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Report: Kings pursuing Ben Simmons or Domantas Sabonis

As expected, Sacramento's front office is chasing some huge names.
By | 119 Comments | Jan 18, 2022

Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Over the last few months, the Sacramento Kings have been linked to just about every large and medium-sized name in the trade market, and on Tuesday morning, Sam Amick of The Athletic confirmed one name and added another to the list. On The Athletic NBA Show, Amick shared that Sacramento’s front office is still locked in on Philadelphia 76ers star forward Ben Simmons, and if Simmons doesn’t work out or isn’t traded, they’ll shift gears to another Eastern Conference All-Star in Domantas Sabonis of the Indiana Pacers:

“If they (Sacramento) can’t get Simmons, then they’re going for Sabonis. That’s one and two. So that’s one team, in terms of interest/desperation, I don’t know how many others are that hot.

It should come as no surprise that the Kings are linked to those two players, as they are the most high-impact contributors readily available at the moment. General Manager Monte McNair has made his plans to make a big trade well-known from the start of his tenure, but acquiring either of those two All-Stars will likely be the costliest trade in Sacramento history.

Simmons, despite having been on the trade block for months, is still highly desired by multiple teams, and 76ers GM Daryl Morey has done nothing but ask for ridiculous returns in all of his conversations with teams. That price could come down a hair if the Kings are willing to take back the underperforming and highly overpaid Tobias Harris in any such deal, but the price would still be significant, likely requiring one of De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, or multiple, multiple first round picks, swaps, Davion Mitchell, and whatever else the Kings could cobble together that interested the Finals-hopeful Sixers.

As much as Ben Simmons would likely cost, Damantas Sabonis may command an even higher price. He’s a 25-year old multi-time All-Star who makes an average of just $19 million through the 2023-2024 season. Although both Sabonis and the Indiana Pacers are both having slightly down years, he’s still posting 18.9 points, 11.9 boards, and 4.7 assists after putting up 20, 12, and 7 last season. Sabonis’ name has been floating around for a few weeks, but no firm talks seem to have taken place, or at least any that have been leaked, as Sam Amick wasn’t able to pinpoint a cost for such a talented, young player.

Later in the podcast, Amick responded to a question about the Kings possibly being the team of the deadline and the availability of Kings players:

“Oh, I think they for sure might. I would be stunned if they didn’t make a big trade. You know, it’s weird to see people casually talking, you know, people of influence casually talking about like, yeah De’Aaron’s in discussions, ya know, not telling teams to not talk about De’Aaron. Haliburton’s a different one. It’s not that he’s untouchable. It’s more like if he gets a deal over the finish line, and it’s an incredible deal, maybe he ends up being…the idea being in general that no one is untouchable is new”

The idea of De’Aaron Fox’s availability in trade talks isn’t exactly an earth-shattering revelation, but it is another indicator that Sacramento’s management isn’t taking anything off of the table to try to improve a roster that’s currently sitting 10 games below .500 and on pace for 32 wins, their lowest total since the 2017-2018 season. Of course, other teams like the Sixers and Pacers have to be interested in the assets that Sacramento has to offer, which may or may not be the case, but if interest is there, Kings fans should expect massive changes to a team that’s currently fighting to stay out of the basement of the Western Conference.

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cloudyeyes
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January 18, 2022 10:03 am

Make it happen McNair. Blow this team up. Anything is better than this turd. Even a worse team gives us improved lottery chances, provided we manage to keep this pick in a trade. Anything is better than competing for a spot below the play-in tournament cutoff.

ThisHotFireKevin
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January 18, 2022 10:05 am

REPORT: Kings mention pursuing big names in effort to quell the fan base.

bunch o’ malarkey.

RikSmits
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January 18, 2022 10:08 am

BREAKING!

If Sabonis comes here, Kevin will eat his shoe! On TikTok.

(Hi Kevin. Long time no see.)

ThisHotFireKevin
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January 18, 2022 10:10 am
Reply to  RikSmits

REPORT: shoe eating maniac claims to eat shoes, reports unfounded.

more to come at the trade deadline.

(howdy Rik! I’m always lurking)

RikSmits
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January 18, 2022 10:18 am

I can’t see you when you’re lurking!

ThisHotFireKevin
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January 18, 2022 10:22 am
Reply to  RikSmits

That’s the point, my friends never see me till it’s to late.

Marty
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January 18, 2022 10:43 am

“If they (Sacramento) can’t get Simmons, then they’re going for Sabonis.

TRANSLATION:

Please don’t kill us when the Sixers don’t want what we have and nothing big actually happens.

furious.d
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January 18, 2022 10:46 am
Reply to  Marty

Pretty telling that our supposed future all star PG under long-term team control and entering his prime doesn’t seem to interest a team that’s clearly one piece away from contending.

Marty
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January 18, 2022 10:51 am
Reply to  furious.d

Sixers know full well what it’s like to have a PG who can’t shoot the three.

Last edited 2 years ago by Marty Marty
Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 1:10 pm
Reply to  Marty

Yeah, sucks to be the #1 seed in the East when he plays.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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January 18, 2022 11:10 am
Reply to  furious.d

Or because they already have a younger, better, and cheaper version of Fox in Maxey.

Marty
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January 18, 2022 11:12 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Sometimes I think Morey must be sitting back saying; “Those fools in the Kings front office are STILL leaking they want Simmons. SMH.”

Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 11:52 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I think you could argue Fox would be the better player when paired with Embiid. Maybe only Ja gets to the rim better than Fox.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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January 18, 2022 11:55 am
Reply to  Rosevillain

I feel that if the 76ers are serious about making a title run this year, then players like Buddy and Barnes for Simmons makes them a better team than Fox for Simmons.

Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 12:00 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

You gotta think there’s a better deal out there than that, though. If Morey is saying he wants an All Star level player, Fox is the closest thing we have talent wise. And I do think he can become that on another team, where passion and winning exist.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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January 18, 2022 12:15 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

For me, it’s about winning a title. Is Fox better than Buddy or Barnes? For sure, but that doesn’t make the 76ers better. Buddy and Barens, or any combo/trio of solid role players takes Philly to the next level as opposed to another “star” That’s how the Bucks did it. They added ancillary talent and depth around their superstar to win the title last year.

Again, it’s just my take, but I think Morey would be wise to follow that path as opposed to adding another “star” to Embiid.

Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 12:46 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I think Fox makes them better, but I’d give Morey whichever he wants.

NorCalKingsFan
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January 18, 2022 8:00 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Morey’s ego will prevent him from getting the best package for the team, he only cares about the perception of whether or not he “won” the trade.

Amonk81
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January 18, 2022 3:55 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

Not sure Fox can blossom
into an all star when he can’t shoot from 3 not defends well.

Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 4:50 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

I’m not sure either, but winning cures a lot of things.

Amonk81
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January 18, 2022 3:53 pm
Reply to  furious.d

Exactly. The Kangz really think Fox is a 1-guy to build around.

He’s your 2nd or 3rd best player on a championship contending team.

This shit ain’t complicated. Except when you have a piece of shit owner messing it all up.

nonstripedzebra
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January 18, 2022 11:06 am
Reply to  Marty

I think that it’s true that the Sixers would have little to no interest in Fox unless it really came down to the wire, which then points to a three way deal. But this leads to one of the possible underlining reasons of maybe favoring a Fox trade to begin with, which is the depth of guards broadly. The pool of teams possibly interested seems slim to begin with let alone in aid of a three team deal.

Of possible teams that would warrant interest in support of a Simmons trade I see the Pelicans and the Rockets. Maybe New York as well although I am not sure what they could send outbound. That said those teams would also have to favor Fox than just trading for Simmons on their own.

Last edited 2 years ago by nonstripedzebra
Marty
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January 18, 2022 12:35 pm

The question is; does Morey think the best player to pair with Embiid will be available this offseason? I think the answer is yes, and the fanbase seems to have calmed down, and has to a large part accepted this line of thinking.

Carl
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January 18, 2022 1:53 pm
Reply to  Marty

Yep. This is why I think the most likely scenarios for the Kings are: #1 Nothing (or basically nothing), #2 Tobias Harris. I don’t see Sabonis or Simmons happening.

comment image

Maybe Indy just doesn’t do it, but Philly sends Indy at least one first with this deal.

RikSmits
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January 18, 2022 10:06 am

I heart Sabonis.

Seeing it is believing it.

What is Sabonis’ contract situation?

furious.d
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January 18, 2022 10:08 am
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2yr / $41M remaining on Sabonis’s deal after this season.

RikSmits
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January 18, 2022 10:11 am
Reply to  furious.d

Yeah, that’s very interesting.

Kingsguru21
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January 18, 2022 3:01 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Also makes the Pacers wanting to ask for superstar franchise prices at that type of price for production.

RobHessing
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January 18, 2022 10:08 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Nice contract – $18.6m this year, $19.9m next year, $21.3m the following year.

TheGrantNapear
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January 18, 2022 10:30 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Hali and Sabonis could work some magic.

nonstripedzebra
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January 18, 2022 10:12 am

My wishes would be for the team to tank and trade any number of players not named Haliburton for future assets. But with that out of the cards and no connections of that being the franchise priorities, I can at least be hypothetically engaged with either of these players next to Haliburton. Placing an emphasis on playmaking while the league seems to be realizing limits to heliocentric offenses is a worthy zag. Both I can see abstractly aiding Haliburton’s strengths and others around them. And broadly speaking connecting basketball, with players able to create between scoring entities is what should be pursued.

If Fox can be the leverage for either of these two I would reticently cosign. His commitment to this city has been admirable, but his position is one of assessable replacements that maybe are already on the Kings roster. His gifts aren’t the most suitable for us as Haliburton’s role and timeline becomes priority. Thats not reflected in his value contractually or his ability to be secondary to Tyrese.

Simmons comes with nerves sure, but it’s an upside play that I can at least understand considering our market. And the playmaking combination and defensive strengths could be engaging longterm and improve others. And that comes from someone with major reservations of him. (If he could just accept shooting free throws underhand). Sabonis is the kind of player I root for. It’s an investment in IQ and I will never scoff at that. And his age like Simmons doesn’t vault past the rest of our rosters timeline.

These are worthy directions for a rudderless franchise. They might not work out but if the team is forcing being competitive immediately, the logic of these deals are more sound than the present. If it fails to similar degrees I think it does so with more merit. But in no way is Haliburton allowed to be the outbound asset. That is non negotiable.

Last edited 2 years ago by nonstripedzebra
murraytant
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January 18, 2022 12:56 pm

we are on same page. Hali is most valuable and most all re-build teams keep one player (SGA in OKC, Booker in Phoenix, LaVine at Bulls, KAT in Minnesota) There are some exceptions- Cavs dumped them all as is Houston and Orlando (although they did keep Fultz and Issaac- the always injured duo)
Buddy and Barnes and Bagley simply will not be a part of a real play-off team. Fox may have to go to get something in return.

I would consider taking Harris with Simmonds as long as there are no outgoing picks. Philly gets a deal with that offer.

Gregoryl
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January 18, 2022 12:59 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Dangling Harris out there is a pretty clear indicator that Morey is not getting the offers he wants for Simmons alone. If he gets a lesser return than what he floated out there months ago (ie. All-Star talent, multiple picks, etc. for Simmons), he saves face by saying, “Yeah, but we also dumped the Harris deal”

BestHyperboleEver
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January 18, 2022 3:40 pm
Reply to  murraytant

SGA and Lavine were acquired as part of their current teams’ rebuilds.

Kingsguru21
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January 18, 2022 4:41 pm

I think that’s a generous way of looking at LaVine’s situation in Chicago.

MichaelMack
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January 18, 2022 8:19 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

they matched Vlade’s offer!

furious.d
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January 18, 2022 10:14 am

Whether we keep Fox or trade for Simmons, we better have a plan to acquire Myles Turner or throw a bag at Bobby Portis in the offseason. There is not one contender in the league built around a non-spacing lead ballhandler (Fox/Simmons) AND a non-spacing big (Holmes).

RobHessing
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January 18, 2022 10:16 am
Reply to  furious.d

Turner is now out with a stress injury in his foot. If you trade for Turner, you are basically trading for one year of him at this point.

furious.d
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January 18, 2022 10:23 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Yikes – always hate to hear about a 7 footer with a foot injury. Rarely does that end well.

Which just means the options for building around non-spacing PGs are even more limited than they already were. It’s gonna be very hard to move Fox for a player with comparable production, unless he figures out his shooting. I’m not holding my breath.

murraytant
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January 18, 2022 12:29 pm
Reply to  furious.d

think Zion, Bill Walton etc. Foot injury= bad

RobHessing
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January 18, 2022 10:15 am

Sabonis is a bit like player Vlade Divac. Good low post / mid-range player that passes really well for a big man. He is not really a defensive presence or a player that works beyond the arc, so you would want to augment him with a stretch 4/5 that can provide rim protection. I do like him as a player, but he does not fix what ails the Kings all by himself. He’d be enjoyable to watch, though. And he’s on a very reasonable contract.

RikSmits
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January 18, 2022 10:21 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Trade for a player and future GM in one stroke? That’s basketball 3.1!

eddie41
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January 18, 2022 10:50 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Enjoyable to watch is a start. Could work well with Haliburton and Mitchell in the backcourt.

KingOfTheMonsters
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January 18, 2022 10:52 am
Reply to  RobHessing

When I visited the Pacers fan site, most of them preferred to send out Sabonis over Turner. I asked why and they said Sabonis tends to slow the pace down. The ball goes to him and the team waits and waits, and he clogs the lane for guards. He gets his points, but is he really going to fit on the Kings when the Kings keep preaching pace?

Ifeanyi
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January 18, 2022 12:26 pm

Wow that’s an interesting piece of info, didn’t know that.

Amonk81
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January 18, 2022 4:00 pm

They keep preaching pace but don’t run, or when they do they still lose.

Pace isn’t an indicator of winning in playoffs. Or a weak one. It’s how you can win some in regular season.

And winning some in regular season seems to be the Kangz goal.

rockbottom
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January 18, 2022 5:14 pm

Same game and talents as Webber ! He would make the Kings better ! He has been the best player on several playoff teams and young and underpaid ! The dribble happy guards are the problem !

KangzofLeon
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January 18, 2022 11:42 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Turner seems to fit that exact complementary role to sabonis, so why do you suppose Indiana has stunk so bad?

Adamsite
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January 18, 2022 11:50 am
Reply to  KangzofLeon

They’ve been hit pretty bad with injures. Where the Kings have had 5 players hit the 40 game mark so far this season. Indy has only had 2, in Sabonis and Turner. Brogdon has missed nearly half of the season.

RobHessing
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January 18, 2022 2:30 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

This. Plus I think that Turner wants a bigger role offensively, and the facilitation has lacked overall on offense, especially with Brogdon out. McConnell’s been out some, too, and Sabs leads the team in total assists this season.

rockbottom
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January 18, 2022 5:16 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

TJ Warren has not played a game and is a proven 20 point scorer ! Big loss !

NorCalKingsFan
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January 18, 2022 8:10 pm
Reply to  KangzofLeon

This is what I don’t get about it this proposed deal, Turner solves two problems (spacing and rim protection), Sabonis doesn’t solve any issues on his own. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a real good player but he’s not a good fit and is even more difficult to build around than Fox is. Would rather have Fox if he were the price. I think its extremely telling that they are looking to move Sabonis and not Turner. I’d much rather have Turner if it was option, if not, I would look elsewhere.

I’m not one these blow it up for the sake if blowing it up people, would rather improve slowly over time through the draft. Maybe let the GM finally pick a coach before we make drastic changes to the team.

154-98
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January 18, 2022 7:04 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Easy peasy then – get Sabonis and find a piece that’s a bit like player Chris Webber, one like DC, one like the Bibbenator, and one like Luka Peja

TheGrantNapear
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January 18, 2022 10:30 am

BLOW IT UP

SMF-PDXConnection
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January 18, 2022 10:35 am

Yeah, and I’m pursuing the White House in 2028.

RobHessing
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January 18, 2022 10:36 am

Based on my perceived alternatives, you can count on my vote.

SMF-PDXConnection
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January 18, 2022 11:00 am
Reply to  RobHessing

All right, locked up the pantsless demographic six years early!

KingOfTheMonsters
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January 18, 2022 11:08 am

The Emperor Has No Clothes Party.

RobHessing
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January 18, 2022 11:12 am

MAGA: Make America Garmentless Again!

KingOfTheMonsters
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January 18, 2022 11:14 am
Reply to  RobHessing

There’s a lot of nudity in Congress right now, just nobody’s saying.

SMF-PDXConnection
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January 18, 2022 11:35 am
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comment image

SierraSpartan
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January 18, 2022 12:54 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

(radio skritch)

“…but the Senator, while insisting he was not intoxicated, could not explain his nudity.”

(radio skritch)

♫ “Baby, if you ever wondered…wondered whatever became of me…” ♫

Marty
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January 18, 2022 10:41 am

BREAKING! Kings front office leaks to Sam they’re REALLY REALLY REALLY trying to make big trades this time. No, really.

NEXT.

RikSmits
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January 18, 2022 10:43 am
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KingOfTheMonsters
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January 18, 2022 11:14 am
Reply to  Marty

We need another leak ensuring us that Monte is really in charge. Really. No, really.

JackassCentral916
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January 18, 2022 10:42 am

The trade value of our guys will be higher on draft night. Keep holding out for a better return Monte!

Sacto_J
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January 18, 2022 10:50 am

Report: Kings pursuing Ben Simmons or Damontis Sabonis
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January 18, 2022 11:27 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I’d offer Fox for Sabonis and Warren’s dead contract, but I don’t think that I’d offer a 1st in that deal. I’d even throw in Holmes and they could throw in Holiday.

Then I would go after PJ Washington – Cojo’s trade exception and a highly protected pick that would likely convey into future 2nds after a couple of years.

Now I’m rolling with PJ / Sabs / Barnes / Hali / Hield, with Davi and Holiday off the bench, and I can still look for Barnes and Hield deals.

Won’t happen in a million years.

Adamsite
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January 18, 2022 11:34 am
Reply to  RobHessing

I don’t think Fox for Sabonis and a expiring gets it done. Sabonis is the better player on the better deal. I think the Kings would need to sweeten the deal with an unprotected pick.

For perspective, IMO, Sabonis would instantly be the best player on the Kings and Fox wouldn’t even be the best player in the backcourt for Indy.

Jack
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January 18, 2022 2:09 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

What about this. Fox and Metu for Grant and Bey. Heild, Bagley and a first for Turner and Lamb. Barnes and Holmes for Murray, Vassell and Collins. Starters would be Murray, Haliburton, Bey, Grant and Turner. Next would be Mitchell, Davis/Lamb, Vassell/Lamb, Collins, Jones/Queta. Both Harkless and Len have expiring contracts.

Jack
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January 18, 2022 3:59 pm
Reply to  Jack

I would change things a little.Heild and Mitchell and first for just Turner,no Lamb That means we need another point gard for Mitchell. Someone like Tyrus Jones. Maybe a Bagley trade and a second would get him. Now it would be Murray, Haliburton, Bey, Grant and Turner. Backups would be Jones, Davis, Vassell, Collins, Jones/Queta.

murraytant
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January 18, 2022 12:58 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

more than a million

rockbottom
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January 18, 2022 5:20 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Has a chance in maybe a thousand years ! Just hang in as long as you can !

SexyNapear
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January 18, 2022 10:56 am

Are things really that bad with Sabonis and Turner playing together. I’m kind of stumped why you would want to blow up that team.

KingOfTheMonsters
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January 18, 2022 11:11 am
Reply to  SexyNapear

I mentioned this in the comments below (above?). I chatted with the Pacers fans on their fan-site. Most would prefer to keep Turner. They said the offense slows when Sabonis gets the ball and he clogs the lane. He gets his points but look at their record.
Based on that, I have a hard time seeing how he would fit on the Kings. But any change might be better than what we have now. Maybe.

Last edited 2 years ago by KingOfTheMonsters
rockbottom
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January 18, 2022 5:40 pm

Their overall record with him as their best player is very good ! This season is an outlier ! No TJ Warren all season and Brogden and Lavert has missed a lot of games ! Watch the guy play and check his numbers !

aplumley
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January 18, 2022 11:14 am

Let’s get a team with Simmons, Domantas, and Hali as the big three. There is certain to be a lot of ball movement.

HeuristicLineup
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January 18, 2022 11:21 am

I too am trying to trade for good NBA players.

Ialmostmissthemaloofs
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January 18, 2022 11:39 am

You know, I’ve been lurking around here forever, and have not posted in I don’t know how long. I don’t even watch Kings basketball anymore as I gave up on this shitshow quite a while ago.

I thought I liked Fox, Barnes, Hali, and Holmes… but you know what… It doesn’t matter. When I can’t even bring myself to care enough to watch the games anymore because they are so bad, I realize I don’t care who they trade. If they traded every single player on this roster for 15 brand new names, it would not phase me in the least. I have zero attachment to any of it anymore.

Until this team is over .500 and a legitimate 8th seed (don’t bother me with play in pipe dreams. No play in team is ever going to win a championship.) I simply can’t find any fucks to give. IF we land someone like Simmons or Sabonis, I will probably be curious… but I just know that it won’t change anything and our record will stay the same. I’m kind of convinced that we could flip rosters straight out with the Suns and that team would immediately start losing just as a result of being HERE. Sad I know, but that is where I’m stuck.

Wow. I really just flew in, dropped a bunch of negative shit, and took off. I’m almost ashamed, but I guess that’s what it is.

Ok. Mr. Good Cheer signing off now. I wish you all a lovely day!

Ifeanyi
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January 18, 2022 12:36 pm

No worries, a lot of us feel the exact same way as you do. Cheers!

murraytant
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January 18, 2022 1:03 pm

a fly by for sure. Distance has given good perspective.
Kings are absolutely stuck- not attractive for FA’s, lousy pick options and under-valued players to trade. Under-valued is an interesting concept- if they have little value for others then the market deicides not my fan-boy attachments.
Dump them all, keep one (Hali) – get at least one NBA player even if it means taking on bad contracts for a while but do not give up future picks- that is where the free stuff is.

BabalooMagoo
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January 18, 2022 1:34 pm

Keep Haliburton. Other than that you are a voice of reason.

AllHailBurton
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January 19, 2022 5:10 am

I signed in for the first time in forever just to give you a thumbs up and say I feel the exact same way. I’ve always been a kings fan, but I have never felt like this before. I just don’t know how to give a fuck anymore.

Last edited 2 years ago by Jared Lawson
Gojira2021
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January 18, 2022 11:47 am

There’s probably a good chance that if Simmons does get traded here, he’ll realize after half a season that it was huge mistake and pull the same “trade me/sit out” scenario currently going on in Philly.

Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 12:15 pm
Reply to  Gojira2021

No way. He’d destroy any credibility he had left. Even he knows that. Plus, he’d be treated like a god here, which is what he really wants.

murraytant
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January 18, 2022 1:04 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

as in “OMG !” shoot the damn ball.

AnybodyButBagley
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January 18, 2022 8:25 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

I see your point but….,,

Refusing to play for the Kings is much more credible than quitting a contender.

AnybodyButBagley
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January 18, 2022 12:04 pm

REPORT: KINGS SUCK

A trade is required.

deepshot22
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January 18, 2022 12:10 pm

First trade:
Turner and Warren for Barnes and Bagley (add filler if needed)

Second trade:
Simmons for Fox (add filler if needed)

Starting Lineup:
Davion, Hali, Simmons, Turner, Buddy or Holmes

I’d still look to trade Holmes and Buddy for bench pieces.

GFunkClassic
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January 18, 2022 5:23 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Crazy SA only needed 1 for a couple decades of dominance.

Gregoryl
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January 18, 2022 12:31 pm

Let’s be honest here: which one does Matina want?

rff
citykidd
January 18, 2022 12:39 pm

If you were Kings management would you not be vary of Simmons quitting on you like he did in Philly?

Gregoryl
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January 18, 2022 12:42 pm
Reply to  citykidd

I think Kings management, and mainly Monte’s group, knows they have to do something big…

rff
citykidd
January 18, 2022 12:54 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

I agree they have do something to improve the team, but is Simmons the right choice. I just don’t know.

Gregoryl
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January 18, 2022 12:56 pm
Reply to  citykidd

Simmons is not ideal, I agree. Would much rather pursue a strong-minded player that will change the culture (ie. Chris Paul-type, maybe Marcus Smart?) as opposed to a player who could get swallowed up by the loser mentality that permeates the Kings.

Last edited 2 years ago by Gregoryl
Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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January 18, 2022 1:10 pm
Reply to  citykidd

Not really. He was thrown under the bus by his coach and star teammate. He rightfully asked for a trade. Morey has been the one to sit on him until an offer he deems fit comes through.

I’d put money on Simmons stepping up is play with a chip on his shoulder no matter where he ends up. I really believe he is the type of guy that could turn this franchise around. The Kings have really only made two legit franchise altering trades in Richmond and Webber, the latter being nearly 25 years ago. I think it is time for that kind of of swing for the fences move again.

rff
citykidd
January 18, 2022 1:17 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I agree with the swinging for the fences part. I know I’m in the minority here but I really like the Fox, Hali, Mitchell back court combination. Whomever the Kings acquire I wish they wouldn’t have to trade any of those 3.

Murf
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January 18, 2022 2:54 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Based on what, I think he might be damaged goods who is owed big money. I’m all for making a move but Simmons would not be that move. I’d only move him over some combo of Bagley, Heild and Barnes

murraytant
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January 18, 2022 12:47 pm

I do think a lot of this is pure diversion. Kings suck and we get sucked into thinking a big bad trade will make it all go away. Don’t think so. Both these targets have flaws. Neither is a single answer. and both cost a pretty penny and more.

On the other hand, this team just sucks. At this point, something does have to be done. My preference is just don’t mortgage draft picks. I know Kings have sucked at that game, but it is the only way to get value for nothing. Trading and sign and trades are costly unless the S and T is lucky. Kings have to overpay for FA’s- we can see that- then those guys become untradable. The only free acquisition is a pick. Keep the freebies.
If ether of the flawed Sabonis (clogs the middle) or the flawed Simmonds (can’t shoot) can be acquired for players only, then ok.
The only potential keeper players are Fox and Hali and both of them are flawed in their very own special way. At this point, I prefer to keep Hali- cheaper and a better passer.
2022 Draft has 2 sure fire picks and is strong down to 8. So don’t get 9.

Rookie ladder came out- Mitchell not on it. The usual suspects + Duarte, Herb Jones, Dusuno from the Bulls, all rated higher than the #9 Mitchell.
The mid lottery picks are always a crapshoot.
Standing pat with quite a few trying to lose teams means get #9 or above. A tweak trade probably the same. A big trade of just players may result in less wins. Fine with that.
The tear down teams usually have kept a single player to build around. Seems like a plan- keeping more than 1 is holding back.

KDsBurnerAccount
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January 18, 2022 12:52 pm

Ideally, we tear this team down and build from scratch again. However, I realize this Front Office has grand aspirations of earning a trip to the Play-ins with that coveted 10th seed… so a trade we must.

I want nothing more than Fox hoisting the NBA Finals MVP trophy, but that isn’t happening with the Kings. We have gone nowhere with him. I love him as a person and player, but trading him is best for both the team and Fox.

Haliburton is, in my opinion, the ONLY asset that we keep. He is non-negotiable as another Kings Herald poster said earlier. He has a playstyle that will fit with darn near any system or player. He’s got a good attitude as well.

I have never really like Simmons dating back to his rookie season. I’ve always felt he was overrated. But if the Kings want him so bad, they shouldn’t cave to the Sixers. THEY have ZERO leverage. THEY are the ones wasting a limited Championship window with Embiid in his prime. THEY have a diva ‘star’ player who can’t shoot. Please use this advantage, Monte!

That all said, I fully expect the Kangz to trade Fox, Hali, and 2 First Round picks for Simmons and a protected Second Round pick. Then we fall just short of the 10th seed.

Rosevillain
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January 18, 2022 12:57 pm

Agree, have to try to keep Hali to pair with Simmons. He’s shooting an amazing 43% from 3 and needs 10 attempts a game instead 4.5. He’d likely get those with Simmons instead of Fox.

rockbottom
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January 18, 2022 10:10 pm

Remember J Will and Corliss Williamson became key guys on NBA Champs after being traded !

SierraSpartan
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January 18, 2022 1:06 pm

I hear and see the calls to “do something big” and I get that.

Trouble is, everyone else around the Association knows SAC may try to do “something big” and we end up with unprotected FRPs and pick swaps until Kingdom Come being traded out for guys who (if they have any sort of success) will want out ASAP.

Myself, I’d like instead to see the Kings “do something smart.” In my mind, that’s clearing some of the dead wood for expirings and second-rounders which could be packaged at or near Draft Day to move up, drafting well, and slowly moving up in a now-weakening WC table.

Nothing good is achieved if the Kings mortgage what limited future they may have now for a one-year shot at the play-in.

Rik put up the chart above of the number of times teams have had a single-digit draft pick since 1990, and down in the bottom four of that list you see Indy, San Antonio, Utah, and Miami. At least three of those clubs have a solid rep for doing things smart instead of things big. Those three clubs are also smaller-market teams who don’t have the ability to dive both-feet into the FA market whenever the eff they feel like it.

I would gladly see this team tank for the next two-three years if it meant that they were actually doing things smart instead of bringing in a potential head case like Simmons and trading away years’ worth of future FRPs for the privilege.

Gregoryl
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January 18, 2022 1:10 pm
Reply to  SierraSpartan

Agreed. The dopes running this org should have pulled the trigger on deals last season when they didn’t “have to” do anything, instead they chased (and failed) at making the play-in game.

BigDrewbot
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January 18, 2022 7:56 pm
Reply to  SierraSpartan

Agree 100%. What good does it do to mortgage the future by trading 1 or 2 or 3 future 1st round picks plus our best player(s) (such that they are) to get Simmons or Sabonis. Now we have 1 great player surrounded by….nothing. 1 on 5 ain’t gonna win a lot. And then you have to go big time into the free agent market to fill all the holes to desperately hit a rapidly closing, narrow window, most likely destroying your cap space and extending the pain well into another rebuild.

Just tear it down…trade anything moving for draft picks and expiring contracts and at least have hope for the future as long as Vivek promises to be far away on draft night and Vlade is locked out of the building.

It’s not like the team could really be that much worse than it already is…is 15-67 that much worse for fans than 35 – 47? (Which would pathetically be a high water mark for the past 15 years except for the exceptional campaigns of 2018/19 (powerhouse 39-43) and 2007/08 (38-44…just sniffing those playo….yeah, who are we kidding).

NotMe
January 18, 2022 1:23 pm

“Yeah, if we can’t get Simmons we’ll take Sabonis.”

“I love lobster so I’ll have the lobster with black bean sauce and rice, but if you’re out of lobster just substitute in chocolate ice cream, I love that too. I don’t really care if it all works together.”

Carl
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January 18, 2022 1:31 pm

Kings pursuing Ben Simmons or Domantas Sabonis

I hope the Kings front office knows that it makes way more sense for these two teams to deal with each other than with the Kings. I don’t expect the front office to have a backup plan for every possible eventuality, but the likelihood is neither of these guys are being traded to the Kings. I don’t really want to hear “If there’s a trade that makes the team better, we’ll do it,” again after doing nothing at the deadline. I hope they pull off something big, and if that doesn’t happen, I hope they start dealing realistically with the value of these players.

ArcoThunder
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January 18, 2022 2:11 pm

Is Simmons the right player? Is he mentally damaged and or a head case? Those are the most common questions/concerns surrounding Simmons from fans in here and beyond. I’ll say this… he is absolutely worth taking the risk to find out. No point in worrying when the team is as bad as it is now. If it doesn’t workout with Simmons because he’s a mental case (which I doubt) then it was a good try and I can at least appreciate that. Let’s not forget, Webber was a head case and look what getting him did for this franchise and city.

ArcoThunder
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January 18, 2022 2:15 pm

For the record, getting Simmons and Harris for Barnes, Buddy, Marvin and Tristan Thompson is a very good deal for Philly. It makes them better this year and enables them to invest in a HUGE free agent this off season.

that’s the trade that should happen. I would happily take on Harris and Simmons for that price. Don’t care about the financial commitment over the next couple of years. VERY WELL WORTH THE RISK!

Holmes, Simmons, Harris, Haliburton and Fox as as starting 5 is a serious team on paper.

SneakerKing
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January 18, 2022 2:40 pm

I just saw from Tim Montemayor’s twitter feed that the Utah Jazz are putting everyone on the table except Donovan Mitchell for trade. Said they would even consider trading Gobert. Perhaps a trade partner for Sac?

Widowwolf
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January 18, 2022 4:55 pm
Reply to  SneakerKing

Hey, let’s go get Gay and Whiteside back. Gobert, Gay, and Whitside for Holmes, Bagley and Hield and a Pick and then do Fox, Barnes, Thompson and a pick for Harris and Simmons.

Simmons > Mitchell
Haliburton > Davis
Gay > Harkless
Harris > Metu
Gobert > Len

Then Sign Tyreke, Isiaih, and Cousins as Free agents. We can’t lose!

ArcoThunder
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January 18, 2022 11:51 pm
Reply to  Widowwolf

Signing tyreke, Isaiah and Cousins as the new bench mob would be epic

Kingsguru21
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January 18, 2022 4:33 pm

Just like the Kuzma trade, I don’t really care for it. The difference is, I wasn’t strongly against Kuzma, just not especially enamored of his body of work in LA. And I was more than happy to be wrong because I did think he probably needed a real change of scenery and Buddy needed to go. There was at least more than one way to skin that cat. Plus, Kuzma’s deal is smaller and easier to deal (Domantas Sabonis?) if it comes to that.

This type of Harris-Simmons trade combined with picks is a different animal. This feels like ownership is desperate. I mean, this was obviously on the table last summer. Why not do that then if you, the basketball people in the FO, really think it’s the right move to do? And if you do think it’s the right thing to do and you couldn’t convince ownership to do it last summer, why does it take 65% of the season being completed to change your minds Kings owners?

This just screams desperation all the way around, and I’m not sure I wish to know what the truth is.

That said, I don’t like this move and hope the Kings do not do it. It’s a bad idea with a lot of potential to really screw the Kings for a lot of years in a really bad way. They freaked out over a single pick for years, and they are going to trade two for the privilege of being the set that sets the scene for Ben Simmons’ revenge tour?

In the end, I’ll still be a fan. But this feels like a lot of downside with a lot of things that have to go right for a franchise that is known for not only getting things wrong but getting these very kinds of things wrong.

I do like Sabonis, and John Collins would be my preferred target of anyone potentially available. But, we’ll see. I would much rather see the Kings trade Buddy for an expiring to Cleveland or a team that could use Buddy, and have that be the big move the Kings make because it’s improvement even if it’s not great improvement at this deadline. Forcing moves is almost always a bad idea and the lack of patience is just as much a problem as the inability to properly judge value is.

Yeah, I’m fully expecting a Simmons-Harris swap unless neither Sac and Philly can pull off a 5 for 5 type deal (which is very tough to pull off in the regular season due to roster size constraints). But that’s not the type of deal I was hoping the franchise would choose when I said they needed to pick a path. That’s just a bad, short-sighted path IMO.

GFunkClassic
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January 18, 2022 5:19 pm

Simmons is high risk, high reward. I like it because it moves the needle.

It depends on what we give up to get Sabonis. There’s a reason the Pacers are getting rid of a 25yr old big man putting up solid numbers. His game is a bit antiquated, and doesn’t lead to more team wins.

Kings-Rebuild
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January 18, 2022 8:52 pm
Reply to  GFunkClassic

I agree he’s a really solid player but I think we’ve seen the best of him. He’s a little stiff, limited defensively and not a great athlete by NBA standard. I’d take him certainly for the right deal but let’s be careful how far we go with this. Some of the offers being thrown around like Fox and two first rounders don’t work for me. Maybe Fox straight across idk., or you can throw in Bagley with Fox.

ajonez81
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January 18, 2022 6:27 pm

This article is like a copy paste of 20 previous ones…wake me up when there’s a deal.

154-98
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January 18, 2022 7:01 pm

It’s been 5,964 days since we last lifted the trophy. Yolanda Griffith was amazing that fall of 2005.

I truly expect nothing from the Kangz and somehow they will find a way to disappoint. Bank on it.

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