It’s no secret the Sacramento Kings have been looking to trade for an upgrade on the wings. The Kings have been connected to Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Cam Johnson among others this summer. But yesterday a new name emerged: Lauri Markkanen.
James Ham and Damien Barling discussed the Kings pursuit of Lauri yesterday morning, which was followed not long after by a report from Yahoo’s Jake Fischer:
In addition to Golden State, Sacramento and San Antonio have been the two other teams characterized by league figures with knowledge of the situation as strong possible suitors for Markkanen at this point.
The challenge for Sacramento is that it’s never easy to negotiate with Danny Ainge. Ainge will almost surely be asking for Keegan Murray in return, but all indications from local reports is that the Kings would be very unlikely to include Keegan. Without Keegan Murray, it’s hard to see how the Kings can put together an offer to the Jazz that beats the offers the Warriors, Spurs, or other suitors can offer.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that other teams will include their prize assets for Markkanen, who is entering the final year of his contract.
If the Kings can land Markkanen without giving up Keegan Murray, it would be a fantastic addition. Lauri brings size, athleticism, scoring, rebounding, and outside shooting that be an incredible fit alongside the Kings other stars.
The downside, much like the concern with Brandon Ingram, would be future costs. Markkanen will likely require a max contract extension next season. While he’s worth it, adding another max puts the Kings in a tricky position moving into the future. We’ve seen the impacts this summer around the league as teams attempt to avoid the harsh restriction of the second apron.
Trading for Lauri Markkanen, without giving up Keegan Murray, would be a huge win for the Kings and would significantly raise the ceiling of this team. I’ll be shocked if the Kings can pull it off, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
I have wanted Lauri to be a King ever since he was in the draft, been high on his game forever.
But I don’t see a trade being made and if there was one, Ainge would fleece Monte. We’re talking at least what the Nets got for Bridges. So I don’t see it happening.
At this point, best case we end up with Cam Johnson, Kuz, Isaac or Bridges for the 4 spot.
But it feels like run it back maybe what happens and Keegan and HB are starting at the 3 and 4.
If we do what you suggest we aren’t going anywhere. You might add John Collins to you above list.
I agree. It’s just the likely outcome.
Issac and Bridges likely wouldn’t cost much to fill the 4 and then try and get BI.
Isaac is in extension talks with the Magic. I think he stays in Orlando.
A lot of you don’t like Miles Bridges but the guy is a stud. He can score multiple ways rebounds over 7 per game has a great motor and could probably get him with MLE. Not bad for a starter.
After he did the things listed in the article? No thanks. I would rather switch to watching a different team than root for Bridges on the Kings.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/miles-bridges-domestic-violence-case-timeline-charges-sentencing-suspension-information-for-hornets-forward/#:~:text=Bridges%20allegedly%20threw%20pool%20balls,would%20withhold%20child%20support%20money.
With where things stand right now, what would you do if you were MM?
I would look to add length and rebounding at the PF position without hamstringing future Kings flexibility. To me, that means that Collins makes a lot of sense. His raw stats (15.1 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 54.8% fg, 35.8% 3p) fit nicely on the Kings roster and he won’t cost a bundle. Kuzma (17.3, 6.4, 45.1%, 33.7%) less so.
I’m just not sold on Lauri (18.1, 7.3, 45.9%, 37.5%) being worth astronomically more in trade than those other two. I’m with Jack here. Sure, John Collins isn’t a dynamic player like Markkanen, but he rebounds very well and I sure like that high shooting percentage. I don’t fully understand what we’re doing with Lauri here.
I’m not the biggest Collins fan, but we need to fill that PF hole and he’s one of the few options left.
What is it that you’re not a fan of? I honestly don’t watch a lot of John Collins, so I’m definitely not an expert here. Is it just that he’s such a vanilla player in general or is it more specific than that?
Lauri is a Dirk lite that’s the main reason, I just love that kind of big that can shoot the ball from deep and post. I think he’s a good fit as well. But realistically, it doesn’t make sense, how are you going to pay Fox, KM, Sabonis and Lauri max contracts
“We want John Collins”
“We have John Collins at home”
(See the per 36 minutes).
https://stathead.com/basketball/versus-finder.cgi?player_id2=lylestr01&player_id1=collijo01&request=1&utm_campaign=2023_01_wdgt_player_comparison&utm_source=bbr&utm_medium=sr_xsite&utm_id=collijo01
They’re close. Collins is better, but not $20m per year better.
A little apples and oranges, as Lyles has never had to sustain those numbers, and not against opposing starting rotations. 1248 and 1157 minutes for Lyles over the past two years for Sac (all in reserve), 2130 and 1901 for Collins (all as a starter).
Not trying to sell anyone on Collins here, but Collins has proven that he can provide that output as a starter and big minutes guy. Lyles has not. And as a former lottery pick, it’s not as though he has not had opportunities.
Valid point. But would you want the team to pay $20mm for that much improvement? I think assets are better used elsewhere.
It depends on the price and what you consider assets. If I could have Collins for Huerter, Duarte and a couple of 2nds, I’d do it. I fill a hole at the stretch 4 (Collins) while maintaining Lyles as a 4-5 depth piece, improving 3-4 depth by moving Barnes to the bench, and my guard rotation is still set with Fox, Ellis, Monk and Carter.
That makes too much sense.
My hope is Monte can do better than that. If that’s the move, I’m underwhelmed.
Collins is to add depth to the roster – Barnes/Keegan/Collins is a nice front court though still undersized.
Wiggins – if he wants to play, can be a defensive All-Star and can create some offense. He’s clearly a better player.
Kuzma – offense creator, defense neutral, okay rebounder. Again, he gives the Kings more depth.
Which one of these makes Sacramento a 50 win team next season?
I also like the idea of Julius Randle – I just don’t know his availability. I am guessing if you package some FRP, New York, now depleted of same, would give that serious consideration. He’s $59M/2 years (the second year is PO at $30M – he could opt out after one season).
Agreed, in that I would like to be the option that is exercised after deals for better talent do not materialize.
I’m not sure the Kings even have assets worth fleecing outside of Keegan. Also, as exciting as Markannen is on offense, 1) he was 52nd (!) among starting centers in DRTG last season 2) he will cost a max, and doesn’t make us a championship contender.
The Kings would still need a 1A player in order to get into the conference finals or beyond, IMO.
Lauri isn’t a Center. He is a PF. Where does he rank among other PFs?
He was #136 among forwards, a few spots below Harrison Barnes.
Yeesh.
What’s Collins’ ranking?
I would like to know also.
He’s 525th in DRTG from all positions, 270th from forwards.
Meanwhile, Ingram’s 36th from all forwards and 66th from all positions.
I wouldn’t use DRTG as the stat, Bobby Portis is 452nd by that measure, and we all know he’s better than that.
Portis is listed at 171 here.
https://www.nba.com/stats/players/defense?PerMode=Totals&SeasonType=Regular+Season
Interesting to note they list 7 Timberwolves players in the top 13.
It’s more of a team stat in that sense.
So is Collins. Did a comparison of the two( Portis and Collins) Collins wins hands down.
Collins is listed a 232.
Yeah, I’d say that he’s a matador on defense, except he doesn’t even bother waving a cape to distract the bull.
So he’s just standing there in the arena. Yeah, I don’t see how a non-defending PF makes the Kings better unless we also bring in a defensive specialist to back him. I’m really just not thrilled with any of our purported targets (Lavine, Kuzma, Ingram, Markkanen) this offseason. Of them, only Kuzma feels like a decent option at a decent price.
So long as Keegan stays a King it doesn’t hurt to ask. I think it’s highly doubtful.
You can ask but giving up everything for one player jusy doesn’t work for me. Basketball is a game of 5 nt one. We are a very good basketball team with four so far. Tearing that apart for one player IMO wont work. We still have assets to go and get at the very least 2 very good players that fit. Maybe even 3. What if we give up players like Murray( still young and not even close to his prime) and that one player say gets injured now where are you? Probably trying to keep up with the Pistons. IMO I would keep Fox, Sabonis, Murray, Monk and maybe Ellis and Carter. Add some really good players around them then IMO you hjave a solid core to move up the ladder.
Question. Can the Kings use their MLE or BAE to use in a trade. Example: Use the MLE and say Duarte to trade for Isaiah Stewart?
I think the MLE has to be used separately to acquire a player on an existing contract. So player X makes $10m, the kings can trade for that player using the MLE.
Doubtful. However, they could pursue Collins (Huerter and Duarter as salary filler and some 2nd rounders), and look to sign Caleb Martin or Isaac Okoro with the MLE to fill the Huerter minutes at SG/SF.
Lauri will just cost too much, and the Kings don’t have the picks and players combo to get it done, let alone the financial capability to have 3 or 4 players on a max contract, as Greg noted.
Agreed and have the same dilemma with Ingram. Unless we include Keegan in one of these deals, reality crashes down next year when it’s time for Keegan’s big extension followed by D. Fox. Better to build it out with more cost effective options.
That’s my thing. 3 or 4 max players and the roster still doesn’t compete with the Celtics, even if you squint. I don’t get the pursuit of Lauri at all, on so many levels.
Shaddiq Bet is still available for the MLE
ACL surgery in March, out 8-12 months. Think BAE, not MLE.
Okay with BAE
If I can choose between Ingram and Lauri…I prefer Ingram…as Ingram has better skill set, more athletic, and can really create his own shot…While Markkanen depends mainly on his jumper…..
I thought Markkanen was older than Ingram, but just checked they were same age.
I’ve definitely grown on BI the last couple days. Went to check out some highlights and I think he’d add legit scoring to our lineup which would take the pressure off of fox and domas. In my opinion fox as the 1B scorer to BI 1A would be a huge boost for fox.
BI and Lauri both miss about 25% of the season on average though but if I had to choose which to give a max to I’d feel way better about Ingram. Especially if he doesn’t cost Keegan like Lauri would guaranteed
If the Kings truly think Keegan is their next star, then I don’t think they try and add another player like Ingram or Markannen. Vivek and the ownership group will not go in to the tax for this team, so Monte would need to add complimentary pieces instead.
If Keegan is to be thought of as 4th fiddle, then getting guys like Markannen or Ingram would be essential to take the next step in building a contending team.
If you add Ingram then he would be #2 behind Fox( IMO put him at SG) and Murray would be #3.
We can then putting Ingram as SG to matching up back with either Herb Jones or Trey Murphy when facing the Pels/
I agree but remember we still need rebounding and rim protection.
BI is a poor man’s KD, and that’s a compliment. A poor man’s KD is a very good player.
Nicely put.
I would pick Ingram but the one thing we need desperately is rebounding and rim protection. One really basic thing we really need and Ingram doesn’t have that BUT we can solve that. Have Ingram start at SG which he can play. Now you have Fox , Ingram, Murray, Collins( he is the rebounder and rim protector) and Sabonis.Bring either Ellis or Carter to come in for Fox. Then Monk, Bey( MLE), Lyles and Stewart. Pretty darn good team.
PS. We can keep Murray. The only thing that is negative is that extention. This IMO is the reason right now that this trade isn’t happening.
Pass.
I get the infatuation of Lauri, but he is a one way player. If you cringe at the defense of the Kings now, Lauri isn’t going to be any better, in fact he may be worse.
Also, check out Keegan’s numbers over the last two years and compare them to Lauri’s numbers at the same age while in Cleveland. Murray was better with less usage. For anyone saying Lauri is better than Keegan, he’s just an older, more expensive, higher usage, and worse defending version of Keegan. Keep they guy on the rookie deal who is four years younger and who’s future you can control. Don’t forget, Lauri is a UFA after this upcoming season. Utah could have extended him at anytime over the past year, but hasn’t.
Lastly, you are dealing with Ainge. He’s not going to want just Keegan and filler, he’s gonna want picks as well. Hard pass.
Just get John Collins for a lot less.
I think you’ve got it exactly right. If Sacramento’s roster offered some rim protection that you could put behind LM, it gets easier to justify a one-dimensional player like LM. The cost/benefit analysis to obtain him is sharply tilted toward cost.
Collins for fit and cost makes a lot of sense .
Heck, I’d be interested in Taylor Hendricks.
There seems to be an assumption that we can just go get Collins because he won’t cost much. The GM Monte has to deal with is still Ainge. Who knows what Ainge is asking for in a Collins trade.
It might be easier than you think. Drafted Philipowski and picked up up Drew Eubanks. This in itself could make a trade easier. And remember the Jazz don’t want him and his cotract and IMO they are willing to trade him.
Someone’s gonna have to dish out $56M the next two years. And just like Zach Lavine and Chicago – you have to factor that expense into moving him. If he was so great, they want him stay or he would’ve been moved in a NY second.
Aingeflation.
“There seems to be an assumption that we can just go get Collins because he won’t cost much. The GM Monte has to deal with is still Ainge.”
Have a rec, I was thinking the same thing…
This is where I am at too, Adam. I have been for awhile, as we still do not know who Keegan is going to be. I fully expect him to be more valuable than Ingram or Lauri by the 26-27 season, with his ability to shoot from distance, create his own offense, guard on the perimeter, guard 1-4, rebound, and offer weak side rim protection, in addition to not need to be “built around” but rather easy to build with.
Collins slips easily into the starting PF position, doesn’t require any adjustment from the other starters, and contract wise is completely fungible and doesn’t affect any future opportunities for McNair to pivot too as they come up.
The other thing that keeps me feeling as if Keegan’s value might be underrated, is how stacked the wing position is with younger players, and how important Keegan will be for the next five years to have a counter too. Tatum & Brown are still young, Doncic & Edwards are two of the three most important players in the West, Lauri & Ingram are all-star-ish talent. Jalen Williams, Scottie Barnes, Mikel Bridges, OG, Franz Wagner, Cade Cunningham, Jaden McDaniels, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Jalen Green, Jalen Johnson, Devin Vassell, Kuminga, Kuzma, Brandon Miller, Jabari Smith Jr, if we don’t have a skilled, talented, long, and versatile player like Keegan to compete with them over the next five years, a version of him will be the one we are overpaying for next, and without the good vibes of him being homegrown and completely engaged with the coaching staff, origination, and city/fanbase.
It may sound cliche, but MM’s desire for flexibility is important if this team wants to be good for five to ten years rather than an exciting year or two. If Lauri or BI was the final piece of the puzzle to get them over losses in the WCF to get to the finals, then get them at all costs, but they aren’t. I would much rather the team keep leveling up incrementally, they are at 48 & 46 wins in two seasons, a competitive first round loss against a good team, and have the core intact and some intriguing young players, and the coach under contract.
Get them to 50-55 wins and a deep playoff run, then see what player is the gran marnier to float on top of their margarita.
As you said, it’s nearly impossible to think it can be done while keeping Keegan in Sacramento. And that’s not just an Ainge thing, any GM would insist on KM in order to give up a young star.
Me three agreed. I think offensively Lauri fits perfectly with Keegan and Domas but the price required with or without Keegan is just way to steep. I think Keegan is near untouchable to Monte and certainly won’t be traded for Lauri. Without Keegan, it’s just too many future firsts for a player on an expiring without extending. If he extends with the trade, now that’s a different story.
If he is willing to go for a reasonable extention then I say Ingram is your man. Still would have enough to get Collins.
Pelicans are not a good trade partner for the Kings. Kings want to move wings, Barnes/Huerter, and Pelicans want to move a wing as they have excess. Unless a 3rd team is involved and moving a Center to New Orleans, I don’t see a deal happening.
Pelicans get Poeltl and Barnes (he would be a bench player for them)
Kings get Ingram
Raptors get Huerter
i would do this.
Player for player I would rather have Ingram. Looking at the team, and specifically thinking what I feel Monte would want, Ingram would hinder the development of Murray. I think Monte wants Murray to be the unquestioned number 2 scorer on this team. Just my opinion.
I honestly think I’d rather move on from Sabonas for Markannen before trading Keegan for him. It’s so tough to build around Sabonas, there are like 3 guys in the league who could make up for his defensive deficiencies and slot between Keegan and Domas, and they are not available.
The Jazz most likely want a stud young player and like 5 picks for him, I saw some NBA writer mention that if he were Ainge he would short the Warriors and get Kuminga. I think I agree with that.
As for the BI rumors, I woke up with clarity, I don’t think we have what it takes to get him. With word that NO wants a Center, I was looking at all these 3 team deals that made sense including players like Jarret Allen, Brook Lopez, etc, then I thought why don’t they just swap Allen for BI? Why are we getting the best player? We will see, hope I’m wrong. Back to Kuzma!
So, you’d be willing to move on from the best rebounder in the NBA, who was also sixth in assists, and averaged nearly twenty points a game, for Lauri Markannen?
I can’t make any sense of it.
I was not trying to slight Domas, I really like all three of them; we obviously have built our team around Domas’s playmaking. Im more so saying It is going to be really hard to build a contender with Sabonas, he cannot protect the rim and cannot space the floor.
I would suggest that a player who is elite at multiple facets of the game is someone you’d want to keep around. It wouldn’t hurt to add a player that’s better than Sabonis, but Domas’ lack of rim protection isn’t what’s preventing the Kings from being great.
And frankly, I don’t think that Markannen is worth anything close to what Sabonis is as a basketball player.
Sabonis for Lauri moves the needle towards 30 win season .
I agree with this. Although it’s a very unpopular and frowned upon opinion to have around these parts.
I’m not against moving on from Sabonis, but if you’re going to do that, it better be for a top 15 player that still has a lot of miles left on the tires. I think that you will find that this list is going to wind up being very, very small, and very, very, very unattainable. I am wholly against moving him for lesser (or significantly older) talent under the narrative of it will be easier to piece together a roster around someone else. Man, this sort of mindset would have seen Milwaukee dealing GIannis. or Boston breaking up Tatum and Brown.
Would you consider trading Fox and filler for Lauri and Sexton?
Darn you Rik, Now L’m going to lose sleep over this one. Very interesting.
Yes. Although you risk really pissing off Monk by doing that deal.
The fact that I am having a tough time answering this probably means that it is a fair trade.
I would not make this trade if it involved 2022-23 Fox. I would if it involved 2023-24 Fox.
What about 24-25 Fox?
Straight up? I’d seriously consider it but would probably decline it. I like the history of Fox and Sabonis vs. the hope of Lauri and Sabonis.
I think that all three of these guys roughly rate somewhere between 20 and 30 when doing player rankings. They are all probably similarly valued across the league, the wants and needs of each team notwithstanding.
Fox is The Face of the Franchise. As likely to happen as bringing Ty Haliburton back.
I look at last season Fox as someone who has been trying to expand his game – for him to do that, he needed/needs to add the 3 point shot. He was hit or miss on that front, though improved. If this next season he gains another percentage point or two – or more importantly, a better perspective on 3 point usage versus getting any shot I want whenever I want usage, that would be even better. Just my opinion and a bit side topic:
Jayson Tatum was looking for his 3 point shot much too much this playoffs – it reminded me of De’Aaron Fox.
I’m a big Fox fan. And it can’t be understated that he loves Sacramento. You’re right, he is the face of the franchise. Like Domas and Murray, he’s a quiet leader due to his work ethic, calm in a storm, and clear commitment to improving his skillset. But the Kings don’t seem to have a leader leader, in the emotional, rally-the-troops type of way. If Fox was that guy, I’d consider him untouchable. But really, for all of his great qualities, that’s not him.
Checked out the advanced stats.
I give Fox’s numbers first, then Sexton’s:
TS%: .567 / .607
FTr: .273 / .356
TRB%: 7.2 / 5.4
AST%: 25.2 / 29.5
STL%: 2.7 / 1.4
BLK%: 1.1 / 0.8
TOV%: 10.1 / 12.1
WS: 6.5 / 5.5
BPM: 2.7 / 1.9
VORP: 3.2 / 2.0
Why would you give up Sabonis for Markannen. Makes no sense.
I wouldn’t give up Sabonis for Lauri. I’m just in agreement with Chent that Sabonis’ weaknesses are glaring and make it difficult to build a team around him.
Sabonis was the second best (DRTG) defender on this team last year. This team minus Sabonis doesn’t make the playoffs. He’s a better defender by that metric (and others) than Ingram or Lauri. He needs a complimentary piece (somenoe to space or someone to rim run and block shots), but he’s the best player on the team. We do a serious disservice to Fox and Sabonis every time we ignore how hard they are for other teams to deal with. They’re not perfect, but I want Domas over all but 9 players in the league right now. Woof.
Please, Monte, my brother in Vest, if you make a move this week, I will go to the California Classic and buy shit.
Going on Sunday with my nephew, won’t be buying shit!
No, but you’ll be seeing it.
Except tickets apparently. Lol
Fortunately I didn’t buy those either
Not sure for Markkanen but I would certainly consider trading Murray for a serious piece. This team is dying for a physical power forward or maybe SF. Keegan is a very nice player but nothing like the prospect Halliburton was and we traded him with no issue. Watching this team stagnate has made me less a fan of players like Keegan and Huerter that hoist threes and leave the rest of the box score untouched. Keegan has added a few other shots here and there but he’s simply a very good role player, not an untouchable superstar.
Keegan for the right piece in a trade is fine. Comparing him to Haliburton is interesting. I understand not thinking he’s a superstar but “very good role player” is really really underselling his value. Hali is flashy, generates lots of assists, and most certainly elevates the team around him. Keegan is different in practically every way except comparable 3 point shooting. Keegan also has one thing that Haliburton doesn’t appear to have: working hamstrings. Let’s not downplay his relative health if you’re going to compare him to Hali.
I just don’t understand why we as Kings fans only seem to focus on offense when we evaluate players. In Keegan, I see a guy who is becoming an absolute beast on defense. A guy who is switchable as a defender both up and down, is improving as a rebounder, and is just about to enter his prime (turns 24 in August).
The only way we should move Keegan is if we think he’s hit his ceiling already (spoiler: he hasn’t) and/or we get a player in return who is controllable, fits with the Kings, plays at least *some* defense, and is a leader in the locker room.
I couldn’t care any less about whether we or any other team consider him to be a superstar. The guy is becoming a beast.
He hasn’t hit the ceiling yet. Far from it.
Lauri was signed by the Cavs in free agency for a pretty reasonable deal a couple of years ago. Anyone could have had him.
Instead of paying a premium price and depleting all the team’s assets, I think it would have been a better strategy to try and find the next Lauri in free agency. Young players like Jaylen Smith were just sitting there waiting to be paid.
Not saying him or anyone else is guaranteed to turn into an all-star but now the Kings don’t have a Lauri and most free agents have already been picked up.
Great point, Monte has shown an inability to do just this, at least when it comes to FA bigs./
Yes, this is it, and I would add Naji Marshall. I don’t know if this is a Monte or Vivek problem, or an unwillingness of the players to consider Sacramento.
For me, I am against getting players like Kuzma, Markkanen and Ingram, because they inhibit Murray’s development. Even if a lot of the shots come from the departure of Huerter and Barnes, which I doubt would be enough for them, they would still tend to push Murray to being a 4th option.
Better to fill in behind Fox, Sabonis and Murray, with players that begin to address needs, like Marshall and Smith would have done, with the potential for improvement.
But it looks like that horse has left the barn.
I know I’ll catch a lot of shit for this, but if we can’t get a new starting PF that’s worth a damn, what about reversing Lyles & Barnes roles at the 4? Lyles: 7.2 & 4.4, shoots 38.4 from 3 in 20 min/gm. Barnes: 12.2 & 3.0, shoots 38.7 from 3 in 30 minutes per gm. Then let Keegan concentrate on playing more 3. This leaves Barnes to back-up at the 3 & 4. Let the flaming begin.
That’s sensible, and was discussed throughout the season in this site.
I just have this creepy feeling we’re going to be left out in the cold when free agency/trading is over.
Probably. I don’t know what the front office is thinking or doing, I just hope they have a plan.
I think the Kings are constrained in multiple ways:
-Ownership not willing to pay to increase the talent on the roster (which is needed to win. And ownership said they were “disappointed” that the team didn’t win as many games as 2022-2023 season).
-Monte is reluctant/unwilling to “sell the farm” to make upgrades.
-Free agents don’t want to come to the Kings.
-Teams don’t want to trade with the Kings as the pieces Monte wants to move are not enticing enough.
Yes to all of the above.
I still think we are close to getting Ingram. Might take one more first but the biggest problem is getting Ingram’s agent to work out a deal on Ingram’s extention. IMO Monty won’t do the trade until this is done or never.
Lyles has a 7-3 wingspan. If he came into camp a little lighter and a little more lithe, there is better than a 0% chance that this could work.
It would be very Kangzish to hang improvement on hope instead of actual roster improvement. But if the Kings can’t upgrade the talent, the best answer might indeed be Lyles at the 4, Murray at the 3, and Barnes behind them. You would still need another legit bench big – someone better and more versatile than Alex Len. Someone like
Jalen Smith.Someone like John Collins.
Sure, except that Collins costs $26m, and Utah does not have cap issues, so you have to give them a reason to make the trade. And they’re not going to take your poo poo platter, and as I have noted elsewhere, I don’t think that they see Collins’ contract as particularly onerous or hard to move.
You have a young, cheap player or a pick and a bunch of moveable contracts that would work for them? They’re listening. But moving him just for the sake of moving him? I think that GS is there with Wiggins, but I don’t think that Utah is there with Collins.
Huerter, Lyles and a couple of 2nds is probably the the lowest price for Collins. And I’m not sure that it would be enough for Ainge to pull the trigger.
The Jazz don’t want Collins if just for his contract This has been discussed many times before. The Kings can pick up that contract pretty cheap IMO. He is a very good fit along side Sabonis and is a very good rebounder and rim protector. I like him.
Great. Call Ainge, tell him that he doesn’t want Collins, and get the deal done.
Collins’ trade value a couple of years ago was Rudy Gay and a 2nd round pick. His contract is not nearly as it was two years ago, the byproduct of time and inflation. And now you have Danny Ainge on the selling end instead of the buying end.
Collins for Huerter, Duarte and a 2nd or two saves Utah a little money, and it gives them a potential deadline trade chip in Huerter. That is the trade that I offer, and only after I have exhausted all better talent options (Ingram, Grant, Portis, Kuzma, and maybe Wiggins).
I agree, that Lyles can improve a bit, and conditioning is one way. He has always underperformed in his career a bit, and conditioning and motor has been one of the main reasons he has been “good, but not as good as we thought he was going to be”. He seems really connected in Sacramento though, and has become more physical here than in past stops where he was content on being a jump shooter and decent effort. It would be nice to see him come in lean, hungry, and wanting a good contract in what will be his last opportunity at his age to earn a chunk.
IMO still a good backup PF.
You can get a solid PW without using Keegan. Barnes needs to go. Lyles has value as a trade partner but still might be where he is at backup PF. What about playing next to Isaiah Stewart?
I’m a fan of Lyles. He’s a smart player, can score at three levels, and battles on defense. He makes up for not being as quick as some guys by reading the action and anticipating what’s to come.
If you can get someone much better, you go ahead and do that, but I’d like to see how Tre does starting with Barnes backing him up.
First I really like Lyles but still want to keep him as backup PF. IMO not a starting PF.
Starter or bench, doesn’t really matter. Just switch the total minutes of him and Barnes then.
Trade for Markkanen. Trade with Dallas for Jaden Hardy. Introduce both players at same press conference. Watch them share a Lauri and Hardy handshake. Profit.
“Welcome to Sacramento, Lauri. Would you please sign an extension? Vivek insists.”
Welcome to Saramento Brando Ingram. Would you please sign an extension? Vivek/Monty.
Our toooown (franchise) is a piece of shiiiiiiiit 😉
When Gene Wilder says “Little bastard shot me in the ass!”, that’s one of the hardest times I’ve ever laughed during a movie. Top 3 comedy for me.
Mel Brooks is a national treasure.
His 98th birthday was just last week (28 June)
“Are we awake?”
“I’m not sure. Are we…black?”
Is this the part where someone mentions that they want to add Cam Johnson?
I don’t want to trade Keegan for Lauri or Ingram. What I *could* be talked into is trading Murray for both of them.
If you build a trade that meets the interests of everyone I think you get momentum. NOP doesn’t want BI, but they don’t want to just hock him. They need a center and a scoring wing.
Utah wants youth and to win the trade on their end.
If you run this trade: https://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=2hqyw8qa I think you get a decent exchange once picks are accounted.
Utah gets: Murray & Barnes
NOP gets: Huerter and Walker Kessler
Kings get: Ingram & Lauri.
Who says no if Ainge gets the picks he wants? I think Murray becomes Jayson Tatum and I’ll bet Ainge does too. Look at their first two years next to each other and their profiles. If Ainge wants to rebuild (and while I like Kessler a lot, he just signed Ewbanks and drafted Filipowski) and Murray gives him a bonafide guy to build around.
NOP gets really good ROI here and if they want to do John Collins instead of Huerter, that trade works too by routing KH to Utah which I think Ainge would also be ok with (I wouldn’t trade Huerter for Collins straight up right now, and I live in Utah where my Jazz friends would love to dump him for a bag of chips and half a can of coke).
The risk, obviously, is it not working out and/or trying to do extensions. Maybe you’re stuck. But Toronto won a championship by making a homerun swing. This is a homerun swing.
You are probably out of picks forever, but next year you roll out: a starting lineup of:
Fox/Monk/Ingram/Lauri/Domas
Your bench is:
Ellis/Monk/Carter/Lyles/McDaniels/Len. Thin on the wing in the bench, but if you can use that left over cap space to snag someone a team is trying to dump? Or go after Saddiq Bey hard (injured until playoff time, but still)? Maybe go after Doug McD or Gordon Hayward or Jae Crowder? I dunno. Scrape the bottom of the barrel. But certainly things to think about.
Why do your Jazz fans friends want Collins gone?
Guessing because he’s an emtpy stats player that doesn’t contribute much to winning. His reputation was largely built on that playoff run the Hawks had to the ECF where he was really good, as was Trae, since then not so much.
That entire team underperformed after that run, even Huerter. They struck lightning in a bottle (and Ben Simmons must have been hit by that lightning on the way down) and got past the Sixers, only to come crashing back down to reality.
I think that Collins is in the convo for statistical fit. Based on performance to contract, we really wouldn’t give him much of a sniff.
Similar to Wiggins, the hope (there’s that word again) is that he would flourish under Brown and with a group of largely selfless players. He’s 26, and he has one year left on his contract before he gets to his $26.6m player option.
The risk/reward breakdown for these different guys is vast. In Ingram and Lauri, you basically have expiring contracts, so it’s tough to give up the farm without a guarantee of an extension. In Collins and Wiggins, you have cheaper acquisitions but also players that are not as good as Ingram or or Lauri. In Kuzma you have a less than seamless fit and at least a few questions about his desire to be here. In LaVine you have a wonky fit and a really bad contract. And we have not talked much about how attainable guys like Jerami Grant or Bobby Portis might be.
If I’m looking to take a swing at this thing without giving up much, I’m probably going with Wiggins. $26m this year, $28m next year, a $30m player option the year after that.
Huerter and Duarte for Wiggins. The Dubs get another body to replace Klay Thompson and get out of some contract, while the Kings fill a gaping roster hole without creating another one.
Collins makes $56million the next two years and didn’t move the needle for Utah. He’s become a walking joke since being posterized by Anthony Edwards. Barnes and Heurter both make about 35. Collins is a much worse asset in that regard. He is who he is at this point.
Wiggins could be an interesting fit and in terms of reclamation projects he’s not a bad one.
That is clever Rob.
I had not really thought of Wiggins, I suppose not thinking there would be a deal between the two franchises, but it is an interesting move to ponder from both sides. Huerter certainly fits the offense that they run, and I would probably be excited about it if Mike Brown was confident he understood Wiggins.
Wiggins would be fine. Probably less of a spotlight (nationally) for him in Sacramento, which may be what he needs to regain his form.
I worry that Wiggins may be broken. Not to the degree that I thought Ben Simmons was, but AW has some real-life stuff that’s made a significant negative impact as it relates to playing basketball.
My hope is that he sorts it out, here or elsewhere, but I don’t know if I’d put something like ninety million dollars on the line based on his recent struggles.
Out of curiosity, is there any information about what’s going on with Wiggins?
Not that I can find.
Health issue with his Father. Not sure what the outcome was.
First is his contract. Next is his fit. Third he really doesn’t have anywhere to go.
Impossible to get both of them. Impossible. Both are getting paid after this year. Do you fathom the salary cap constraints. And fully recognize Vivek is one of the cheaper owners in the league.
Wht would the Pels want Kessler or Huerter? Why? Huerter does not play D, he’s too slow and he’s relegated to spot shooter. Pels are not going to pay 17 mil for a spot shooter. They just signed Murray
Kessler is a nice player. But once again does not fit their needs. He’s a slow dish wing that does shoot well. But also will slow down their ultra athletic D.
The Pels are looking for size and youth. Pels will get better picks. The Kings picks in the next 3-4 years will be late first rounders. Not that enticing for the Pels. Who already have trove of picks in the next 3 years.
Trading Murray thinking he will be the next Tatum? Those are some good drugs. Zero comparisons there. Tatum is an ultra quick fast and strong creator. Murray is not. And Murray playing the 2 is kind of laughable. He will get run over and past by speedier and quicker 2s. He has little lateral quickness.
Murray is a good player. I see his ceiling as More Prime Tobias Harris. Tatum he will never be. Doesn’t have the speed, build, creation ability. Those are dna. Not learned.
Probably. But you seem to have not read much of what I wrote, so I won’t belabor the points. I’ll just say this.
1 — Their bodies are different. Their impacts on the game, IMO, aren’t much. You’re talking about finals prime Tatum, I’m talking about 2nd year Tatum. Keegan will continue to improve, and, I think to that level. YMMV.
2 — It might be impossible, but I don’t want to trade Keegan for less. Ingram isn’t going to fetch a massive return. They want him gone, and he wants to go. He wants a big contract, and I think people will be surprised how affordable he ends up being to obtain in a trade. The contract? Less so. I think he’s traded for something closer to what it cost to get Cousins than what it cost to get Bridges. You and I must have different opinions on what NOP needs and what they’re looking for.
I’d make an unpublicized trade with Portland to get Kris Murray. Then using Kris, I’d lie to one of the (probably the Pelicans, because I don’t think Ainge would fall for it) and tell him he’s Keegan. Trade fake Keegan to NO for Ingram and real Keegan to Utah for Lauri.
Next stop, Titletown.
Devious!!!
If you think Keegan becomes Tatum why on earth would you want to trade him?
Can the Kings land
Lauri MarkkanenANY deal?I fixed it for you buddy!
Two words: ALEX LEN!
Touche my friend!
Haha.
Monte “Can’t Make a Deal” McNair.
BUDDY? Yeah I think Buddy Hield is available! Go get him Monte, I bet you could flip him to Wizards for Kangzma
No. NOOOOOOOO!!!!
You want to geek out on free agency, fantastic article by Ramona Shelburne
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/40478287/inside-paul-george-free-agency-showdown-how-philadelphia-76ers-landed-nine-all-star
I read some Beef Stew talk… He solves all the problems: we keep Tatum, I mean Murray, we lose Huerter (salary match, DET worst 3 shooting in the league) and Stewart is actually complimentary to both Tatum (sorry, Murray) and Sabonis. No rebuild, just retool. And have you seen the highlights on You Tube against the Bucks? He blocked Giannis THREE TIMES. I rest my case. And what about the merch? And the chant? Steeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwww!
From
farmthe forward position to fork.I am one hundred percent on board with Beef Stew. Size, age, mobility, helpful positionally to the Kings, and a contract is smack in that lower middle class range that is easy to trade.
On a personal note, and repeating myself, but he fills that Tank Thompson sized hole on this roster that has been vacant for thirty five and a half years on this team. A big strong wide-bodied 4/5 with a high motor and ready to wrassle under the boards and more.
Seems like Detroit could use the spacing Kevin could provide with their roster right now as well.
I really like Stewart. Could be a PF along side Sabonis or bachup center to Sabonis.
Mark Jones would have stupid line about him every game. Ugh.
Seems like everyone is jumping off the Markennan bandwagon because of the sacrificing of our futures assets. We are circling back to Kuzma( which I don’t mind because he’s a scorer and his contract is more cost-effective). Again, I like Cam Johnson, J Issacs, but why not Dario Saric, who is poor mans Markennan. He’s only 30.
Saric is the homeless man’s Markkanen.
I’d love Markannen for the Kings but I don’t see how they could possibly get him without giving up Keegan which is why I highly doubt it would get done. I know some folks have commented about his poor defense but I think he’d be much better on a playoff team with something to play for than he has been for the Jazz. The same goes for Kuzma who was a very good defender on the Lakers during their championship run and hasn’t played defense for one second since he got to the Wizards. These guys know they aren’t playing for anything and I don’t think they push themselves all that hard on the defensive end. That might turn some people off but I think it’s just human nature.
There are just a ton of nuanced and complex ideas in here, and I really appreciate the level of thought put into trying to come up with workable and/or realistic scenarios.
It’s not easy, is it?
What do you mean? Go get Paul George. That seems easy to me. The Kings have unlimited resources and assets, so being the GM ain’t no thing.
Question. Can the Kings now trade for DaRon Holmes?
The Nugs liked him enough to trade the 28, 56 and two future 2nd rounders to get him. Unless you’re dangling Devin Carter, Denver would have zero interest (and even then they might not – they really like this kid).
Check that – the 22, not the 28.
No
I wouldn’t know how to fly Lauri Markkanen, much less land him.
I would rather go with the group we have now and try to improve before the beginning of the season than do something stupid. Sacramento really only has the draft to build a team without worrying about established players wants. High taxes and smaller market with a recent dysfunctional history is not a draw for free agents or trade targets. I’d run it back one more year and if it doesn’t work out, then blow it all up and rebuild around Keegan and Devin Carter.
I agree with this. If the Kings get a top 10 pick this year and next, the draft pick owed to the Hawks becomes a 2nd rounder (or multiple 2nd rounders?). So that would be one benefit if running it back doesn’t work.
don’t mortgage the next 5 years just to make a push for the 2nd round.
Wow. Marc Spears (who I find to be pretty well connected), had said that the Kings are trying to move on DeMar Derozan as well.
DeMar is my favorite non-Kings player in the league, and still a masterful scorer and playmaker, and one of the harder workers in the league, and a true competitor. It would be fun to see him working with Domas, and I bet he could get Keegan some great looks.
Does he solve problems? I don’t know. The Kings went from a great offense and terrible defense, and were the three seed. Then they had a mildly above average offense and average defense, and were an average team.
I worry about spending time/effort/$$ to make your weakness average, especially if it takes away from greatness. Great wins games, excellence wins playoff series, good gets first round/play-in losses.
DeMar would be exquisite duct tape for this squad to move off of Barnes. He could keep things secure, productive, and at a high level for a season or two until the true replacement to pair alongside Keegan at the forward position gets to Sac.
I don’t see how they do this without offering an overpay S&T contract. He’s a UFA, and I would think that there are more attractive MLE outposts for him than here.
I was thinking it would likely need to be a three-team deal.
Do you think it is an interesting option if the piece going out was Barnes and minor draft capital?
Idk is a S&T can be done in a 3 team deal…that is above my CBA knowledge.
It would need to be like Huerter and Barnes for $30m+ that Derozan would probably get. He helps offensively, but not defensively. And they still would need to get a PF/C
I don’t think it would take 30m. Other reporting is the DeMar is interested in signing a one year contract, or one year with a PO, as there are more teams likely to have $$$ to spend next season than this season.
You would want it to be huerter. I don’t understand why everyone seems to want to get rid of barnes over huerter, barnes position is way more valuable to us compared to huerter
Is it just me (it oftentimes is…lol) or does the lack of moves by the Kings not bode well for the near future? Hopefully we’re all caught off guard by a freaking amazing move by the Kings’ front office. If I were the Jazz I’d take a package centered around Carter and a few firsts for Lauri. But I’m totally intrigued by Carter – he’s flashy and he’s got attitude, but he’s also a very fundamental player. His highlights are really impressive.
There’s a good part of me that thinks we’re standing pat at this point, aside from a small move around the fringe, similar to the Duarte deal last year. Then keeping that last roster spot open to help somebody facilitate a player release, ala the Robin Lopez deal last season.
I think the front office saw that late season defensive improvement with this group, and probably wants to see if that’s sustainable.
And starting at power forward for your Sacramento Kings, Cash Considerations!
Cash brings a veteran presence as a long-time King.
And yet he is still green.
Maybe they think that is how Penny Hardaway, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Buck Williams started
There were a couple of crazy athletic / acrobatic blocks by Carter on one of the highlight reels that I watched. In one, the player goes up to shoot from three and Carter swooped in from the side and yanked the ball right out of the player’s hands at the point of release, initiating the fast break. I laughed out loud at how ridiculous it was. Davion Mitchell, he is not. I can’t wait to see him in a Kings uni. His vertical leap is chef’s kiss nice.
Even so, the price for Markkanen must be stoopid high. Carter isn’t going to do it for them.
I think I saw that highlight last night! I saw an additional one where he sprinted down the floor, jump-stopped on two feet, and then shot a layup. It was so good, like you mentioned, I laughed out loud.
Right! I had a couple of spit your drink out moments watching his reel.
Carter is going to be on an All-NBA defensive team before his rookie deal is up.
Like Davion was supposed to be?
Yes, like Davion was supposed to be but taller, more athletic, and bigger wingspan.
At this point, F it just throw the MLE at Bridges and call it a day and keep the asset powder dry for the trade deadline.
Starters:
Fox
Ellis
KM
Bridges
Domas
Bench:
Monk
KH, Carter, Duarte
HB, Lyles, McDaniels
Len
My last trade idea until after its all over with.
Barnes, Huerter, 2 firsts, 2 seconds for Brandon Ingram.
Lyles,Duarte, 3 seconds for Isaiah Stewart
Full MLE ( 38.5mil for 3 years) for Miles Bridges.
Starters: Fox, Ellis, Ingram, Murray, Sabonis.
Backups: Monk, Carter, Jones, Bridges, Steward.
There you have it.
If not Bridges then Okoro.
That would be awesome and seems very doable. Obtaining BI and Bridges fills two of our biggest needs.
Kyle Anderson to the Warriors – 3 years, $27 million.
How the hell are these teams above the apron signing players?
“Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Anderson will go into the $16 million trade exception created from Klay Thompson’s sign-and-trade to the Dallas Mavericks (h/t NBA insider Marc Stein)”
But the Klay deal isn’t even done yet!! These moves all hinge the ability of Dallas to clear space that is still being occupied by other players.
How great would it be if Dallas couldn’t clear the space and the deal falls apart, making subsequent moves by the Warriors and others team null and void?
Can they?
Yes.
Will they?
Probably not, all things considered.
And possibly for the best, but who knows? (aside from the 20 or so posters here who seem to have it all figured out already.)
I think that if it takes the whole “cupboard” to get one player, that player better be someone you think you can win a chip with. And I’m not sold that LM is that player even if I’d love to have him on our team. I think you have a better shot at dealing with KP in Boston with a guy like LM. But I feel like we have to worry about getting out of the West first…
Who has it figured out already? Asking for a friend.
Look above.
The draft just passed and FA just started, what else are commenters going to speak about aside from how to improve this team via trades and FA signings?
And now Kyle Anderson to Dubs for a second round pick swap and $9M/yr? That’s pretty good value.
We been needing another big move since getting DaBoner, hope Monte can do it we fucking deserve it, problem is Sac is still not a place players wanna come so gotta be a trade basically.
In terms of FA acquisitions I personally liked who are off the board:
Jalen Smith
Naji Marshall
SloMo
Still available:
Haywood Highsmith
Simone Fontecchio (RFA)
Like but much less than above:
Calen Martin
Isaac Okoro (RFA)
Have any RFAs been offered a deal by a team other than their own?
Not this year, at least that I know of. Maxey, Quickley, Toppin, and P. Williams all re-signed with their respective teams.
In terms of a RFA offer not being matched, you’d have to go back to last year when Jock Landale (PHX to HOU) and a few other much-lesser-known players changed teams as RFAs (Nathan Knight MIN to NYK, Ty Jerome GSW to CLE, and Jack White DEN to OKC). By far, the usual outcome is either to match or do a Sign & Trade which happens quite often for what usually amounts to a small cost.
Obviously, RFAs are much less likely to change teams than to remain, but I’d also argue that decent 2-way wings are harder and harder to find & obtain and that RFA offers are just another route to adding talent and shouldn’t be ignored. Offers for all of the above would fit within the NT MLE.
TBH, at this point in FA it’s not like the Kings FO needs to have their money available for a big FA signing so what does it matter if another team can wait 48hrs before deciding.
If that is the case, I’d go after Okoro. Offer a deal like the Dallas, Clippers, Warriors have all been doing by going over the apron, but arrange a sign and trade. Cavs just gave Mitchell a fat extension and may not be willing to pay to keep Okoro.
Achiwau would be nice too.
Saddiq bey should top that list
Saddiq tore his ACL in late March, he won’t be playing next season.
IMO by December.
You know he is injured and probably won’t play for some time. ACL. I would offer our BAE which I think would be fair let hin rehab. Heshpould be ready to play by Christmas.
Keegan Murray is not untouchable. Markkanen is a much better player right now. I love Keegan but Lauri makes the team better and is only three years older. It’s a safer bet than betting on Keegan’s continued development. The only thing I don’t like about Lauri is his defense. But a Fox, Sabonis, Lauri big 3 on offense will give teams fits and will finish some games.
Keegan is a two way player on a rookie deal and a controlled asset, Lauri is not.
Legit arguments for and against acquiring Lauri for Keegan. Lauri is one of my favorite players but I veer towards keeping Keegan and see if he makes a year 3 leap. Cap wise as well, Lauri will be up for a much bigger extension than Keegan.
There is the kicker. If you trade for Lauri AND you can get him to sign what would likely be a massive extension, you are committed to Fox, Sabonis, Lauri for the foreseeable future. Is that a core (that really doesn’t play good defense) that’s going to take this team to another level?
Also, Keegan’s likely extension coming next summer will be about half of what Lauri is going to want. I personally feel that in this new apron era, keeping rookie controlled assets and their inevitable rookie extensions are what’s going to help teams compete.
I don’t think those three get you anywhere. 2nd round exit in best case scenario IMO.
IMO I would take Ingram over Markannen.
Wrong. Keegan ain’t getting traded.
Let’s just go get Jerami Grant already and absorb Thybulle to help thr blazers shed salary and call it a day. Hold onto picks. They’re gonna become increasingly more valuable as time goes on. Teams need to invest in their scouting depts.
NO on Grant.
The only hard NO is Kuzma.
IMO I would rather have Kuzma or Collins.
Seems the transactions have ground to a halt a bit, and teams are probably rethinking strategies based on what has happened so far.
One of the unreported stories, I think, that may be THE player that is slowing things down, is where Buddy Heild is going to choose to play. The only bona-fide flamethrower left on the market, who also can provide leadership and contribute to a team first winning culture, seems like he is taking his time, forcing Dallas to settle for a pale imitation in Klay.
If I were him I would see what mountains contenders would move for him. Can Minny find a landing spot for KAT without taking salary back and cobble together an offer enticing enough? Ant operating with the space Buddy’s gravity provides might get them over the hump.
Looks like he is in talks with the warriors
Warriors in talks with the 76ers for Buddy Hield:
https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1808351511354716657
Lol.
“Steph mixed with Klay incoming”
-Vivek
I know it’s not popular around here. But Miles Bridges would be the best 3 this team has ever had. The guy is a 3 level scorer. A complete dog on both sides of the ball and would elevate this team into Top 4 in the West. He fits the time line.
i understand his past transgressions. People can change as well
Most of you don’t want anything to do with him.
But Kings fans will bitch and moan when he ends up on the Grizz, Dubs, Spurs or Rockets. For scraps. Watch.
If the only way the Sacramento Kings franchise can find success is to sgn Miles Bridges, than they are a more pathetic organization than previously thought. And given their transgressions of the past, that is a damning statement of impressive incompetence and ineptitude- break that glass ceiling, Kings.
It isn’t just the fans. It’s the team. I can’t imagine the partners of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox and Mike Brown and Monte McNair wanting to be included in anything involving Miles Bridges nor these individuals themselves.
A team is a big family – are you bringing Miles Bridges to your house to meet your kids and partner?
But yes, he is a heckuva basketball player at the small forward position.
Not just that, it’s also regional sponsorship money, community appearances, etc. The impact of his signing would reach far beyond the basketball court and team.
Let’s not forget, his issues weren’t a one time thing nor where they that long ago. After sending his girlfriend to the hospital for beating her IN FRONG OF THEIR KIDS in 2022, he threw billiard balls at at her car WITH THE CHILDREN INSIDE just last October and thus violated his probation order. The dude may still serve time and face punishment from the NBA.
i really like the guy. If Monty has done his homework which I think he has and finds that Bridges has moved on from what happened then I’d say go get him. He has played this whole year without any instances as far as I know and the Hornets really loved him according to sources I read then he would be a great addition to the King’s roster. For just the full MLE I’d certainly take that chance. He is a fantastic basketball player.
If we get Ingram then your starting lineup would be Fox, Ellis, Ingram, Murray and Sabonis. Bridges would be the first one to come in. I wouldn.t start him unless someone is injured but use him off the bench. That would probably be the best bench player besides Monk in the league. He still would get his minutes.
With Monk Carter Bridges and Stewart we can’t help moving up the ladder. Now you have shooting and defense. The only weakness I see is in the starting five where you would need rebounding and rim protection. IMO you have really good offense to counter that.
I’m in agreement, I would sign him. People can grow and change and here he would be under the care of Coach Brown and HB etc.
Maybe look at the signing as also being able to help someone improve and get better in life as opposed to looking at it negatively.
Badge Legend