Despite a tremendous NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder still going on, the NBA rumor mill is in full swing. NBA insider Shams Charania has recently said that this could be one of the craziest NBA offseasons in recent memory, with names like Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and others potentially on the move. The Kings themselves recently saw themselves in reports that they were considering filling their void at Point Guard with big names like Trae Young and Darius Garland being bandied about.
Today, a new report came from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer regarding Sacramento’s interest in a few more names including Boston’s Jrue Holiday, Memphis’ Marcus Smart and free agent Malcolm Brogdon. Marcus Smart has missed most of the last two seasons with various injuries, playing just 54 games combined since being traded from the Celtics to Memphis and then later Washington. Smart will be 31 entering next season and entering the final year of his contract. As a short term solution, Smart might not be the worst idea for an addition if he’s healthy as the former Defensive Player of the Year would add some much needed toughness to that end of the floor while likely not costing the Kings much in terms of assets. Of course, the Kings could also just go the even cheaper route and go after veteran free agents like Brogdon or Tyus Jones (another name they’ve been linked to) that won’t cost them any assets at all. The biggest name of the bunch is obviously Holiday. The Celtics have been widely rumored to be considering trading Holiday this offseason due to their exorbitant luxury tax bill, but trading for a 35-year-old point guard with 3 years and $104.4 million left on his deal might not make the most sense for a Kings team that isn’t close to contending at this point. Holiday is a very good player, but the Kings would likely need additional compensation in the form of picks to take that deal on.
That leads us to our next, potentially more intriguing rumor for the Kings.
“Another intriguing rumble emanating from the California capital: Sacramento has searched for trade avenues to acquire a first-round pick, sources say, and has expressed confidence to various agents that it could be selecting as high as the early 20s”
The Kings currently don’t have a first-round draft pick as their pick is being sent to Atlanta to satisfy the conditions of the Kevin Huerter trade from a few years ago. Looking at the teams in the 20s that do have first-round picks however brings out some intriguing names: Miami currently has the 20th pick, Utah has the 21st pick, Atlanta has the 22nd pick, Oklahoma City has the 24 pick, the Nets have both the 26th and 27th pick and Boston has the 28th pick.
- Miami is interesting because they’ve been connected to DeMar DeRozan in rumors this summer.
- Utah is interesting in that their new GM has said they are not tanking and might be looking to make improvements sooner rather than later.
- Atlanta has potentially been connected to us via Trae Young, although it’s hard to see how a first-round pick would come back to us in any kind of trade for Young.
- The Thunder have the 15th pick as well and might not want to draft two more rookies right now.
- The Nets are in a position where they could use one of their picks and trade the other for potentially down the road
- Boston could use that 28th pick as a small sweetener for someone taking on Holiday or Porzingis’ contract.
There are other ways to acquire firsts, especially late firsts, that the Kings could explore as well. Just last season the Knicks (where Scott Perry was working) traded the 26th pick to Oklahoma City for five future second-rounders. Other teams use firsts to dump bad contracts, like the Kings did a couple of years ago when they sent Richaun Holmes to Dallas along with the 24th pick in the draft. The Kings actually don’t have a ton of future seconds thanks to various trades (they don’t own any from 2028-2031) so that first option doesn’t seem likely, but taking on a bad contract or money from another team might work, or even packaging their own 2nd (the 42nd overall pick) with some cash might get them into the first round. Maybe it’s time to send Cash Considerations the other way for once.
Of course, the Kings could get a pick through some other means, especially if something big is brewing. New GMs like Perry usually want to make their mark quick, and if Sam Amick is to be believed, Perry is thinking big. NBA Draft Day is coming up in just two weeks on June 25. This Kings team could look a whole lot different by then.
It wouldn’t surprise me to see either Perry dangle either Keegan or Keon to try to move into the upper 20s.
I definitely would not do that.
I don’t understand what’s going on. Why would you trade almost all or even half your assets for a Trae Young or Darius Garland. You could get a Tyrus Jones for all or part of your MLE and still keep all of your assets for something else. Other than scoring 20 or so points with no defence Jones possess everything the Kings want and he does it better than most point guards. Just look at his assists to turnovers. You can’t get better. He plays better defense than those other 2 put together. He is a savy passer and can facilitate better than those other 2. He knows how to handle the point guard position. And he doesn’t cost you any of your top assets. To me it’s a no brainer. You already have really good scorers on the team already now you need some defense and solid rebounding. And Jones would fit in as he is a team player and knows his role. He can also shoot the 3 but wouldn’t try and hinder other players. What more do you want.
You don’t understand because Vivek’s brain functions like a todler when it comes to basketball decision making. It’s like he bases his decisions on an ESPN boxscore and a Wikipedia Career Highlights chart.
Vivek: “Oh, it says here Trae Young is a point guard, a 4 time All-Star, and averages 20 and 10. We could have 3 guys in LaVine, DeRozan and Young all averaging over 20 points per game! Lets get him, Scott.”
Yep. Which will lead to us going after another empty stats player.
Totally agree, but you use logic and Vivek does not . Years of evidence .
Yeah, definitely not worth gutting the team for those stars. I’d rather them go your route, get Jones as a stop gap until we can draft a guy, this year or next. Just wish he was better on D, he used to be decent with Minny & Memphis, but don’t know what happened??
If I was Perry, I’d be looking at trading for a guy like Nembard, or A.Black, Ty Jerome. Giddy is an RFA isn’t he, should throw a big contract at him, and see if Chi wants to match. He can play point no prob, really similar to Hali too in my opinion!
Jones is a good but not great player and he would not cost much. I agree with you on not focusing on Young or Holiday- too much money. Smart or Brogdon- no. Wallace on OKC might be possible because OKC just has too many guys and Topic coming back from injury. but Presti drives a hard bargain. Ty Jerome is another possibility.
But Jones and Jerome are not the final answer. Garland would be but price is high.
There are a couple of possibilities high in the draft but that’s always a risk for a PG in the draft.
and Trader Jack- we agree! don’t trade Keon or Keegan.
My best option would be to convert the Fox semi-haul – the 2 unprotected firsts into Garland if possible.
Terrible plan but it’s the Kings so it’s possible.
Nah not for a late first. I could see Keon being dangled in a trade for a pg like ja or trae though
OKC is going to be a team to watch, especially if they blow the Finals. They already have 13 guaranteed deals on the books for next year so I don’t think they are going to want two more guaranteed rookie scale deals. Because Presti is such an evil genius, I could see him trading away their #15 and #24, but it won’t be for players, it will be for more future picks that he can kick down the road.
Should Prestii call up and offer their two first rounders this year for two future Kings picks, do you take it?
Lastly, I get a spidey tingle when I think that OKC could be a good fit for Sabonis. They don’t need him to score, but the dude can set solid picks, help facilitate the offense and rebound the hell out of the ball. They can also hide him on defense, especially when paired with Chet.
Hartenstein, the #15, #24 and filler (Topic?) for Sabonis could make sense for both teams. To be clear, I’m not advocating it, but OKC gave Hartenstein that fat deal not because he’s worth $30M, but because it’s a very good place holder for a trade. Again, Presti is an evil genius.
Why would Presti value Domas and his contract higher than Hartenstein’s “fat deal” and his rim protection abilities?
Hartenstein sets pretty good picks too.
Sabonis is a considerably better basketball player than Hartenstein. The Hartenstein contract was seen as a placeholder at the time of his signing. He’s not a $30M per year player. They are set at the guard and wing spots. Presti set up his roster and draft capital for a move like that. I’m not saying it’s going to be Sabonis, but Hartenstein will be part of a major swing should the opportunity present itself.
I genuinely don’t believe that Presti would trade Hartenstein for Sabonis straight up. Sabonis as a 6 month regular season grinder but I think Hartenstein is a more valuable playoff piece and that’s all the Thunder really care about.
I like that trade idea for us. But I don’t think Presti takes on Domas’ contract when so many of their young players are set to get paid. It just wouldn’t work with the CAP.
I still think Domas to SAS makes a ton of sense.
Perhaps, but Domas would come off the books when a lot of those guys start getting paid. They may jump into an apron his last year, but that is what contending teams have to do. OKC has just the 6th lowest payroll going into next season.
OKC is def trading at least one of their two firsts. There’s only so many players they can keep on the roster.
Yeah, I’d target Wallace, Wiggins, Dort, Joe. They can’t pay all those guys and they all play the right way.
Are you saying if we trade Sabonis Hartenstein would now be our starting center?
Yup, and platooning with JV, should that idea come to fruition. Or…something happens with those picks. Who knows.
It’s basically a stop gap center and 3 rookies (Topic, #14, and #24) for Sabonis. It’s totally butt pulled, Jack. I doubt it happens. It was more about what OKC may look do with those picks than what the Kings are doing with Sabonis.
OK Adamsite. I am not up on the draft this year. What kind of players could the Kings get for #14 and # 24? Would you try and bunch the 2 picks for a higher pick or is this a really good draft this year and stay pat? We also have #42 for what its worth. I am also going to some research on Hartenstein. Thanks for your input.
I haven’t been up on the draft much this year as well, mainly due the Kings lack of a pick.
IMO, the Kings need youth on cheap controlled deals. Picks are the way a small market team can land a home grown star. I liked Topic last year and think he can be a Josh Giddey type point guard. He’s tall, long, good defensively, can facilitate, but not a reliable shooter. He is also crazy young.
As to #15 (sorry, I misspoke #14) and #24, your guess is as good as mine. I suppose you could combine the picks and trade up, but I’m not sure anyone is looking to trade out of the lottery. Houston at #10 perhaps? I don’t know…I guess I prefer to keep the two as opposed to the one. More shots at a star and building like OKC and Indy. Give the team some depth.
I like Topic too, if the Kings are going to find a PG of the future, I believe it needs to be someone like Nikola Topic or Reed Sheppard, someone who is buried behind good depth and is not being maximized.
Personally, I like the following players:
Mid-to-Late 1st Round
—–Forward—–
Cedric Coward – WAS St / 6-6 (7-2) – Defender, shooter, athletic, efficient, no weaknesses
Drake Powell – UNC / 6-5 (7-0) – Defender, athletic, 3pt shooter, good motor
Carter Bryant – UA / 6-8 (7-0) – Athletic, 3pt shooter, defender
—–Power Forward—–
Asa Newell – UGA / 6-9 (6-11) – Athletic, rim-protector, rim-runner, agile, good motor and rebounder
Rasheer Fleming – StJoe / 6-9 (7-5) – Athletic, great size and length, finisher, 3’s & dunks, raw
Noah Penda – FRA / 6-8 (7-0) – Strong, athletic, defender, all-around game
—–Center—–
Johni Broome – AUB / 6-10 (7-1) – Rebounder, rim-protector, productive
Early-to-Mid 2nd Round
—–Point Guard—–
Javon Small – WVA / 6-1 (6-5) – Natural PG, all-around game
—–Shooting Guard—–
Walter Clayton Jr – FL / 6-1 (6-4) – Shooter, scorer, clutch
Tyrese Proctor – DU / 6-5 (6-7) – Defender, 3pt shooter, combo guard
Thank You.
There are a bunch of other good players in the 15-30 range too, but I was focusing mostly on two-way wings as I watched college ball last year.
Some good 2 way wings in that first group. I hope the kings target one of them if they get back into the first round.
OK Did some research and comparisons and think your idea fits well with what the Kings are after. You mentioned Topic in the trade. Like what I see. Could very well be a good backup point guard. I suspect you are thinking a starter in a year or two. This also makes sense to get one of the Jones brothers to run the point in say a year or two.
I’m not sure about #14 and #24 but as I understand it this is a good draft year. Saw some very interesting players the Kings might get in that area. Some good bigs who can defend and also have some upside on offense. I like that guy from Arizona.
Question. If Topic is the future where does that leave Carter. Do we trade him or keep him?
After some comparisons and the needs of the Kings 2 names that I like we would probably be able to get at #14 and #24 are Carter Btyant and Rasheer Fleming.
Did anybody hear that podcast with Peja, and what he said about the Fox trade?
What’s that blackmail stuff he is referring to?
Darth Vader vs. Mickey Mouse. Good for them.
I thought he said that Rich Paul “blackmailed” or maybe just forced the Kings to trade Fox and get Lavine since both were his clients. Peja also thought that the Kings would have gotten a bigger haul elsewhere.
I wonder if there is something lost in translation when Peja used the word “blackmail.” I’m not sure he used it correctly. It would imply that Rich Paul had some kind of dirt on the Kings? That’s a very serious, and potentially legal, accusation if true.
Peja must have gotten some tea from his smoking buddy Vlade and spilled it now. Whether it is true or a twist of the truth, the optics dont favor Fox and company, and tries to lay less blame on MM/Vladivek (barf). Frankly, im surprised Peja even spoke. Hes usually on the sidelines quietly standing…with mhis broad shoulders, rounded pecs, tree trunk thighs…oh wait.
Agreed!
Voisin’d
Peja must have gotten some tea from his smoking buddy Vlade and spilled it now. Whether it is true or a twist of the truth, the optics dont favor Fox and company, and tries to lay less blame on MM/Vladivek (barf). Frankly, im surprised Peja even spoke. Hes usually on the sidelines quietly standing…with his broad shoulders, rounded pecs, tree trunk thighs…oh wait.
Not a chance!
Think he meant to say “blackballed”
It must be a second-language issue. I think what he meant was he practically orchestrated the deal by discouraging other teams to trade for Fox, and basically telling the Kings: it’s this deal or Fox walks for nothing. A stronger franchise would’ve resisted that and, as Jerry has mentioned a couple of times, understood that it would be beneficial for Fox to keep playing well. Instead they seem to have bowed down to the pressure straight away and settled for the LaVine deal.
I loved Peja as a player. Does he work for the Kings? Why would he even know this? Again, it begs the question of whether the worst former GM in the history of sports was involved with the Kings front office last season.
I’m surprised to see that Smart is only 31, seems like he’s been around forever.
I could see him taking a 1 yr deal with us knowing he’d be the starter to increase his value and show that he’s healthy for one last major contract.
If he’s healthy, he’s not a bad stop gap option while developing DC and likely a first round draftee PG.
He’s not a free agent. He’s owed $21.5M next season.
I stand corrected, thx.
All good, amigo. James Ham was unsure of it as well. Smart has been off the radar for a few years now. I’m not even sure he is healthy enough for the league. Injuries cut too many good career’s far too short in their prime..
Speaking of his health, Smart has only played a combined 54 games over the last 2 seasons (34 in 2023 & 20 in 2024).
sorry, 20 in 2023 and 34 in 2024
When I hear that the Sacramento Kings are going to “think big” and “swing hard” – I go from cringe to a full scared version of “oh no, not again”.
My optimism meter doesn’t shwing to full mast on this type of Kings news.
Once I realized that they will almost always make the wrong move. It’s become entertaining to se how they’ll fuck it up this time.
That’s a great point of view. If the Kings somehow start with Young, LaVine, and DeRozan on the roster next season, it truly would be laughable.
The other bonus of the entertainment of watching the Kings Fuck up is—if they really really screw it up enough times -that’s what might force Vivek to back off (Dolan) or sell.
Well, hat tip to Will Z. Stats at https://bsky.app/profile/will-z-stats.bsky.social, who posted that James Ham just a few hours ago stated the Scott Perry has ZERO interest in Trae Young. Here is the video of Ham this morning talking about it on ESPN 1320. 6:50 mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wDvO1kMV7A
I heard Ham say that, and his guest host from CBS 13 (I think) heard that Boston had better deals on the table for Jrue.
That leaves the rumor mill somewhat dry now on bigger name guys. I never thought Garland or Morant were options. That leaves lesser options for us to discuss, lol.
The Jones Brothers, Cole Anthony, etc.
For me not Anthony. Either Jones I could say yes but having a problem(good problem) I can’t decide.All their stats and traits are really good. Did comparison and for me Tre comes out slightly ahead but if Perry picks Tyrus I am fine with that.
We all know the Kings will end up with Dennis Schroeder, lol.
Yup. Swing and miss everywhere else, including stars and cheap contracts, only to settle for an overpay on a middling vet. #Rondo’d
I think you are probably right, and I’m good with that. The bigger names are going to require future draft capital, and I’m 100% against that. Please, please, please, no more leveraging of the future for first round playoff exit at best.
Someone like Schroeder to try and appease the fan base that the team is still “competing”, while drawing closer to the end of Lavine and Domas contracts. Maybe that is the ultimate plan????
I’m not buying that BOS is getting a bunch of good offers for Holiday.
Yesterday’s, there was a bunch of scuttlebutt theorizing that BOS would need to attach an FRP to both Holiday and Porzingis if BOS wants someone to take them.
Then today BOS comes out and says they want an FRP for Holiday…seems to me that they are trying to change the narrative on the expected return. I could definitely believe that they have a better deal than the Kings would offer, but I don’t think Holiday is going to cost the acquiring team anything but salary.
I don’t think they are getting good offers, just heard that the ones they are getting are better than whatever the Kings offered.
it feels like that is always the case with the King’s offers
That’s what happens when the idiots (see also -the owner) run the asylum.
To hell with draft capital-they want to be in the prized play-in game.
I’ve come across the same, that BOS will need to attach a FRP to get off Holiday. That contract is terrible.
You know, there was actually a very simple way to move up into the first round of this year’s draft but I’m sure trading assets to get one now will turn out great. I’ve realized that in order to understand what the Kings are thinking, take whatever almost any smart franchise would do, then do the opposite. It works almost every time. Say to yourself, “What is the dumbest possible thing the organization could do in this situation” and then assume that is what they are trying to do.
Nico approves! (funny article in The Athletic about Dallas trading #1 Flagg to Spurs for #2 Harper and other trade capital
For anyone looking to collect the over 30 high usage set on the Kings.
https://bsky.app/profile/espn.com/post/3lrir4q7fz62e
Well, he would be the best PG on the Kings current roster…just sayin’.
Your starting PG for the 2025 Sacramento Kings incoming…
say what you want about the guy – mostly, it’s about his shooting, and whatever else he doesn’t do well.
What he does do well: all out baller to the waller. Intensity to the Max. And frankly, I am an absolute die-hard fan of that. It’s also what I adore about Domas. No plays off. And a first ballot HoF-er at that.
I haven’t ever bought a Kings jersey (not for myself, I bought an Omri Casspi in Hebrew jersey for my nephew, and that was a great purchase in my book), but I might break that rule for a Westie.
Westie and Lavine in the backcourt, or Westie and Keon in the backcourt would be interesting.
Yeah, I’d prefer a 2-3 year minimum deal for Russ over most of the rumors we’ve been hearing.
I really don’t think he’d come here. The dude wants a ring. I could see him taking the vet minimum to go back to OKC and finish his career there.
There you go being logical and all… darn!
He would be far more valuable than washed guards like Smart or Brogdon . Russ plays hard every minute and doesn’t miss 50 games per year like the above former players .
So going even smaller for NaPG?
Nothing says play-in like targeting a small NaPG late in the first round to be your starting PG.
All jokes aside, I really don’t see how the Kings move up in the draft without giving up Sabonis, Keegan, Keon, or future draft capital. Any of which would be a mistake, IMO. I mean, maybe Boston adds the #28 to Jrue in exchange for DDR and Carter, but is that a good move?
I could see a scenario where the Kings take on a large contract that some team wants to get rid of, and the other team gets smaller/shorter contracts. Who that team is, idk.
Maybe the Heat? DDR + Monk + 2025 #42 pick for Rozier + Robinson + Jaquez Jr.+ #20?
Saves the heat $6m in salary, and the guaranteed money from pick #20?
That’s just an example, but I don’t think that is feasible.
Yeah, there are definitely teams out there looking to cut salary. Boston, Denver, Bucks, and PHX come to mind, but I don’t think the Heat are one of them. They’re cap sheet is just $8M more than the Kings and good for just the 18th highest payroll. Rozier, Robinson, and others all come off the book after next season. I don’t know if they are desperate enough to attach a pick to shed salary.
Sign and trade with the Heat. Davion plus their first round pick for DeRozan? Davion with Doug seems better than Davion with Brown.
I think it would be a good move for what they want to do. I would rather see carter develop this offseason
Monte is gone, yet we’re still trying to accumulate as many undersized guards as possible? sounds right.
Guess it’s OK as long as Vivek still looks up to them!
I hope we don’t chase the PG too hard. We should use our assets to get a F that compliments Sabonis, unless we’re looking to move him.
Monk for PJ Washington works straight up.
Fox
Ellis
KM
PJ Wash
Sabonis
This would have been a solid, balanced 5.
You could even insert J. Collins into the 4 instead of PJ.
The most perplexing aspect of Monte’s time as GM was never trying to fill the 4 spot next to Domas. Just odd.
Would you trade Sabonis for Markkanen?
In a heartbeat. I’d say they’re at about the same level in terms of how good they are in a vacuum, however, Lauri’s game just fits today’s NBA much better. And Lauri’s game is malleable to roster building and on the floor, whereas Sabonis needs to have an O built around him.
I disagree, and this is probably going to get some blowback, but I feel Lauri is closer to Keegan than he is to Domas. Put Keegan on Utah in Larui’s role and matched usage and you will see similar numbers. I base that opinion on what Lauri was doing in Chicago and Cleveland in a diminished role compared to when he was handed the keys in Utah. Up Keegan’s usage to 25% like Lauri’s instead of his 15% and you see a a much better player. This also doesn’t take into consideration that Lauri hasn’t proven he can stay on the floor. They guy has never hit the 70 game mark in a season and has played in a little over half of the games the last two seasons.
I’d keep Sabonis over Lauri 7 days of the week, and twice on Sundays.
I agree. I still like your trade sending Sabonis to OKC for Hsrtenstein, Topic and #14 and #24. I did some research and found some really good players the Kings could get at those 2 picks. Two are Carter Bryant from Arizona and Rasheer Fleming. There are more but I really like these 2.
There is no universe where Keegan Murray scores 20+ per game on 40% three point shooting. Keegan has barely been average from three in the last two seasons with lowish usage. With Markannen’s usage, Keegan’s efficiency would plummet on offense. Markennen’s career average rebounds per minute are 20% higher than Keegan’s.
My comp for Keegan has always been Harrison Barnes. Keegan’s become an above average defender, but he isn’t even as good as Barnes was on offense, and I don’t think he ever will be.
That being said, I don’t think I would do a Sabonis for Markkenen deal even though I think we pretty highly overrate Sabonis in Sac.
Lauri career from 3: .371 on 6.8 attempts
Keegan career from 3: .372 on 6.3 attempts
I look back to Lauri’s year when he was 24 and not the primary focus of Cleveland’s offense. He averaged 14.8 and 5.7 on 11.5 FGA, 35% from deep at 30mpg. He was the 4th leading scorer on that 44 win Cavs team. Now, Keegan last year averaged 12.4 and 6.7 on 10.8 FGA, 34% from deep at 34 MPG. He was the 5th leading scorer. Those 2 at the same age and similar roles were very close to each other.
Lauri is now high usage player on very bad teams, while Keegan is a very low usage on better teams. The two are not the same and Lauri is definitely better today, but my point was those two are closer to each other than Lauri and Sabonis are.
I just firmly believe that if given the opportunity, Keegan could shine. The Kangz have thus far failed him. Could Keegan follow a similar career arc to Lauri? You guess is as good as mine, but I’d love to give it a chance.
That’s a fair analysis. I think Keegan is at about 90% of his potential today. I don’t see a ton of room for growth, and he’s regressed in some ways on offense since his rookie year. I think more usage makes him a lot worse on offense. But I am often and maybe usually wrong, so you could definitely be right.
Certainly, the Kings have nothing to lose by trying and I am 100% in favor of throwing him out there and seeing how he does. Assuming they don’t deal him for Kevin Durant or some other short sighted, fantasy basketball stats driven knucklehead move.
Agreed. Throw him out there, feed him the ball, and see if he has it. I just don’t want to see a scenario where they sell low on him for some win now veteran, not so much like Hali, but more like Mikal Bridges.
I want to see Keegan as a very solid third fiddle on a good team. I think he has the potential to be that Aaron Gordon or Shawn Marion type role player that elevates average teams to very good teams. That may be an over expectation, but I want to give it a shot.
NO!
Yes! Finally someone else gets it. A starting pf that moves murray to the three >>>>> a pg
or even better, find a point-forward
I love these rumors because it’s like none of them makes any sense. So I just envision Vivek in his office with the door closed and his feet up on the desk going, “Ok you have to promise not to tell anyone.”
OT: There’s a familiar face right there.
https://bsky.app/profile/shamsbot.bsky.social/post/3lrju6pswk22d
How amazingly hilarious would it be if Hali wins a championship this year and a Mike Brown led Knicks team down something similar next year. It’s the most Kangzly of scenarios.
Badge Legend