As the free agent pool dries up, DeMar DeRozan has emerged as one of the last big names without a home. DeRozan can sign a below-market deal to join a contender and try again next season, he can take big money from a non-contender like Detroit or Utah to secure his money, or he can work a sign-and-trade to get a bit of the best of both worlds. Based on current reporting, most folks around the league are anticipating the sign-and-trade option for DeRozan.
Enter the Sacramento Kings.
Marc J Spears first mentioned the Kings as a dark horses candidate for DeRozan a couple of days ago. KC Johnson, who covers the Bulls for NBCS Chicago added that the Bulls are fans of Kevin Huerter.
The Hall of Famer @MarcJSpears was 1st to report Bulls link to DeRozan in 2021. Bulls are fans of Kevin Huerter, per sources. Something to monitor. https://t.co/3u4PwcTE9d
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 3, 2024
Since then, a few others have also mentioned the Kings and DeRozan as a possible connection, including ESPN’s Zach Lowe. Given all this smoke, it seems worth discussing the possibility.
On the floor, DeRozan would be a fantastic fit for the Sacramento Kings. A downhill attacker who can create his own shot, shoots the mid-range with astonishing efficiency, is still an incredible player in the clutch, and a player who gets to the free throw line with regularity, DeMar DeRozan adds an element to the Kings offensive attack that they desperately need. DeRozan is a proven vet with plenty of playoff experience. And he’s more of a natural fit at small forward, which would balance out the lineups if you’re swapping DeRozan for Huerter.
There are risks with DeRozan as well. He’s not a great three-point shooter, and will be 35 this season. Those factors make him a precarious fit. And sign-and-trades require a three year contract before any options can kick in. Now, because of these risks, DeRozan may be able to be had for a reasonable annual cost, and you aren’t asking him to be your number 1 or number 2 option. DeRozan would be the third option for the Kings, with the hope that Keegan passes him this season or the next. As a third or fourth option the age concerns are less of an issue, but then you also have to worry if DeRozan can remain as efficient in a smaller role.
If the Kings acquire DeRozan, I believe the benefits outweigh the risks, and I’d be excited about it. All the reporting right now is that the Kings would be a long shot, so I’m not getting my hopes up, but it would be a cool acquisition if it happens.
So, how long it means by “soon” ?
And if “the move” means DeRozan or Ingram or Lauri ?
Not any of the 3. DeRozan is 35. Too old and cost too much, Markannen cost too much. Would break the King’s bank for sure. Ingram maybe if Monty can come to a reasonable extension and will take no less than 2 firsts. IMO either Kuzma or Collins. Kuzma with his declining contract or Collins who we can get without using a first round pick. Either would fit in nicely( you don’t need and all star at that position) but a rebounder and rim protector beside Sabonis. IMO Collins fits that criteria the best, Would probably be 4 or 5 on the depth chart. He can still score but doesn’t have to do that as a major role.
Agree on Collins or Kuzma . Collins best fit with Domas and can play some 5 . Ingram and Lauri too costly to get and much to costly to keep .
The team gets better and the roster becomes a bit more balanced in a DeRozan for Huerter scenario. It’s quasi-similar to adding Ingram, albeit with a little less talent (current). It’s somewhere between a good addition and a better than nothing addition – closer to the former than the latter.
DeRozan / Carter / McDaniels / TBD / TBD vs. Huerter / Mitchell / Vezenkov / McGee / Edwards. That seems better, and again, more balanced when integrated with the rest of the roster.
The fit is good, presumably all it costs is KH and if the contract is fair DeRozan also becomes a pretty valuable trade chip at the trade deadline. I think that’s the biggest value in trading for him is being able to flip him to a contender at the deadline.
Why would we flip him if we are solidly in the playoff standings
I mean he is an asset, who knows where we stand come February, he helps the team on the court and could also be traded depending on where the team stands in the playoff race.
Just thinking about Mike Brown screaming “more spray threes!!!” at DeRozan makes me shudder.
Would he take Derozan out if he didn’t take an open 3? It would be a fun thing to think about every possession.
But seriously, how does he fit into Brown’s system?
I believe Mike Brown to be more a veteran player, Player’s Coach than a rookie/young player Coach (Keegan is, like Spock, older than a Vulcan custom).
However, he is a very experienced Head Coach. Those who pigeon hole him as narrow are, in my opinion, incorrect in their characterization.
So the gif above is correct then. Square peg won’t fit like “usual”, so Brown still figures out a way to get that square peg in the bucket.
He doesn’t really. Neither does Cam but maybe good enough.
Brown wants guys like Boston has. Have to be able to shoot- and dribble play make.
.
The age makes me shutter. It certainly is not a fit in Monty’s timeline. There are some other players I would rather go after.
Timeline to me is more about contract length than age. Derozan is clearly better than Barnes and Huerter. I don’t like the idea of Derozan because of fit issues, not his age.
I agree on fit but if you give him a four year deal at the end he will be pushung 40. Doesn.t work for me.
Right, a 4 year is probably too much, 3 is more ideal. He still produces at 34, soon to be 35 years old. He has been fairly durable and won’t have such a huge usage in Sacramento. Not saying it is a great fit, but it could be worse.
He is a sf, a spot we need. What’s the fit problem?
I think he should be a SG, as he is a bit undersized for SF, imo. He does not shoot the 3 ball like the Kings have asked their players to do in the Coach Brown era. If they get him, I think we will see a rather different offense, for better or for worse.
I am warming up the idea of him, depending on who goes out.
I really don’t understand the age / timeline argument.
Does Horford fit the Boston timeline? Or Mike Conley the Wolves’ timeline?
How did Vlade fit with the Kings timeline back in 1999?
Well, he was 30 then. By the time he hit 35 (like DeMar will be when the season starts) he had one unremarkable season left.
Vlade also had a 2 pack a day habit, though.
I don’t get it either?
He isn’t on a long term deal. He can add something to this team.
Lebron would fit no? He may be 34 but he is fighting father time about as effective as bron. I’m not worried about a 2-3 year fair price contract for him.
I think this is a good point–it’s a similar move to adding Ingram (with trade-offs–a little less talent, a little less cost).
I’ve always considered him a SG, but when actually looking at it he’s a bit bigger than I thought and looks like he can play at the 3.
He’s less of a 3pt threat, but efficient and gets to the line–his TS% actually slightly above BI.
Age a concern, but he’s been pretty durable–all things considered he’s probably a good bet to play as many/more games than BI in the next 2-3 years.
I have the same concerns for him as I do for BI–he’s a scorer first and foremost (good), but the secondary things he does well are a little redundant with Fox/Monk/Sabonis (ball handling/creation/asst rate), and the things he doesn’t do well we still need (rebounding, rim protection). I can’t imagine a world where he comes here and isn’t the starting SF, so your front line of DDR/Murray/Sabonis isn’t really rebounding or protecting the rim any better than what you have now with Barnes.
And of course it makes Murray the PF–I’m not sure I’m sold on that.
No doubt he’s a talent upgrade, though, and in the end that matters. He’d be awesome to have when trying to close out a game.
I wonder if he would slot in at starting SG with Fox, Barnes, Murray, Sabonis? (no idea who is being sent out in the deal, so going with reports of Huerter being odd man out) Defensively that lineup might not get it done. The offense would be rather good, I would think.
I am thinking we add more and DeRozen could end up SG and SF in smaller line ups. If Monk is still fine with being on the bench, we are set. I think there a few moves or signings that happen besides this.
Barnes is moved in a different deal.
what about something like Foz, DeRozen, Murray, Collins, Sabonus.
That is clearly a better lineup !
I actually see a scenario, if Huerter is in fact the one dealt, where we’d see a healthy amount of minutes of a Fox, DeMar, Barnes, Keegan, Sabonis lineup. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Brown started the season with this while Monk, Ellis, Lyles and Len come off the bench to round out the 9 man rotation.
If we could get Martin with our MLE and trade for Stewart we would even be set more.
A 3 year contract would give me serious pause. His last guaranteed year, at age 38, would be the same year a possible Keegan and Fox extension would kick in, likely making the Kings totally capped out and definitely above the first apron. If it is a for a Huerter swap, on that kind of cost per year, then I can get behind it. The problem is, I’m guessing DeMar is wanting far over $20M per year.
On the floor, I get the appeal. He could be a SF while sliding Keegan over to the 4, but what concerns me is spacing. Fox, Sabonis, and DeMar all do their best work in the paint. I fear teams will just defend the mid-range and give Fox and Monk even more reason to shoot unwarranted 3pt attempts.
Lastly, I guess the team just gives up on playing defense?
They can structure it similar to buddy in gsw, essentially two year deal
Greg mentioned in the article it has to be a 3 term before options can kick in.
Gsw did it, first two years is 18 of the 21 mil guaranteed. It can happen for sure
“According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link), Hield will receive a four-year contract that will pay him a guaranteed $18MM over the first two seasons. The deal will reportedly feature an additional $3MM in guaranteed money, with a fourth-year player option that’s not fully guaranteed. It will start at $8.7MM in year one, per The Athletic, which suggests the total value will be over $37MM, assuming 5% annual raises.”
Okay, so still essentially a two year deal
The way I am reading that is year 1 and 2 are guaranteed, year 3 has a $3m guarantee on the base salary, and year 4 is a player option? So year 3 is not fully guaranteed?
Yeah same, year 3 and 4 are minimally guaranteed so team can get out of it.
and let’s not forget- Buddy Hield is older than Lebron, just check his birth certificate..
This narrative that you only get better at defense by bringing in defensive players is absolutely flawed. Demar is an elite offensive weapon and when the pressure is on he delivers and doesn’t shrink, making the ball in the basket allows your defense to get set, bringing in a bonified bucket will absolutely help our defense. Not to mention that he’s as clutch as they come unlike Barnes and Huerter who have basically become salary fillers only in any trade.
Kings fans: Not Jerami Grant. He is like 29, way too old!
Monte: How about DeMar DeRozan then?
I don’t think that this is representative of the fan base. I don’t even think that it is representative of the fan base around here. I think that it is a small minority opinion, but maybe I’ve missed a whole swath of conversation on the geriatric concerns of Jerami Grant.
To be fair, I haven’t been on here much lately. But there has been a lot of fans saying that on local radio chat lines and discussions.
And of course the fan base is not a monolith, but it’s less funny if you write “Subset of Kings fans expressing their opinion on local radio chats:”! 😉
The idea that a player is too old when discussion Derozan is humorous.
You are a man of the people.
The chosen spokesperson?
Farthest thing from it. My 1st core belief is that fans have the right to however they want to fan. My second core belief is that I know nothing
i have opinions, which I often times attempt to support with facts. Some folks agree with them. Some don’t. And some ultimately alter my opinions. And some don’t, especially disingenuous keyboard warriors.
But we’re here to talk about Kings basketball and not about me. Thanks for asking, though.
Kings fan: Uhhhh, derp
Monte: That’s what I thought.
This screams “leverage” for other teams to go get Demar, mainly both LA teams or Miami. Neither team has done much this offseason, like the Kings.
Yeah, I kind of scratch my head as to why DeMar would want to come here, unless it was for a stupid overpay. He’s an LA kid and the Lakers seem like the inevitable landing spot.
“Hey LA teams, I am looking at signing in Sacramento.” Then the LA teams get their shit together and start making moves to get him. I put that at 90% possibility happening.
Another Iggy case
If they can’t get a trade done by today i think they should pull the trigger on an MLE free agent that could supplant barnes in the starting group: caleb martin, bey (i know it’s like nov/dec), miles bridges (clearly best talent, obvious drawbacks), derozan etc.
then you are “technically” kind of running it back but with significantly improved depth for a few reasons; carter a likely wash/improvement to davion, mle wing player upgrade over ??? We had no one, maybe it was technically duarte/kessler, and the big one is the founding of keon.
this allows moving huerter and barnes to the bench which is a HUGE upgrade from last season.
not ideal but 50+ win squad and another shot at trade deadline
All good points in favor of taking a swing at DeRozan. His three-point shooting was something of a concern for me, but I’d not factored in how proficient he is at getting to the line, which Sacramento could use.
(Would DeRozan still get as many calls if his jersey says “Kings” on the front? And will his free throw percentage drop 7-10 points, as it has with other proficient free throw shooters in the past upon their addition to the Kings? It must be asked.)
I’m hoping that maybe he’s got a relationship already with Coach Brown, and that maybe that smooth-talker can persuade DeRozan to join up for a little less.
I have already seen a rumor that we are no longer chasing him. That’s about the best decision we have made in free agency, as he’s a drain of money and we are in desperate need for a defensive 4/5 that can shoot from beyond 15 feet. Monte is looking pretty bad right now, so let’s hope that DeRozan rumors have no merit.
Odds are even if MM was actually pursuing DD, he wouldn’t be able to close the deal anyways.
I like DeMar DeRozan. The guy is a true baller, knows his game and it is polished to a shine. He does what he does, extremely well. We can talk about what he doesn’t do, but at 34 (I am surprised he is 34) that is what he do, do.
And besides his superior mid-range game (who is else is a mid-range sure thing? Devin Booker? De’Aaron Fox?) he has always been a (+) defender. He easily slips into the SF spot for a Fox/Ellis/DeRozan backcourt/wing.
And his daughter is awesome at games. I mean, truly awesome. She could provide a missing ingredient to really help Sacramento, a team that had the lowest FT% in the League last season. She can bring Free Throw Defense! How’s about that!
AND…
I wouldn’t mind the Kings getting both DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. That would be even better! He and Domas in the front court would be a nice combo, IMO. (Yes, I know he is older and also at $20M/season).
Weird – my phone blocks out the “add Nikola Vukevic comment”
it must be the interwebs making their disapproval known.
John Collins
It makes so much sense on every level that unlikely to happen or even considered .
Copy-paste from the previous thread:
What i secretly hope is that suddenly a deal gets announced out of left field about a trade regarding a good player with great fit we have not even considered, just like the Domas deal.
And at a reasonable price.
Totally agree. In the meantime, I am enjoying that the rumor mill is at least giving us things to talk about.
Absolutely.
Or internet AI has identified the Kings fan base as easy click bate since we check the interwebs every 20 minutes to see if something has happened. Meanwhile the rest of the NBA fanbase have quietly settled in the summer offseason.
Over 370 comments on the last TKH post. As a fan base, we are invested – we don’t need a push or a prod, just a nudge will do. It’s fun being a Kings fan and having this site.
Thanks Greg/Akis/Will/Tony/The Gang!
I think other fans in other cities with other teams on other sites do much the same. We Kings fans are unique and special – but so are they.
Monte living on leftovers as usual not much cooking going on. I had to choose the Kings for my team in the only sport I really love. I should just check back in a week the Kings are incapable of doing anything when I want them to. And my Sabonis jersey looks fake now too…I swear he used to wear 10 guys. Prayers up for our Kangz
I really have to shake my head at a lot of the comments here. Question, if players “don’t want to come here” and all possible trades require giving up more than we would receive, and the free agents are too expensive, or again, don’t want to come here, what is Monte supposed to do? Y’all act like a front office just gets to pick who they want and can just pull the trigger. It’s like the Hali / Sabonis trade and people being mad that they didn’t trade Fox instead. Guess what? That trade was never an option for Indy, get over it. Running it back, as crappy as that might sound might be the only option for this team right now.
I like him if we can trade him for Huerter straight up and get a deal similar to what GS did with Buddy (essentially a 2 year contract). I doubt Demar would go for it, but if he did I’m cool with it. His efficient scoring would be huge when we can’t seem to hit the broad side of barn with all our 3’s.
Oh for sure! If DeMar signed here for basically matching salary of Huerter’s deal and with a partial guaranteed the 3rd year, Monte would make that trade every day of the week, and twice on Sundays. The fact of the matter is…he isn’t coming that cheap if he even wants to come here at all.
“Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell DeRozans along the way”.
Heard a report from Woj that Kings are in S & T discussions with DeMar / Bulls now but are looking for a 3rd team to take on salary. Hmmm.
So Huerter, Barnes and 2027 1st for DD. Bulls get Huerter and 2nd round pick from 3rd team, and 3rd team gets Barnes and our 27 first?
No way we have to send that much out imo
huerter and some seconds…third team for salary filler
No way you trade two starters and a first for a 35 year old wing.
To be fair, Barnes is only a starter by default and Huerter wouldn’t start on a lot of teams in the league. You have to come with a strong offer to beat out some desperate win now teams if you want to get a deal done.
I’ve seen a lot of Kings trade proposals that include trading their 2027 1st rd pick. Just to be clear, they can’t trade it because of the pick owed to Atlanta is protected until 2026. You’re not allowed to trade your own back to back year’s 1st round picks because of the Stepien rule. So the soonest pick monte can trade is the 2028 pick. He only has a total of 2 picks he could potentially trade because you can only trade 7 years into the future. So any trade that requires 3 picks is not even possible as of right now. Just another reason not making the play offs and not conveying that pick to ATL sucks. It limits draft capital Monte could use in a big trade. Those who are against a swing for the fences, all-in move see it as a good thing though.
Resident Genius Omer Khan just tweeted: (small paraphrasing for clarity)
If the Kings & Bulls…separate this into two trades, they can give DDR up to $24.3 mil in starting salary. Huerter for DeRozan (S&T at $24.3 mil)
Torey Craig & Julian Philips into Kings’ MLE.
I’m wholly cap ignorant, but this sounds workable.
Light DeBeam.
Demar does upgrade the talent level and ceiling…however; he lacks perimeter shooting, interior defense/rim protection, and is older.
If the Kings are able to deal Huerter for Demar, Barnes + Duarte (or picks) for Collins/Kuzma/Grant, MLE for Rim Protecting Center. That would get me excited. Not sure if Demar would sign up for that though.
Fox / Carter
Ellis / Monk
Keegan / DeRozan
New PF / Lyles
Sabonis / MLE Center
That’s a fun 10 man lineup that improves the Kings in a meaningful way. Most likely unrealistic, but fun to think about as a fan.
And in terms of MLE Center…at this point, the Kings are probably looking at Achiuwa, Theis, or Biyombo.
They can also use the MLE to absorb a player on a current salary. So there are more options than previous seasons. That being said, my guess is that the owner still does not want to go in to the tax, so we will see what happens.
That’s good to know and definitely opens up more options.
I wonder what the asking price for Walker Kessler would be? Seems like he could fit that backup center, defensive presence, rebounding role. However; I am sure Ainge probably wants too much. Could Barnes+Duarte+picks get both Collins and Kessler? Another unrealistic scenario but would fit the Kings roster.
“Another unrealistic scenario but…” should be the subtitle of every article from May-October.
I really like Isaiah Stewart. Could get hin with Huerter and a first.
My out on a limb guy – take a flyer on Christian Wood. We already got Len.
Yikes! Are the Kings thinking of jumping to the new NNDBA? (National No Defense Basketball Association)? Murray and DeMar at the forwards? The most undersized front line in the league? A guy who announced he wouldn’t take a pay cut to go to a contender? A guy who makes Barnes seem young? Was this rumor started by DeMar’s agent? We can only hope. Meanwhile… Beef Stew is still on the menu! Order up, Monte!
The big Fourth of July weekend blowout at Question Mark Outlet is in full swing, I see.
So if this Monte’s big offseason move, what does everyone think about that? Let’s say its, more or less, Huerter for Derozan.
It would depend on the contract.
$20M per year with the 3rd year at a partial guarantee? Sure thing.
Over $20M per year with 3 years fully guaranteed. I’d need to be talked into it.
Over $20M per year with a 4th year player option. Pass.
Since there is no article on the California Classic which starts tomorrow, can we start a thread here?
If so, why do we have 2 teams? Which team is our Rook playing on?
Carter isn’t playing in either. He’s hurt.
Damn, thanks for the info.
Our main guys are here in Sacramento. Jordan Ford and a bunch of Stockton prospects are in SF.
DeRozan is an average defender, can’t space the floor, and is past his prime. However, he’s a bucket getter and playmaker that’s still a well rounded, starting caliber player.
Don’t love the fit with Fox and Sabonis, but you swap one of those guys out with a floor spacer ala Monk or Lyles while he’s on the floor and it’ll probably be fine.
But everything will come down to price. What’s he cost? Not just salary but trade assets? If we’re talking about absorbing him with the MLE and sending back a couple seconds that’s a big hell yes from me. You’d still have all your trade assets to get a John Collins, Ingram, Cam Johnson, Portis, etc. Swapping Huerter as matching salary and retaining the MLE? Meh, okay. Paying him $30+M/yr and having to send back more trade filler like Huerter, Barnes, Lyles, or even a first? HARD pass.
I’ve not read anything of real legitimacy suggesting that anyone other than Huerter might be going in a DeRozan deal, as the Bulls don’t really want to add salary. Same with first-rounders, it seems that Chicago is trying to back away from getting stomped on by the various cap restrictions, and Sacramento can eat some salary using an exception.
It’s not really a fire sale unless they can sucker another team into taking LaVine, but if there’s a team hat needs a teardown, it’s the one from Illinois.
But does Huerters salary match though? As in its a straight 1 to 1 swap wherein DeRozan makes roughly $16-20M/yr for, say, 2 years? If that’s the deal then I approve.
If DeRozan comes here, it’ll be for more than twenty, I’d guess. My (admittedly limited) understanding is that if it’s Huerter for DeRozan, by using exception money, Sacramento can offer up to $24.3 mil. If he’d agree to three years on a declining deal, I think you have to do it.
No meaningful draft assets need be involved.
My guess is that Derozan will get 3 years/$60-75m. (20-25m/year). Huerter can be routed to Detroit for example, Derozan to the Kings, and Chicago gets a couple 2nd rounders or whatever. Kings would increase their cap by the difference between Huerter and Derozan’s contract.
To further offset the cap increase, Sacramento can decline Duarte’s Team Option (I think they can still do that, but not 100% sure).
The only reason I worry about this kinda salary is whether the Kings will have the cap flexibility for the next 1-3 years to continue building – particularly at that 4 spot – because DeRozan is NOT the final piece to the roster.
I think multiple players can go back to the Kings, but not from the Bulls. So my grand scenario:
Kings Get:
DeMar Derozan
Isaiah Stewart
Pistons Get:
Kevin Huerter
Bulls Get:
Trey Lyles
2nd round pick compensation
Kings decline the option on Duarte and only add $6.2m in salary, might still have the full MLE and BAE, and the $6.3m TPE from Sasha. I think it can all work, Fanspo says it can. I am sure the order would have to be figured out, but it would solve some issues.
I keep seeing this Beef Stew train picking up steam and I’m still sitting with my bags at the station, waiting for the next departure.
I think it really could be that Monte sees Keegan as the PF going forward. He has the size and can bulk up in time. It would explain why Monte is rumored to be looking more at wings than traditional stretch 4s.
Keegan just can’t protect the rim, and is a bad rebounder for the PF position. Conversely, he’s a good perimeter defender. and above average rebounder for a SF. Maybe Monte has some cutting edge analytics theory that says rim protection doesn’t matter, actually, just as long as everyone is a deadeye shooter. But I just don’t see it at the moment.
The Keegan type of PF works in Denver with Aaron Gordon, in Boston with Tatum, PDX with Grant, Wagner in Orlando, Bridges in Charlotte, etc.
He’s not a 20 and 10 traditional PF who gets a block or two per game, but he fits the modern NBA version of that position. Fun fact, Keegan got more blocks last year than all those guys I just listed above.
I’d also wager he’d be getting a lot more rebounds if he wasn’t sharing the front court with the league leader in boards.
Banchero is the 4 in Orlando not Franz. If anything, Franz is a very close approximation to Keegan as a 3. Gordon and Tatum are proven post defenders despite being undersized, with athleticism, strength and physicality we have not seen from Keegan. Those players are exceptions, not the rule. And Charlotte is not anything I’m interested in emulating.
Keegan at PF is fine. The team defense really needs a better defending SF to help limit penetration from the perimeter, because that is where Domas is weak with the rim protection.
Derozan does not address that weakenss at SF. Barnes has shown he doesn’t either. So idk what the plan is with Keegan, but moving forward the team needs better perimeter defenders
If the plan is to have Ellis and Keegan on the floor, then that’s two solid defenders to slow down offenses. True, DeMar is not defensive stud, but I’d say he’s on par with Barnes. The difference now, however, is the offensive firepower.
Derozan’s versatility and ability to create for himself, versus Barnes/Huerter’s 3pt spacing. The offense could look fairly different next season, and it probably needs to since the DHO seems to get taken away with Domas/Huerter a lot.
Stewart can also play backup center
My guess is 3 yrs $60 mil $28 mil for the first two seasons, and a player option third season, same but, only $4 mil guaranteed. That’s about a %10 raise for DD, and if you add Huerter’s contract to the MLE you’ve got about $28 mil. to spend.
I’ve been hearing that you cannot combine the MLE with a player to take back a larger salary in aggregate. You can only absorb one player whose full contract fits into the MLE.
Yeah, that’s my understanding of it as well.
Mine too.
Good point! What other exceptions do they have?
What about 3 yrs descending, $28m the first, $25m the second, and $22m the third, all guaranteed? At $22m, and after the cap increase, the third year might not be terrible with DD at age 37-38, and about to retire a King. They could even make it a player option.
He made $28M last year off of his 3 year $85M dollar contract he signed in 2021. For a player of his age should he get more or less than that on his next contract? Keep in mind the cap has risen significantly since 2021 and will continue to rise.
Interesting ideas from all of you. To solve the whole problem have Murray play the 3 and John Collins at the 4. The Pistons can really use Huerter so trade him for Stewart who can play both PF and center. Use your MLE on Caleb Martin.
This is done now Jack. It’s time to welcome our new SF DeMar Derozan. Unless someone swoops like Wash did with Kuzma, because it’s 4th-and-1 at the goal, and the Kings are about to score. Hooray! It’s time to cheer!
Keep an eye on the Clippers.
DON’T STRESS ME OUT!!!!
????????????
It would be par for the course in Sac! I’m gonna hemorrhage though if this thing gets torpedoed! F#@K!! LA!!!
A Dome of Intuition?
They lost PG. They tried for Klay. LA is home.
And money is no object, and they open a new $2B facility. Having a losing team would be a very sour opening note.
They compete against the League for that, and than they have the local
competition against the Lakers for eyes, ticket and TV dollars and Best of LA status. They have an almost impossible hill to climb, a losing record, no playoffs is not a good start at Ballmer’s Bastion (Steve’s Stronghold/Chateau/Citadel/Shrine?)
The Clip Joint?
LAC should be the odds on favorite- though he also not a great match for their line up. Randle, Markannen, seem to fill a better need. As of right now, their only signing is Mo Bamba for a one year deal.
Fun fact, DeMar Derozan and Anthony Carter (Devin’s dad) played on the 2011-2012 Toronto Raptors together.
Why do I keep seeing the Kings mentioned in regard to players who don’t address the team’s glaring needs?
It is getting tiresome, and I’m starting to have flashbacks to the Chris Cohan Warriors.
Maybe the front office thinks the needs are different from what us fans think?
I hope not.
It’s positionless basketball obviously
Wing that scores 24pt/gm isn’t a need? Weird
I wondered the same and mentioned below that Amick believes Monte is getting pressure for Vivwreck to go after big names.
Maybe so, maybe not but it would explain
I don’t know where the G League commenters have been for the past few days but the comments here have been a real delight. I have really enjoyed reading the legit basketball conversations that have been happening here.
It’s possible the squabblers were put on a time out.
As a fairly long time reader but new member of the comment section I have found a few of the long time commenters to be quite defensive and less open to actual conversation. There is a narrative here that many actively protect.
Calling out specific commenters for having a differing opinion is a little close minded.
My opinion as a new commenter with a different perspective.
Sounds like DeRozan is about to be my new favorite Small Forward!!!!
Toronto Derozan would have been worth with it. Not now. He’s still very serviceable though.
At this point, I’m just not sure what the FO is doing and hell I’m not supposed to know what they are doing. This whole ordeal just seems weird to me.
At this point I’m ok with Collins x 2 and Cam Johnson, if those players are serious options and finances aren’t depleted. With what we have now, we’d be solid and I’d say anywhere between a 3-5 seed and a contender if MB utilizes his resources properly.
I agree with you about Collins and Johnson.
From the sounds of things, it may be entirely possible to get DeMar and one of Collins or Johnson, especially if Huerter is the only major contract going out in a deal with Chicago.
I like Collins, Johnson not so much. Johnson is basically a slightly younger Harrison Barnes who is mainly a stand still shooter. Idk if his defense is actually good or not. Give me Collins and Derozan for Huerter and Barnes.
Use the MLE on Caleb Martin (might be enough) or Okoro, then fill whatever else is needed with the BAE.
Cam knocks them down at a higher rate and has springs. Complete upgrade from HB. And I love HB. True sport of the game.
Caleb isn’t a bad option either. He brings some toughness. Looking at being a contender, we have to get bigger and more physical. All the options presented along with McDaniels (hopefully) are serious improvements to the average size team we currently are.
In many ways he is a younger HB. Good guy, videos I’ve watched of him, and student of the game.
High % 3FG and FT%.
(+) defender but “less than” as a rebounder. He’s 27 and had $70M/3 yrs left on his contract.
However, he’s only played >30 minpg once in his 5 yr career (last season 30.8) with a career of 25.5. He’s also only topped 60’games once (66). Total 283 games/5 seasons (54.6 -average).
Like John Collins, he should be considered added depth, and I am not sure he supplants Harrison Barnes who you likely won’t include in trade- or you need another strong back up (maybe John Collins can back up Cam Johnson!).
He’s not an All-Star or near All-Star. For me, I’d rather keep Harrison Barnes.
Collins or Johnson? Over DeRozan? So, a couple Toyotas over the Benz? Really?
Question marks are really trending today.
I’m saying, John Collins, Zach Collins, and Cam Johnson over Derozan. You can debate if you would like, or follow your question marks, but those additions make us a more solid and bigger team. This is not 25 yr old Derozan, this is 35 yr old. He cost too much at this age.
And for the other guy up there, keeping HB is fine as long as he doesn’t start. We need new energy and upgrades. If doesn’t have to be that one big fish, but these additions give us options and depth (include HB in that depth if he isn’t traded). The backcourt is solid. Now solidify the frontcourt. We’re essentially running it back from what I’m getting from you. We really don’t want to do that or do you?
I have a gut feeling we may see a lot of action tomorrow when the moratorium lifts at 9:00am. If the reporting out there is accurate it sounds like multiple sign and trades. I thought sign and trades were a thing of the past, but apparently not.
Hopefully something gives.
This would give the Kings two of the top 3 Clutch Player of the Year finishers in both of the award’s seasons. Maybe we actually close out a few of those otherwise blown games.
This is so EXCITING!!!!!!
The half-court offense would do better in the final minutes of games, which is how the playoffs generally go. Also, we saw the offense stagnate throughout the season, and having someone like Derozan who can get offense himself would help.
HELL YEAH! I’M SO FREAKIN DOWN!
A player for player swap, DD for KH would be a big improvement. DD doesn’t play afraid. 8-10 ppg improvement over KH or HB at SF consistently. As long as no firsts are included, I’m all in.
Yep. DD > Barnes, and Barnes > Vez / Edwards. It is not pristine, but you have gotten better and deeper at the wing, which I think is job 1.
And the moves and knowledge DD can pass on to Keegan would be nice.
At this point I’ll take any improvements. Always liked DD as a player. Not a whiner or show-off. Got some toughness to him. More than serviceable for 2-3 more years. I think he gives you 15ppg consistently. And at this stage, I think he’ll gladly be a 3rd or 4th option. Would be the first time in a long time we got a post-prime vet who could help the team. See: Anthony Tolliver, Aaron Afflalo, Garrett Temple, Ramon Sessions, Ramon Rondo.
He has scored 20+ something like 11 years straight and scored 24ppg last year, he isn’t dropping to 15ppg
Your point taken. Was being very conservative and factoring another year of age on him. I think his scoring will dip with Fox, Sabonis, Murray, and Monk around him. I’d be ecstatic with 18ppg from the starting SF position and let Keegan do more PF minutes.
Led the league in minutes last year.
Ramon Rondo, Rajon’s twin brother from Mexico.
At first I wasn’t in love with DD but the more I’ve checked him out he would be amazing for us. Barely misses games while always being in the top of minutes played. A real professional that I think would do wonders for the team. Will go out and get you buckets, hasn’t had less than 20ppg in over a decade, age be damned. It doesn’t address our 3&D problem but he will play smart and put points on the board. For a significant discount compared to the others mentioned while playing way more games and wouldn’t “only” cost a player we all agree needs to go? Go get him
Hmmm….maybe something will happen soon?
https://x.com/SeanCunningham/status/1809391637061345302
Heard Amick and some from Cunningham I think, saying they feel there’s a good chance no trades happen essentially. And certainly not Ingram/Lauri.
That the Kings might then have missed out on the FAs cause gone. And that Vivek might be pushing for the big names rather than Monte.
I don’t think the Kings need any stars, they just need 1/2 of the right pieces. I’m just not sure now they’ll do it.
Could all be BS, but Monte, due to poor asset acquisition has put himself in a tight situation. How to make a deal with what they have?
Let us hope and see. The time in now for Monte
The Vivek pushing for big names makes sense, given that none of them address the team’s need for a 3 and D player.
Its possible. And though Amick isn’t as inside as he used to be, I still think he knows quite a bit w the Kings.
Hopefully this all works out and Monte gets a guy or 2 they need But it’s also possible a meddling owner pushed Montes toward unattainable trades while the FAs they wanted/could use will be gone.
Hopefully not
I think Amick is far more connected than anyone associated with this site.
Why is Amick not popular here?
He is a good writer. A former Kings beat writer that moved to much bigger things.
It’s so convenient, isn’t it? When Monte does something right, we have a good GM. And when Monte does something that we don’t like, we blame it on the meddling owner.
I hear nobody argue that Vivek pushed for Hali and Keegan.
Monte has the title and gets the salary. If he can’t convince Vivek to let him do his work and/or is a yes-man, then that is on Monte.
He has built a team that is entertaining and somewhat competitive. Give the man some credit. He is hampered in many ways when it comes to free agents and trades. This organization doesn’t exist to chase championships. History shows that. The players know that.
My view differs and agrees.
Kings history, that sad story that might bring about nightmares and GI cramps has me recall the lauded Geoff Petrie and Good Ol’ Joe and Gavin.
As the money dried up, we saw bad and worse draft picks and embarrassing free agent signings. I sang the same song – if you can’t do the job you were hired to do, that as an Exec of the Year we’ve seen you do (even though he cleverly spoke of conductors turning their backs to the audience) than why stay? Is your loyalty to the team/fans OR loyalty to ownership if it can’t be both. We lived through that answer (it wasn’t the team or the fans).
In the case of Ranadive, he has been latter day Maloofian in his 13 years of Governorship. Meddlesome with both himself (Stauskas?) and with his offspring involvement. His hiring practices could be worse, but the limits of my imagination can’t determine how much worse.
Has he finally stepped back enough to let Monte McNair – the only actual GM with actual NBA GM experience he’s ever hired- do his job? IIRC, the NBA League offices stepped in during his hiring process and may have continued some oversight.
I do know that since MM has been hired, agents are allowing their draft picks to work out for Sacramento, and the appearance of a reasonably run professional sports franchise is present. Free agency – I dunno.
Hey – Vivek’s competitor for worst NBA owner, the Knicks Jimmy Dolan is also enjoying winnig basketball. Broken clocks, blind squirrels and all that.
So, does Vivek get credit- begrudgingly in that he gets to have less blame. The scorn I hold is well earned.
At least, that’s my take.
I do not think we are done if we get DeRozen. I still see a 3 and d /stretch 4 or someone who can rebound. There are still some names out there. I could see a third string ball hander
Markkanen and DeRozan would book-end Keegan perfectly!
Be different to have the team short on undersized guards and see redundancy with Keegan.
I think he CAN play SF
He literally has logged most of his minutes there lol
Biggest benefit to acquiring DeRozan is it removes Harrison Barnes from the starting lineup/roster. Let’s do it.
I’m honestly very on board with the move now and don’t want to get my hopes up too much to be let down. The pros just outweigh any cons when it comes to Demar. And he actually has interest in coming to Sacramento, unlike Pascal and OG. He is so efficient from 2 range that I don’t really care that he doesn’t shoot 3s. The whole league knows yet he still averaged over 24 ppg last season. Fox needs that consistency to take the scoring load off his shoulders more than anything. And he gets to the line and converts. He is an upgrade over Huerter and Barnes offensively and it shouldn’t cripple the Kings financially. Another move or moves could still be made. I like the idea! Get him on the roster Monte!
Spacing is still a thing in today’s NBA, though.
Now more than ever, I would argue.
Trade proposal from Sporting News (Kings get DeRozan and Markkanen)
It’s great for the Kings, in theory. Lots of moving pieces to get in place.
Lot’s that can go wrong…
You working on an offseason rhyme for us?
Not in the offseason—
Rest is the reason!
It’s a hot sixth of July
and I cannot deny
that the trade info is fine
but consider this a sign
that We Miss You. Jman1949
I’m starting to warm up on DeRozen.I like the idea of how we could give him using either Barnes or Huerter with maybe 2 seconds. Leaves Monty the poosibilty to get at 4 that rebounds and orotects the rin and can shoot the 3 and stretch the floor. Someone like John Collins who would do that and probably not cost the Kings a first rounder. Still have room to get a good backup center like Isaiah Srewart who there are rumors out that the Pistons arre looking to trade. Now you have DeRozen plus Collins and Stewart. Go get Caleb Martin with the MLE and now you are set. Good scoring, good defense and rebounding great flexability and team continuity.
Caleb Martin is gone….unfortunately
Paul Reed has been waived bu the Sixers, I believe.
My condolences.
R.I.P.
(Re-signed in Phily)
Spurs have emerged as a 3rd team to hellp facilitate a trade for DeRozan.
How about this? Huerter(sign and trade) 2 seconds for DeRozen.
Barnes, Duarte and 2 seconds for John Collins.
Lyles, McDaniels, Jones for Isaiah StewartMLE Paul Reed.
BAE Bey
Starters: Fox, DeRozen, Murray, Collins, Sabonis.
Bachups: Monk, Carter, Ellis, Reed, Stewart.
I forgot to add either a first or 2 seconds in the Stewart trade. Sorry.
I would be good with that. No firsts given up and a much improved more balanced roster. That’s good depth at the wings too having Monk, Keon and Carter coming off the bench.
Where are the Spurs in all this?
Looking to be the third team in the DeRozen deal.
Caleb Martin 4/$32 to the Sixers. Morey isn’t messing around. Nice job building depth around their big 3.
Caleb Martin pulling a Bonzi Wells.
Miami offered $65M/5 yrs last week. Going to Phila. at $32M/4 yrs.
Yes. And that is part of the equation that I think a lot of Kings fans miss. It’s not necessarily that the front office doesn’t have an idea of who they would like to have, players can simply choose to not come here, plain and simple. Players want to win rings now, and Sacramento has maybe only been in that destination discussion for 2 or 3 seasons in all of their time here. This team will be built through the draft and trades, not free agency.
Yoooooo
https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1809632331944108522
????
Spurs also opening up cap space…potentially could absorb someone like Huerter or Barnes.
https://x.com/wojespn/status/1809639146069143903
how does that work –
trading Devonte Graham and a second rounder for…??
It’s like announcing half a final score:
Spurs 106 Charlotte ___
SactownBabyGiraffe on X
Hopefully the 115* temps won’t scare him off.
At least he can play basketball outside in the winter.
3/70 Barnes to the spurs
Badge Legend