The NBA Finals are over and now the NBA’s attention turns to the NBA Draft, just one week away. New reports are coming in all the time, so here’s an update on where we are at right now as far as the Kings go:
Darius Acuff Jr. worked out for the Kings
Sean Cunningham reported yesterday that Darius Acuff Jr. worked out for the Kings in Sacramento last week. Acuff Jr. has widely been reported to be Scott Perry’s favorite target in the draft but it remains to be seen if he’ll actually be available at 7. Both the Clippers and Nets have seemingly expressed interest in the Arkansas guard as well, with most mock drafts having him slotted at either 6 to Brooklyn or 7 to Sacramento. In addition to Sacramento, Acuff has reportedly worked out for the Nets (6th), Bulls (4th & 15th), Bucks (10th) and Jazz (2nd). The only other top prospect that has reportedly worked out (or will work out) in Sacramento that we have heard anything on is Keaton Wagler, although that report hasn’t been confirmed by anyone local.
Kings don’t appear interested in trading up
In ESPN’s latest mock draft, they had Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. slated to go to the Kings at 7, noting that the Clippers and Nets both have interest in Brown at 5 and 6 as well. Jeremy Woo and Shams Charania note that though Acuff appears to be the Kings top target, they don’t seem that interested in moving up from 7 to grab him if he does indeed go before them, instead seeming comfortable taking the best remaining guard that falls to them. That’s probably the right move given the Kings general lack of long term assets. Woo also mentions Flemings as a potential Kings target here.
Giannis trade market could shake up the draft
The Giannis Antetokounmpo saga continues in Milwaukee with all indications appearing to be that the Bucks want to have some closure on this by the draft. The most interested teams appear to be Miami, Boston, Portland, Minnesota and Orlando. One rumor indicates that a Boston deal would send Jaylen Brown to Milwaukee, who would then look to flip Brown for even more assets. That’s where teams like the Clippers or Nets could get involved which are ahead of the Kings in the draft order and might indicate why the Bucks have worked out several players that seemingly won’t be in their current range at 10 like Acuff.
Kings have had exploratory talks with Charlotte about Sabonis
Another rumor that came around recently was that the Kings and Hornets were talking about a deal for Domantas Sabonis, with the Kings insistent on getting one of Charlotte’s two first round picks back (14 or 18) in any such deal. By all accounts, the Hornets don’t seem willing to include any picks for the All-Star big man but maybe that changes come draft night.
Finally. The most exciting part of the Kings’ season is beginning.
1) I hope the Giannis stuff gets resolved sooner rather than later. The league may be on pause until that massive domino falls. I’m hoping it is before or on draft night.
2) That is one bad ass photo of Acuff to lead off the article.
3) I mentioned in the other thread that the Hornets do feel like a good landing spot for Sabonis, but I want absolutely nothing to do with Bridges. If a 3rd team can get involved and take his contract or others, then the Kings may just need to settle for massive cap relief. As we’ve heard, Perry said the Kings will NOT be a tax paying team, so something has to give.
Im starting to suspect that all this Giannis talk is just media frenzy. If trades do happen, it will be other players, not Giannis.
I’m with you in that I never want to see Bridges in a Kings uni. That said, if they can get even the 18 pick and a pair of expirings (Bridges and Josh Green), I might make the deal and then turn around and try to flip both of those guys, even if the return is nothing more than another expiring. Bridges to the Bucks for Kuzma, for example.
Yeah, I could get behind that. Bridges has value and he is a good basketball player. I have to imagine a contender could use his skill and expiring contract.
Denver comes to mind as an apron team with an ownership that doesn’t like to spend deep into the tax. Maybe there is some Bridges for Aaron Gordon scenario out there. They already proven they didn’t want to spend deep for Michael Porter Jr. and dumped him for Cam Johnson, so you never know.
Denver sent out an unprotected first to dump MPJ for Cam, even if the Kings could get Gordon and some 2nds for Bridges, it would be worth it, IMO.
icksnay on the uckerchay
Meh. I don’t mind it as an expiring contract that gets the Kings faster cap flexibility and an additional top 20 pick this year.
They really don’t need the cap relief and shouldn’t be unloading him just for cap relief. At the end of next season we should be okay with our cap situation. Right now just make a good pick, play that guy immediately along with Murray, Raynaud, Clifford and hopefully something from the second round. Sit tight and move LaVine at the midseason trade deadline and draft well again in 2027 and we’ll be okay. Later we can move Monk and we should have a payroll that’s under control and a good nucleus of young talent to compete with. It’s really not that difficult to figure out a good plan. We just have to execute in the next two drafts and let some of these contracts expire. I’m okay keeping Sabonis if we don’t get a good deal that includes young talent and/or draft capital.
A lineup of Acuff or Flemings, Clifford, Murray, Sabonis and Raynaud is fine for me. Hopefully one of the second round picks getting some significant playing time off the bench.
screwing around with the trade machine and lets go crazy with a 4 team trade:
CHA: Domas
Spurs: Lavine, Carter
Raptors: Fox
Kings: Poetl, Barrett, Williams, Salaun, Green, Spurs 2028 2nd round via NO, CHA 2026 1st round 19th
What you say, Coach Jack?
I would like the Raprots trade but everyone knows the holdup there. POELTI,
I do like the Hornets for Sabonis even if we get Green, Williams, Saluan and the Hornets 2027 pick The Dalles one. We now have a lot of cap space and a full MLE. Wouldn’t be that bad to have 2 first round picks already next year. Could also trade Williams and Green if only for pennies, If we wave DDR we also accumulate more cap space.
Sounds like Acuff won’t be there at #7. IMO I would NOT trade up so if might be Wagler, Brown or Flemings. You all know who I would pick. I still think a trade sending Monk and a 2031 first to the Pacers for Jarance Walker and Ben Sheppard. Walker is a perfect fit next to Murray and Raynaud and Sheppard plays really good defense.Both young and fit right in the rebuild.
We need more rim protection rebounding and defense. My pick at #34 would be Zuby Ejiofor.If not then Alex Karaban. Both good fits. If possible at #45 I really like Ryan Conwell. If not Ba Ba Miller.
The trades i mentioned are not designed to get us better. They are to clear the cap, take on bad contracts and flip them for better players in the future. I am of this mindset: we do not want to keep this trade, we want the trade after this trade. Even if we draft well this year, it will take some seasoning and the right coaching staff to get to mediocre again, because currently, the Kings are way below the bottom.
Is this front office of flipping players at all or for better talents or draft picks. I hear this claim but I don’t see the Kings Front office being capable of such a vision
I expect a lot of movement during the Parody Era in today’s NBA.
Along with Giannis, there are many others. The Athletic has nice article on their top 25.
They also included the end of the year power rankings. Sacramento DID NOT get the last spot in The Association, aka #30. That team was the Brooklyn Nets. However, your Sacramento Kings were given the #29 spot. It turns out that futility is not a secret nor can it be denied. We all are not the only ones who feel the way we do about this doo-doo.
It’s time to read and re-read and re-read again this next week about the upcoming NBA draft. Today, the smoke screens and daily prognosticators have me believing that Darius Acuff, Jr. will be gone before the Brilliant, Tank Ethical FAFO Kings pick at 7. Kingston Flemings is growing on me more, but I am still hoping for Keaton Wagler. I am not a Mike Brown, Jr. fan and I am somewhat hoping that Vivek, the petty DLC that he is, will not chose someone with their recently fired, NBA Championship Head Coach same/similar name because the jokes are just perfectly ready made. I am a big fan of skill and decision making, not just skill OR decision making. Keaton Wagler gets high marks on BBIQ (so does Kingston Flemings, btw). Brown, Jr. sounds like Malik Monk/LaMelo Ball to me and the highlights are nice but not to build on. Wagler/Acuff, Acuff/Wagler, Flemings are my choices and one of those 3 WILL be available. Ga-run-teed.
Any thoughts by the community on #34 (2nd rounder?) Big/Wing/Guard or just BPA no matter what (small guards)?
I’m crossing my fingers that Sergio de Larrea is there at #34, if not I think Richie Saunders could be a solid role player.
Solid. I would add Trevor Brazile to the list as a 2nd round flyer. Maybe Baba Miller. Tarris Reed, though I think he goes right at the end of round 1 / beginning of round 2. Jaden Bradley is interesting in a Ray MacCallum sort of way.
I would feel a bit sheepish about choosing a guy named Baba.
Oh ewe.
Didn’t he play for the Rams?
And he could develop into a GOAT.
in two shakes – he’s that quick!
Wooled be a nice pick.
Shear genius.
#34- BPA- deLarrea, Vessar, Reed, Jefferson- would be great but unlikely
Eliofor, Saunders more likely
#45- player with single skill- defense, although Bradey is interesting
Maybe Ryan Conwell.
I see a lot of Alex Karaban (UConn, senior) at #34 as well
Here’s a few names I like around 34:
Baba Miller – Big long wing who can playmake and defend at high level. If he could shoot he’d probably be a first round lock but he’s pretty bad at it. But at 2nd round level you can take that risk.
Joshua Jefferson – I doubt he slips to 2nd but he’s a very polished big man who can do a bit of everything.
Zuby Ejiofor – Skilled big man that has high Steal & Block numbers.
Zuby would be nice.
I will add Ryan Conwell and Emanuel Sharp. SGs that are solid all around. Both are very good shooters in multiple ways.
Otega Oweh is also interesting. Big, strong, plays physical on both ends of the court.
I expect Carter to be gone this offseason. Monk isn’t part of Perry’s vision. LaVine is expiring. The guard rotation starts to look thin, so might as well take a chance on guys that can come in and shoot it a bit.
What about Carter? IMO might be a good backup to whom ever we get at #7
I would not mind about 25 minutes of Carter playing PG/SG, as he can defend a bit and dribble/pass more than he used to,
Carter hasn’t shown much, imo. Also, I’ve heard some things that he just kind of does his own thing and doesn’t listen to the coaches or players. I think the Carter experiment will be over this offseason.
Jefferson is another one I’d definitely take a flyer on. Guy has a good all around game with a big solid body. Reminds me a bit of better passing/shooting Corliss Williamson. However, I too think he goes in the first round.
I think Jefferson played at St. Mary’s for 2 years.
Maliq Brown is interesting.
Did I use parody instead of parity? Sheeeeessssshhhhhhhhh!
Given that we’re talking about the Kings, you weren’t wrong.
The Kings interested in a PG?? You think??
Will get one of Acuff, Brown or Flemings. May come down to one choice or maybe two choices.
Any of these would be fine.
Second round: get BPA at #34. Jefferson, Karaban, Ejiofor, Saunders Vessar- one might be there. At 45, get a player with a single skill- Brazile, Maliq Brown, Baba Miller, Nelson- all defenders
This is the Bruce Bowen option. Sign Precious, cut Westbook or don’t sign.
Move at least 2 of Zach, DeMar, DS and Monk.
This is going to be a long couple of years.
Move Hunter as well and hopefuly get a a player in the top 7 of the rotation that can play the 3/4/5.
Look at Jarance Walker. I think you will be surprised.
He’s a bit limited, at least what he showed in Indy, but what he can do he does pretty good. Be worth it to try and trade for him. Just not sure what Imdy would want if they decided to move on from him.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Spurs take a flyer on Precious. He fills their need for a 4 that can shoot the 3 occasionally, but can rebound and defend too.
Its going to be a long, miserable off-season for Vivek and he deserves it lol!
https://x.com/kg_certified/status/2062261684257894757
They told no lies.
Absolutely none.
I hope the hits keep coming for Vivek, because as a Kings fans, they don’t hurt us one bit (props to TKH shirt).
Can you see Sabonis as a Spur? Playing next to Wemby?
I posted a trade idea on a Spurs fansite: Fox and a pick for Sabonis.
This would help the Spurs and the Kings are probably stupid enough to do it.
IMO the Kings would not be interested in a Fox trade. For one too much money and second ties were cut so that ends that.
I mentioned this trade as well, but yeah there’s no way Fox is coming back here.
Yeah, I know it won’t happen. I just think it is funny that they would probably be better off with Sabonis over Fox.
Any opinions on Allen Graves? I’m intrigued by this guy. From what I’ve read, he could go anywhere from late teens to late 20s. Somewhere in the 20s seems right, but I really don’t know.
I like him a lot. It wouldn’t surprise me if he sneaks into the lottery. The guy really is a jack of all trades. Doesn’t do any one thing great, but is good at most everything. I think he could excel between Keegan and Sabonis. IMO, he’ll have a Nic Batum kind of career arc.
Perry has now visited Flemings and his family in Texas and now he has come in for a personal workout.
https://bsky.app/profile/jameshamnba.bsky.social/post/3mohet5pey22s
I smell something and I like it.
Now I know both Acuff and Fleming will be gone by pick 7.
I need to see Perry’s whiteboard with names on it to know who to pick next…or at least, who will not take the ball out of Devon Carter’s hands.
I have seen the whiteboard personally:
Acuff
Flemings
Stauskas
Never gets old.
Dammit Jman, you just had to make me relive this…again!
In a guard heavy draft, team in need of guard seeks to draft one…hmmm…
I have to think after their finish to last season, CHA fancies themselves as potential contenders next year, a team that can make a deep playoff run. If that’s the case, giving up one of your mid first round selections in a Domas deal should be a no brainer.
I’d be fine taking Bridges on in a Domas deal with the potential of flipping him at some point, as I think he is value as a contract, even though he’s a dirt bag off the court.
According to Hoops HQ, Charlotte and Sacramento are discussing a deal that would send the No. 7 overall pick to the Hornets in exchange for both the No. 14 and No. 18 overall selections
Don’t know if this Hoops HQ is legit.
Making a trade like this makes no sense, like when Vlade made a similar deal with the Blazers.
Quality > Quantity
Vlade made a trade back like that 2 years in a row. If it were to happen again, the only constant is Vivek.
I can understand the rationale behind it if the those in charge feel the gap between #7 and whatever two picks they trade for isn’t all that big, but to trade back 3 times in one decade feels like there is something rotten in Denmark.
Hypothetically if this were true, I’d want to the Hornets to take on Monk’s contract in exchange for Salaun and Mann in addition to the picks.
Yup, that’s what I was thinking– Salaun plus the two picks is more than enough.
Just a thought. Next to the Hornets the next team to possibly trade for Sabonis is the Atlanta Hawks. Sabonis for Jonathan Kuminga, Corey Kispert and their #23 pick seems reasonable to me. Some people dislike Kuminga but he is almost a perfect fit between Murray and Raynaud. Loves to work inside where Murray now a small forward would be an outside threat. Both interchanceable. Kuminga is only 23 years old. At one time really wanted to play for the Kings. I can see a starting lineup of Flemings, Clifford, Murray, Kuminga and Raynaud as a great start with young talent to start the rebuild. We could get Cernac at #23 Karaban at #34 and I would really like Conwell at #45 but probably won;t be there. Also like Brasile.
Jack your thinking to conventional with your lineup. Take a look at what the Spurs put out. Was there a power forward, small forward, 2 guard etc. Just get a lineup with players who can shoot, handle the basketball, play defense, rebound and distribute the basketball. You don’t need to worry about traditional positions.
Their lack of a dependable PF was what cost them the trophy. Wemby was pushed out and no one could reliably crash the boards when Wemby takes a 30 footer. Spurs wanted to run but could not get DRebs to begin with. Vassell and Champ were not the answer.
Quinn Snyder would hate having Sabinis and his lack of defense. He wants centers that can defend and protect the rim.
I like that trade idea.
They need a PG, there are many good ones available at 7, so trade back 7 spots??? That seems like the King of stupid moves.
If they think Okorie or Philon are better than Flemings, Acuff, Wagler, Brown Jr., or Burries, then we are in a world of hurt for a while as fans.
I would for sure consider this. If we wanted a young player to go with that trade, then for sure it’s worth it.
Hmmm, Thunder have contacted the Kings?
https://www.reddit.com/r/kings/comments/1u8mcuv/the_thunder_have_contacted_the_kings_conveying/
#7 for #12 and Topic. Pick Cameron Carr at #12. This is the way.
Didn’t Topic just have back surgery to remove part of a herniated disc? And he had cancer. Not sure he is the one to take back.
Fine. #7 for #12, #17, and Topic.
His testicular cancer is resolved. He came back to play. The spinal surgery thing seem pretty minor to relieve nerve pain likely from a herniated disc. It could be something, but by all reports he’s back before the start of the season.
If not him, then Cason Wallace who is up for an extension, and whom the Thunder can’t afford to keep.
People worry about Brown Jr. and his back stuff. I would be worried about Topic as well. I really liked him, just not sure how he is physically. He might be fine and be a productive player.
For sure. I’m sure full medicals would be disclosed. Put it this way. I think Topic could be an excellent buy low prospect, which is why maybe the Kings ask for two picks and him for the #7. OKC is going to have to do something with him, Thomas Sorber as well. The Thunder aren’t in the development and youth movement any more and thos prospects are just running out their contracts.
If healthy, I think Topic is an eventual starting level PG in this league in the mold of a Josh Giddey or Anthony Black.
Hypothetically if you were offered a trade for #7, be it Brown Jr, Flemings, Acuff, or whoever for Josh Giddey/Anthony Black and Cameron Carr, would you take it?
Who are you thinking that OKC would take at #7, if not a PG? Mara?
Or would they then package #7 and a future FRP (or 2) to try and grab Boozer or Caleb Wilson?
That’s a good question. I honestly don’t think they want any rookie prospect unless they can be a significant contributor right now. I think they could package the #7 and attach it to one or more of their many excellent role players and move up.
They might even get into the Giannis sweepstakes for all we know.
I really don’t know. Lots of hypotheticals there to parse through.
I think what I’m trying to convey is I’m just not all that sure anyone at #7 is that much better than anyone at #12, but if you can get an additional asset(s) to go with #12, it may be a better haul.
I’d be over the moon if you could get Cason Wallace and the #12, and I might even be cool with Wallace and the #16.
Jared McCain
I get the love, but I think he’s a 6th man in the mold of Lou Williams or even Monk. He’s kind of a tweener offensive microwave only guard.
Disagree – he played some PG for OKC this playoffs
Was that when Mitchell and Jalen were injured?
So did Isaiah Joe.
I get the love, but I think he’s a 6th man in the mold of Lou Williams or even Monk. He’s kind of a tweener offensive microwave only guard.
Agree – but he’s the closest thing OKC has to a PG
Naw, he wasn’t even a PG in college. He’s an undersized shooting guard through and through.
I definitely like this and would like to see if Wiggins could be added to this trade.
If it’s true that Acuff is Perry’s favorite target then he already has made a big mistake showing his hand.
Checking trade ideas via AI and one caught my eye:
Portland gets: Sabonis, future 2nd Round Pick
Sacramento gets: Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, 2028 1st Round Pick via Orlando
They have Clingan, so not sure how that all works out. Plus they drafted Hansen Yang last year.
My head is spinning with all these trades. IMO keep the #7 and pick either Acuff or Flemings, the #34 Karaban and the # 45 Brasile. If the best of any of these trades develop then jump other wise are any of you happy just staying pat?
I’m fine just staying pat.
I honestly am as well. Only an OKC deal intrigues me as I feel they are looking to move off of salary and picks, so there might be some leverage there.
Oh who am I kidding, it’s Sam Presti vs. Scott Perry. Blahhhh!
They do not have enough young talent for us to trade with. Thybulle has lost a ton of value over the last 2-3 years and a 2028 pick would be significantly less value to us than one this year or next. I would need more for Sabonis. If you add Lavine (subtract a 2nd round pick), then that trade is fine and I would be happy with a 2nd round pick this year or next.
Then the Kangz can trade for Jamal, trade back with OKC for 12 and 17, amd draft Morez and Mara.
Your lineup is Murray, Murray, Murray, Morez, Mara. Great success!
One of my favorite Python sketches. Pure absurd joy.
OT: Trae Young is opting out of his $48M PO. Why can’t LaVine?
Does Trae thing he’s gonna get a max deal or something?
https://www.reddit.com/r/timberwolves/comments/1u8th1r/trae_young_plans_to_decline_his_4897_million/
How hilarious it would be for Vivek to get the player he’s wanted for so long only to have him opt out a year later? I don’t think LaVine will, but I’d love to be wrong.
I don’t think LaVine is opting out either, but I can’t figure out why Young is doing it. Maybe he’s already got a structured multi-year deal with the Wiz?
It takes away the Wizards ability to trade Trae once the new league year starts (unless it’s a re-sign amd trade). Maybe there have been discussions of trading him to somewhere he doesn’t want to play?
I bet he stays on like a 3 year/ $120m deal. Nobody is giving him the max, imo.
Hopefully LaVine looks at this, opts out, and go signs somewhere else. Please!!!
Young will get a longer term deal from the Wiz
makes too much sense, especially how he said he wanted to play there after the trade (like Sacramento, bad teams, and the Wizards are that bad, relish those who willingly agree to join up)
on the other hand we have Vivek Ranadive to say “hold my beer”
It could be more about him wanting to just win and go to a contender as he’s entering his 8th season, and entering the prime of his career at 27.
Apparently Detroit may have some interest in Zach LaVine, offering Isaiah Stewart as part of the return:
Other players regarded as potentially available and said to interest Detroit include Charlotte’s Coby White, Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Joe and possibly even Sacramento’s Zach LaVine now that LaVine is heading into the final year of a massive contract with a $49 million player option that carries a June 29 deadline to be activated.
Beef Stew!
Badge Legend