas City was home. They followed me West.
Prefer that they win a few games now and then.
IMO Kings need to go for home run. Jose Canseco and not Ozzie. J. Smith is Ozzie
It is time to swing the bat.
Kings still need a back center like Len and ideally, another wing. Maybe leave some room for a vet minimum guys.
I think you have to bid more than Dallas can to get him. They also freed up enough to use the NTP midlevel extension. But I think they have a little less than we do available. My guess is we’d need to use our full MLE.
D’oh, I was thinking of Jones. Who would also be interesting to go after.
Goga !
Monty are you listening. Go get him.
Just asking. Would it be possible to get Naji Marshall with the full BAE?
Doubtful. He’s gonna want more than that.
Probably because he’s not that good? I really don’t understand the obsession with him. I’ve heard his name from kings fans and media. You aren’t getting better adding guys who can’t play in the playoffs. Smith was played off the court.
Context: Smith saw his time slashed with the acquisition of Pascal Siakam. Max contract Pascal Siakam. And playing behind Myles Turner. And Obi Toppin. And it’s not like Indy waived him – he opted out of his $5.4m option.
23 years old (or as we say in Monteland, rookie age!). Basically Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray age.
I don’t know if he is better than Trey Lyles. But he is five years younger, so there is probably a little more chance for upside.
Maybe he’s not that good. And maybe it was a numbers crunch. And maybe he’s young and has not become the player that he is destined to be. Or maybe he has.
Who do you like?
Obi Toppin is a RFA. Why not chase Obi in place of Jalen Smith?
Indy can match. Jalen Smith is untethered.
Also, with the cap space that Indy has, they easily match on an MLE offer for Toppin.
If the Kings offer money to an RFA, are there issues with having that money unavailable for other offers until the original team makes an offer or declines to offer? I seem to recall that being an impediment to making an offer to an RFA in the past.
They can rescind offers at some point.
When you have a real NBA roster, and it is a legitimate playoff roster, there are good players competing for spots.
The Pacers were one (1) game better than the Kings in the candy-ass east. I guess that technically fits your oft-repeated, if illusory, mantra.
They got beat by the Celtics in the second round of the playoffs.
You know…the Championship team from the candy ass East.
Based on your logic in the tough guy West we really do suck ass.
Never heard of ’em.
It is a basketball team. Makes sense you don’t know anything about them.
Oh my god, you’re so witty! Zinger!
Your contribution is always epic.
The relevance is impeccable.
Likewise. I learn so much from seeing the same things being repeated hundreds of times over. It makes me feel smarter for the interaction. I definitely come to this site to read things like “we need a real PF” repeated endlessly. You know, the kind of insightful stuff that I can’t get from the Athletic or other online content.
You think this team might need a power forward?
Lets stick with discussing the third string point guard.
I’m confused as to why we can’t discuss the 3rd string point guard until we sign a power forward.
You are free to do so. It has nothing to do with anything that matters.
What shade of purple are they going to use on the city edition jersey this year?
Don’t know. And if that came up in the thread, I wouldn’t comment, because it does not matter to me. Food for thought. Have a great weekend.
Yummy food.
Talking about the reality of the team does matter to me. It should start at some point.
Trade you the Snickers for an NBA power forward.
Why not both?
I am game.
He lost time to Siakem, Toppin, Isiah Jackson and Myles Turner
Me too.
[gif of me looking at Jalen Smith while Mo Wagner looks dismayed]
Hooray!
I worry about the fact that Jalen Smith was abysmal from three for three full seasons. Did he figure it out, or was it an outlier season, not to be repeated again?
Do we wait six days or six years?
Once Fox and Sabonis retire there is room for another good player.
Once againi think Kings brass is deluded in overvaluation. Huerter has little trade value at his price point. Coming off a serious injury. Got completely wrecked in the playoffs 2 years ago. Had an awful season before the injury. Essentially a spot shooter for 17 mil. Reality check that’s all he is.
Barnes is making close to 20. To do what? Be a strong voice in the locker room.
Cmon..he can’t defend anymore. He is not longer a consistent force on offense. And you’re expecting teams to line up for what?
What starter quality wing or big do you think you’re getting for that lot and some late first rounders, that can’t go in effect until 2 years from now.
You’re not wrong but I would add…that is why extra picks are most likely added to any sort of trade with value. Also, it is a way for teams to take a large salary that they might want to get off of and break it down to smaller, easier parts to move.
Huerter and Barnes are not valuable but their contracts or the Kings draft capital might be.
The answer probably has more to do with what other teams are dealing with.
Is NO looking to get out of Ingram, and as an expiring contract, what can they hope to get for him?
When it comes to LaVine, the question might actually be what Chicago is willing to give at this point.
Collins makes $26m in Utah this year, and has a $26m option next year. As a result, his value to contract is neutral at best.
Is Washington content keeping Kuzma, or would they be interested in offloading their 2nd biggest contract?
Would Wiggins experience a rebirth under Mike Brown?
There are other teams with 1st and 2nd apron issues that might be amenable to making a deal that saves them exponential money – sometimes a deal that saves just a few million on paper translates into tens of millions if it gets you out of the luxury tax penalties.
I think that after this year’s free agency period comes and goes, the two year deals of Barnes and Huerter will frame up as being at or close to value neutral. Neither are albatross contracts in rate or term, and both players can be core rotation players for good teams (probably better placed as bench pieces at this point).
The larger issue may be how the front office values these players vs. the market, and how they value attainable players vs. the market? And is the front office willing to come off their valuations to finish a deal?
Nicely explained.
Yes. Contract neutral is a great description.
I’d really like to figure out a way to upgrade the 4 spot and still keep Barnes as a bench piece to back up Murray.
Monk is really the only person that can come off the bench and score consistently (and we have no idea what his role will be going forward). Barnes isn’t consistent as a starter, but I’d be willing to bet he could be a much more consistent scorer with the second unit where the offense runs through him a bit more and fewer minutes keeps him fresher.
I imagine both Barnes and Huerter will need to be included in any trade for a starting caliber forward, but it’s a nice dream to have.
To your point, if you could convince Milwaukee to part with Portis for Heurter (letting them throw in Connaughton for some cap relief), you can keep Barnes as a nice bench piece. As I noted elsewhere, Milwaukee probably has to get Ellis or Carter in this deal for them to even consider biting, but that would be one way to peel the apple.
As a fit I would take Collins. IMO it would be less to get him than Porter.
Easiest way in my mind: Huerter, Lyles and a future 2nd for John Collins. Barnes is then your backup 3/4. A wing roation of Keegan, Collins, and Barnes is pretty solid in my book.
Huerter and Lyles is a combination I’ve been thinking about as well. That would also match salaries for a Portland Grant trade if we were so inclined to go that route. I like Lyles, but I think I’d rather keep Barnes than Trey.
Agreed. Trey is also in the final year of his contract, which may have appeal to any team trading for him. I do know Ainge wants pieces for a big trade and splitting Collins contact amongst Hueter and Lyles may be better for him. PDX is in a similar position and rebuild.
I really agree on the Collins trade. I would prefer Barnes rather than Huerter in the trade.Using the MLE we replace Barnes with Jalen Smith. Now use Huerter to go after Stewart.
Don’t forget about Ellis. Durant, Luka, Giannis, and Kyrie won’t get him.
I still think John Collins is a really good fit next to Sabonis. Very good rebounder. Can protect the weakside rim. Can srtetch the floor. A very good 3 point shooter. In his prime. Has a very good contract.Because of the Filipowski draft it makes Collins easier to get IMO.
Then will still have enough trade chips to go get Isaiah Stewart.
I think it is entirely possible to trade for Collins AND sign Jalen Smith with the MLE. Kings get their PF and backup 4/5
Let’s do it.
This. This is the way.
Fox/Monk
Carter/???/Colby
Murray/???
Collins/Smith
Sabonis/Len
Whoever is leftover between Barnes/Huerter/Ellis fills those ??? spots. That’s a WCF contender right now, with room to grow in Murray/Smith/Carter/Colby. Team is deep, all the players are on the same timeline, and it still is financially flexible since there’s no bad contracts and Collins, Huerter, and Barnes contracts would expire by the time you gotta pay Fox/Murray/Smith
Where is Ellis?
In this case, either at SG or in Utah.
Thanks for clearing the air on the MLE, Greg. So to be clear, the Kings “qualified” for the full MLE but under the new CBA if team uses the it and goes over the first apron they get hard capped, right? So basically you need to clear enough space ($12.9M) under the apron in order to use the entirely of the MLE.
From my rough math, the Kings sit just over $12M (with the pending contracts of Monk and and Carter) under the first apron, which means they can use all but about $800K of the full MLE. Can someone verify that as well?
Also should note, the Kings are now at 12 guaranteed rostered deals and they still need a PF and backup center. I’m pretty sure we are good on guards now, amirite?
Totally unrelated question. Who is our back up point guard now? Monk, Ellis, and Carter can all play point, but are all primarily two guards.
I’d have to say it is Monk, as he was the de facto backup PG last year, even when he shared the floor with Davion.
True, but that was before the emergence of Ellis and the drafting of Carter. Neither is a pure point guard, but they are capable distributors.
Love Monk, but I’d want to see a real improvement in his handles and decision-making before I’d hand him the reins. In the end, it’s a good problem to have.
Ellis’ assist % was 11.1 to 28.9 for Monk. His TO % was 13.0 to 13.2 for Monk.
I’m guessing that some of this was role (Ellis was not tasked with running point much) and some was Monk’s innate ability to run the pick and roll, which led to a lot of rim finishes for his pnr partner. It would be magical if Ellis could add that to his game.
I love what Keon contributes on the defensive side of the court, but I don’t think he’s demonstrated much in terms of his handle and court vision to make me want to hand the reins of the offense to him instead of Malik.
Agreed. For the time being, he and Carter can battle it out for “break glass in case of emergency” point guard.
Assuming they clear the bench space, I can see them picking up a vet PG for the minimum to be your “oh shit” button at PG. Kinda like they did with Delladova.
For the season, gotta imagine the plan is to have one of Fox or Monk always on the court in the role of the primary ballhandler at guard.
Or they just keep Jordan Ford down in Stockton. But yeah, if you can get a vet that practices hard and doesn’t create any drama while sitting on the end of the bench, why not. I guess the question is, is a Patty Mills any better than a Jordan Ford at this point?
Guess it all comes down to whether they think Carter can run the point for a decent amount of time (with the obvious caveat that the offense almost certainly runs through Sabonis during those minutes) if Monk or Fox are out for an extended duration.
Or if they think Ford can take on that role if necessary while still keeping playoff hopes alive.
Ideally, it’s situation that happens very few times and far between.
Assuming his shoulder injury doesn’t prevent him from playing what do you want to be that we see Carter playing PG in SL this year?
I expect he and Colby Jones to vie for position as Lead Dog – much like we saw Keegan stand out last Cal Classic.
He was Alabama’s point guard when he was there.
In his second (and final) season at Alabama, he averaged nearly 31 minutes per game, but only 1.8 assists.
When Monk was in and Fox was out, Monk was pretty much handling. And Fox and Sabonis are the two key facilitators, so when one is out the emphasis shifts a bit more to the other.
Given Sabonis’ presence, I don’t think that this roster is going to have a traditional pass-first PG on the roster. I think that the focus is more on who can defend the point at the other end, which is where Ellis and Carter may come in, with Monk covering the 2.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. Because it’s not just who is the primary ball handler, but it’s who’s going to guard the other team’s point guard. I could totally see Monk being the one to bring the ball up the floor but another guard being the one who guards the opposing point guard.
I agree with the sentiment that really it’s Monk, especially with his great PnR game…but it would be nice to have a traditional table setter off the bench with Monk as the 2 guard scorer role more often.
Even if it is just 10-15 minutes of a proven cheap vet to stabilize when things aren’t going well.
I think Monk is the backup PG but this is also why I was opposed to trading Davion since he was really only 1 of 2 true PGs on the roster and would’ve been serviceable on the third string.
I always thought Davion’s best attribute as a PG was dribbling the ball past the half-court line. Once past the half-court line, he just never seemed like he fully knew how to setup the other players.
I like Davion but he constantly dribbled horizontally across the court. That made him look like a PG.
Thanks for this point. Davion was worth keeping for this reason– we got rid of the money too early, unless Monte actually uses it before the free agency contracts start. We need to hustle in order to justify throwing away Davion
Counterpoint: $6.5m is a lot of scratch for your 3rd string PG and a guy that would be battling with your rookie draft pick for the 5th guard chair.
Does the talent on the third string move this team in the right direction?
Well we saw what happened after Monk got hurt and we didn’t have 3rd string PG that could initiated the offense. So yeah I think it’s a necessary role. If we’d had that guy the season might have ended up differently.
Fox didn’t play point guard last year?
Thoughts about this trade:
Kevin Huerter to the Magic
Wendell Carter Jr. and Jett Howard to the Kings
Financially about equal. Carter can be a PF/C (when healthy), and Jett could be the 3pt specialist to replace Huerter (he shot 10.2 3PA at 37.7% in the G-League in his rookie season)
Is that fair value? Is Kevin worth more/less than that? Does anyone know what Kevin would bring back in a trade?
I’d do it, but I doubt Orlando does. I do think the Magic would like Huerter, but I’m not sure they are about to give up Carter to do so.
If we couldn’t get Stewart than WCJ would be a very good second.
Carter is a good target, but we’d have to give up positive value to get him, which Huerter is not.
Boy, was the mock draft experts wrong on Zach Edey. It would have been interesting to see what the kings would have done if he was still on the board at 13.
I have a question for you TKH veterans. Specifically those with iPhones. How do you read a comment that goes purple? The letters are white and the background is purple making it impossible to read on my phone.
There is a button in the lower right hand corner of the screen. When on day, a white circle is to the left of a quarter moon. When on night, there is a sun on the left and a black circle on the right. You want the white circle and quarter moon.
Thanks! I never noticed that button there before until you mentioned it.
Nanji Marshall, Jalen Smith, trade for Dorian Finney-Smith – use MLE or trade into MLE.
Kuzma or Collins – trade HB / Heurter/ Duarte, a first or some combo thereof. Could probably get Collins without the first
BI – pass
PG13 – too expensive. No chance he comes here.
And I would not hate a JV pickup for just above vet minimum
ok good. concrete plans-
Trade for BI (Huerter, HB, Duarte or part of the MLE and future firsts. Not all but some favorable combination
If MLE is still available- Marshall
Vets minimum – Goga Bitale or Len
Woj Bomb: ATL trading Murray to New Orleans
https://x.com/wojespn/status/1806820395569512505
Larry Nance and 2 first rounders to ATL…..no Ingram?
Dyson Daniels to ATL as well.
Whoa, does that affect their need to unload Ingram?
Don’t know yet, but It seems to me the Hawks got fleeced, especially considering all they gave up to get Murray. I do like Daniels, however.
Daniels plus 2 firsts seems totally reasonable to me. I think Daniels could shine in Atlanta with more playing time and he’s really young.
Except the picks are’tt all the great. the 2025 is the Lakers first rounder and the 2027 is the least favorable of the Bucks/Pels pick. If Daniels becomes a stud, then it’s worth it.
Now the question is what becomes of the Pels rotation. They have:
CJ, Murray, Ingram, Murphy, Herb, Zion, and no center. Something has to give.
They want to be under the cap- CJ and Murray. Dyson gone. Then BI, Jones and Murphy with Marshall gone. The Zion (for 32 games) and the rookie center with Nance and Jonas gone. I think they need HB, myself.
and the pest Alvardo for 45 games.
No doubt and it seems like Ingram is the guy who’s going to have to go. We’ll see where he ends up.
I agree, not a bad haul for Murray. His value has cratered the last few years.
Dyson has the potential to be a shutdown defender.
Hawks must have wanted the picks and not the future salary. Cost for DJM lower than Bridges.
I don’t mean this to be snarky, am asking because I don’t know. Could/should the Kings have done better than what Atlanta got?
The Kings don’t have a young player with more potential than Daniels except Keegan Murray. The Hawks will likely have Sac’s 2025 pick already. So a better haul of picks could be offered but the payoff would be delayed. As far as should I don’t know. But more guards doesn’t feel like the answer even if it’s more better guards.
The day after free agency began, the Hawks agreed to send Kevin Huerter to the Kings in exchange for Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless, and the Kings’ 2024 first-round pick (top-14 protected). If the pick doesn’t convey immediately, it would be top-12 protected in 2025 and top-10 protected in 2026. If it still hasn’t changed hands by that point, the Hawks would instead receive two second-rounders
Has there been any announcement or scuttlebutt on whether Devon Carter will participate in the LVSL or not?
The Mrs said she can’t listen to anymore 2 A.M. machinations about the NBA Draft, hypothetical multi-player trades or which free agent 4 is available from me, and that I “have exceeded the Second Marriage Apron and you have to go on a road trip for at least a week while I recover.” Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa!
Las Vegas here I come.
You have skated into a dangerous area, and as you and I know, the patience that women have with us is both baffling and wonderful.
Have a great time in Vegas!
LOL.
There is either a formula for the ages here, or it is midnight in the garden of good and evil.
You just have to marry a woman who loves sports as much as you or more. LPA and I love doing Vegas League together.
Perfect!
You speak with wisdom.
Few unicorns actually exist.
Yeah, I had to trade a ton of firsts for her.
You won the trade by a large margin.
Haven’t heard much about Cam Johnson as a target?
I’m for 1 if 2 approaches to upgrading the 4.
First is to target someone you can get relatively cheap compared to value. For instance, Portishead, Collins and possibly Ingram fit that mold.
Otherwise I say you mortgage the future in terms of picks and put all your chips in and target Lauri Markannnen who would be as close to a perfect 4 that could potentially ve acquired. Essentially we giv eup the max # of firsts and swaps we are able to, and maybe jettison huerter and or Barnes to extract some additional value to a 3rd team and nab Markannen who is still on a very team friendly contract for the next 2 years.
We go all in there.
C: Sabonis, Valancuunas(MLE), Len(min)
PF: Markannen, Lyles
SF: Murray, Duarte, BAE
SG: Ellis, Monk, Jones
PG: Fox, Carter
BREAKING: Kings to sign Jeff Green and Robin Lopez with the MLE. Monte says he remains committed to future flexibility, veteran leadership, and looks forward to training camp.
Link: https://x.com/ronaldmannak/status/1806733303187439854
The once and future King- Robin Lopez!
Rumors percolating that PG will be a Dud.
I don’t see why the Clips would take Paul in what amounts to a salary dump, especially with a division rival. If I’m the Clips and asking for combinations of Kuminga, Moody, Podz, Wiggins, and picks.
the spirit of gabby Bob Myers still exists in dudland. They will give up Wiggins, Looney to try to add George to their core which includes at least 4 future hall of famers, including the “best young core ever”. Kuminga, carrot top and the guy with 3 letters instead of a name and Moody are all going to be in HOF too.
I thought rich joe lacob wanted out of high tax.
A lil entertainment while waiting
https://twiiter.com/cjzero/status/1806855093129499010
Hali vs Brunson and a chair?
Not how I want to see Reese’s pieces. Gulp.
At least we won’t see that Reggie Miller choke T-shirt
Hali has a surprise under the ring. Yi Jianlian
Bring out Chairman Yi!
Wonder how long LeBron’s new contract will be.
https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1807084604592955419
Will he take a discount in exchange for extra guaranteed dollars for Bronny?
Would love to go all in with Markennan(Huerter and 2 future firsts), but probably not enough with Ainge. Realistically, Jonathan Issacs is the perfect player (both defensive/offensive) to complement Domas, barring injury. He could be had with the MLE, and although not a popular pick, but another player that could be had is Levine, another dynamic scorer.
C Domas
PF Issacs
SF Murray
SG Levine
PG Fox
prob gonna lose huerter through those trades. Keep HB for bench support (or trade him)
Question. If we can’t get Naji Marshall with our BAE is it possible to get him through a sign and trade?
Ainge will want much more than that, look how much Bridges netted.
My counter to you, would you trade Keegan for Lauri straight up?
Then make a separate deal for Ingram.
Fox
Monk
Ingram
Lauri
Domas
👀
Actually, I would trade Keegan for Lauri in a heartbeat.. and get Ingram on a separate deal. That would be my dream scenario. The issue is trying to resign Ingram the following year along with Fox.
It’s Ainge– he would want Keegan, Huerter (for the salary matching), and a first rounder. Collins is a wiser trade. Ingram is not going to stay with us after this year– he’s only worth Huerter, Barnes, Lyles and 2nd round picks.
I think a KM and salary for Lauri trade is fair. KM is 4 years younger than Lauri and therefore better fits the Jazz’ rebuild timeline.
I would trade Murray and Huerter for the Finnisher, but no first rounder. If a BI difficult to obtain, then, I would love Cam Johnson(more reasonable).
The more I think about it, if we want a serious upgrade at PF that fits perfectly with Domas, we are going to have to pay top dollar/assets for it, which means including Murray in a deal. I have no clue how much value KM has around the league, as King’s fans we naturally probably overvalue him.
If it were straight up. I’d say yes. I don’t think it’d be straight up and if it isn’t then the answer is no.
I’d pay the ransom of 4 firsts for Lauri to keep Keegan though.
Our timeline is now and the immediate future.
I like your thinking.
OT: ATL pulls QO on Saddiq Bey making him a UFA. He’s not super high on my list, but is on my list nonetheless.
https://x.com/wojespn/status/1807094658465411132
he has been injured. They may give him less money and then get his Bird rights for the future.
He could be an under the radar signing by Monte. Would be nice if he settled for the Bi-Annual exception, but I doubt it.
I would go for that, Good backup SF.
He is going to miss a chunk of the season, likely a huge chunk.
I’ve wanted bey since his draft, I’d pay him the mle over the ind guy smith i think.
Lots of comments about the Kings getting more size at 3/4/5. That is a need.
IMO, getting a lower tier guy just won’t cut it. This is the time for a big swing.
I believe that Collins X2, J. Smith, DFS, are low level. akin to adding Lyles a few years back.
The Kings have to add a higher tier player. I am not sure even if Grant or Kuzma is high enough. Cam Johnson? not sure either. LaVine- could have been but wrong position and now? no.
Markenon or Ingram or go home. Those are the only 2 at this point, who would seriously move the needle.
The Kings had trades set up with Washington and Nets but included #13 but when Carter dropped there, Kings pulled out.
Not sure how the Murray trade influences Griffin at NOP- make him more or less trade happy? Too bad Monte did not insert himself in that deal and come out with BI ( and Nance)
I suppose it is possible that NOP wants to recoup their first round picks that they used for DJM.
Getting bigger at the 3. Murray ia 6’8″. How much bigger do you want
Swinging for a home run means over-spending, losing draft picks that are cost controlled or put a damper in the future, and in Ingram’s case, he signs somewhere else after a year and we have nothing. There should be some parameters here, such as minimal draft picks, being a restricted free agent, and having a minimum of two years on the contract. Deviating from the that is not a Monte or a smart move.
Collins, who defensively (rebounding) fits with Sabonis makes sense. Wendell Carter and Portis are great fits. Cam Johnson would be ok for the right price. As backups, Bey, J. Smith, Achiuwa, Saric, Bitadze can help. We need to trade Huerter and Barnes for something that moves us forward. Kuzma would be a plan B trade, but he’s not worth two 1st rounders.
I hear you but……………
this sounds like Lyles, Moe Harkless, Holiday, Edwards and other such lower tier added players. I just don’t think a Kings team featuring or playing Collins, Portis, Carter can beat Nuggets, T-Wolves, OKC or Mavs. Mavs added Lively, Gafford, PJ last year and a bit more this year. Have to have talent greater than that and the guys you mentioned might be comparable but not better.
Is Carter better than Lively? is Portis better than PJ Is Cam Johnson better than PJ?
Yes, a big swing would require overpaying. Getting 100 dollars of talent may mean paying 120 bucks and paying dollar for dollar at a lower level may “save” money but does not win games. [
PJ’s numbers may have suffered a bit because he was with Charlotte for most of his career, but I’d say Portis has been significantly better and Cam Johnson has been roughly equivalent.
My ran-dumb trade idea for the idea:
I’m guessing the Hawks may value the Kings 2025 pick in a loaded draft, but the Hawks only get it if it falls outside the top 12. With the Kings picking at #13 this year and the West only getting deeper, there is no guaranteed that pick ever conveys.
My ofter: Un-protect the 2025 pick and package it with Huerter, Barnes and Colby Jones for De’Andre Hunter and Oneyeka Okongwu.
Kings get a 4/5 in Okongwu who protects the rim and can at times play next to Sabonis and Hunter who slides in next to Keegan on the wing. ATL gets out of two long term deals, a prospect in Jones and the 2025 pick free and clear, while also opening up a spot for their #1 pick in Risacher. Huerter and Barnes become trade chips for them.
A counter. Barnes, Lyles and a first for John Collins. Huerter and a first for Isaiah Stewart. Get Jalen Smith with MLE. If possible get Bey for BAE or sign and trade using Duarte for Naji Marshall. Starters: Foz, Ellis, Murray, Collins, Sabonis. Backups: Carter, Monk, either Bey or Marshall, Smith, Stewart. If can not get Marshall or Bey then I believe Jones will be good enough this year after summer to slot in at that SF.
There would be no way I’d give up a first for John Collins. Salary match and a 2nd is about where I top out.
I’ve liked Stewart as well, but with the Pistons letting go of Wiseman today, I’m guessing he’s harder to get. Stewart and Duran are about all they have in size now.
My honest guess is Monte is just waiting until free agency to see who can get without giving up contracts or assets. If free agency dries up, he will then pivot to trades and consider giving up assets for improvement.
Thanks. Ok instead of a first then a second. Did not know Wiseman was letting go.
I think we’re giving up too much in that ATL trade. In a vacuum, KH and HB are better players than Hunter and Okongwu.
LBJ is pushing for the Fakers to trade for Klay lol. I hope it happens, dude is washed. JJ as HC…Lakers looking like they’ll be one of the worst teams in the West next season. 👊
Aren’t they limited to the MLE at this point?
Not sure. But whatever massive contract LJ signs is going to max them out. He’s one injury away from being done, AD won’t stay healthy like he did last year. I hope they give up assets for Klay.
They look on their way to that same post-Kobe era where they suck for an extended amount of time.
Lebron is going to try to drag his kid to a ring. He will probably drag a few hall of famers down with him.
Dejounte Murray for 2 picks? Yet Mikal Bridges is worth 5 picks? That makes Kuzma worth 1 pick at most. Barnes, Duarte, and 2028 pick. Get it done Monte.
Eh. I’d rather gauge my own eye out. Kuzma is awful. He won’t make us any better whatsoever.
Yep. Personally, I hope Monte continues to ignore everybody.
Please, don’t do that. I’ll keep an eye out for other, less mutilating trades for you. Check on this site, but do so with caution. Monte may not be aware of your insights.
😜 too late as the emoticon exhibits
Not to be Negative Nancy, but I’m a little discouraged that our nemesis (Pelicans) who absolutely dominated us last year are now substantially better. It’s difficult to see how the kings can even be competitive with them without any major moves. We’ll see.
Time to do something.
I want beef stew and Jalen smith.
the potatoes are overcooked and the carrots are yuck, the meat is stringy-
I worry that he’s gonna be Richaun Holmes-Cauly Stein.
Holmes was nice before he was over cooked.
So many hypothetical trades…. Which didn’t have to wait for 3pm tomorrow to be done, as the Pelicans showed us. So I’m not holding my breath. I did see an Isaiah Stewart for Huerter trade in the comments though. That’s my favorite hypothetical so far. Stewart is a beast on defense, and learned how to shoot a 3. I say that reflects on his work ethic and desire to be a role playing starter. He shot 38% on over 4 per game last year, and never shot them his first two years in the league. There’s a great highlight reel on You Tube showing him blocking Giannis’ shot twice in the same game. I saw him play in college and he was a tireless rebounder and defender. That’s the kind of guy we need. With Monk back, Carter in place of Mitchell, Stewart at the 4, and Barnes in the second unit, not a bad off season. Do it Monte!
He does seem like a good fit. Not sure how much the Pistons desire Huerter, though.
I think Huerter value goes up via trade once a few teams(probably the magic and pistons) strike out on their top targets in free agency.
That’s a great idea….
We need more DWAG player..
Like McGee said, other teams is not afraid of the Kings…
So adding Stewart may solve this issue..as no one wants to get into Stewart….
From both Sean Cunningham and Jason Anderson
Thank God!
None of them showed much in their limited minutes. Easy to move on from.
Apparently, Tristan Vukcevic has been released by Washington.
He may be worth a flyer.
Played just 10 games and didn’t really impress, but is still young, long and showed some flashes.
My ideal off-season.
First:
trade Kevin Huerter/Duarte to the Utah Jazz along with the max number of firsts we can deal and probably pick swaps To make Ainge bite for Lauri Markannen.
Second target Jonas Valciunas with the MLE
Third grab Monte Morris with BAE.
Fourth nab Gordon Hayward with a vet min deal.
Resign Len on a vet minimum deal.
Final roster:
C: Sabonis, Valanciunas, Len
PF: Markannen, Lyles, McDaniels
SF: Murray, Barnes, Hayward
SG: Keon, Monk, Jones
PG: Fox, Carter, Morris
We did it !!!!
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