The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers are nearing a trade for Chris Duarte, and that the Kings would send back draft compensation:
The Indiana Pacers are nearing a trade sending guard Chris Duarte to the Sacramento Kings for draft compensation, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2023
Duarte is 26 years old and entering his third year in the NBA. After a strong rookie season, he struggled last year and regressed in both his 2 point and 3 point shooting percentages. It is worth noting, some of that may be related to losing Domantas Sabonis:
I’ve said this many times, but no one assisted Duarte more during his rookie season than Sabonis. That wasn’t the only reason he struggled last season, but it was a factor among many.
He missed that two-man game wavelength. They also both speak Spanish and were close. https://t.co/50Qk7MMpYt
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) June 30, 2023
While we don’t know any additional specifics, this is likely a deal where the Kings would send one or multiple second round picks. The Pacers would open up salary as they continue to be big players in free agency, and the Kings would take a low-risk chance on a player who had been successful with Sabonis. Duarte can play some small forward as well, in case you were wondering.
Duarte makes around $4.1 million this upcoming season, with a team option for $5.89 million the following year.
We’ll continue to update as we learn more.
Chemistry is King!
Got to love MM, always coming out of left field with his moves.
Current depth chart:
Fox, Davion
KH, Monk, TD
KM, Duarte, Kessler
HB
Sabonis
The obvious holes are at the 4 and 5…hoping for a Brook or Wood signing today!
It is interesting to not that Duarte played most of his minutes last season at SF. He should provide solid wing depth at the 2/3.
I don’t much about Duarte as I’ve never seen him play. I recall he had an excellent rookie season and that’s about it.
I don’t think TD is going to be back.
This move and the Colby pick signal no room left for TD.
And he shouldn’t. Too inconsistent for a 26/27 year old.
I believe TD is not currently a King.
Just bring over Sasha and bring back Lyles. Queta gets a shot at back up center minutes when it’s not Lyles going small ball 5.
Only roughly 13 minutes available for backup center, probably 5-8 depending on how long we go small. No decent center is going to sign under those circumstances.
All assets are good. Pacers drafted Mathurin and Nembhart last year, picked up Nesmith and drafted Ben Shepherd this year. These moves further drive Duarte down the depth chart.
Good pick up for a second round pick or 2. Hope that this move does not change any plans with Lyles.
I wonder if this changes the guard rotation- Delly and TD gone- Ellis still a two-way, Jones drafted. Do the Kings need a third PG?
If Fox or Davion miss time, can they do ok?
Orlando drafted Anthony Black- a PG-SG and had Fultz, Suggs and Cole Anthony- a log jam.
There is a sequence and timing to all of this. Sasha, Lyles next? and a backup for DS.
Dozier expendable.
Seems like we are a little guard and wing heave at this point. I also don’t think this rules out Lyles whatsoever as he’s mainly a 4 and 5.
Indy has been drafting and trading for guards for two years now. They’ve got some good ones, but at some point, there’s an odd man out.
Duarte is a mini-reclamation project, and I think he’ll be playing to his capabilities sooner rather than later.
Plenty of options at PG. Jones and Monk can make plays. In the half court it’s mostly run through Sabonis anyway. The team’s remaining issue is big man depth. Sasha/Lyles/a big body are still needed. Maybe Neemias is ready? Bamba? I’m not sure they would still have cap room for much better.
True that paly through DS but if he is not on the court need a bit more precision.
Jones- maybe – Monk? not playing to his strengths. Both of these guys are good secondary playmakers but not as good as primary.
Agree though, nowhere the issue that big guys are.
Q- ready? just not sure. Not Bomba
Great, but can we also get Cash Considerations?
I need my annual Cash Considerations!
got that last year with Kessler Edwards. was that not enough? want even more?
It’s an addiction, what can I say?
I blame Vlavek.
Would you also like the draft rights to Oriakhi?
Do we still have his rights? He averaged 12pt/13rb in the Serie A Beko league. He could be the answer to our rebounding issues.
We got “TPE” already, so we need to get “The rights to” to complete the trifecta!
And that is “according to sources” that you get this information, to keep it on the regular
Not too familiar with his game, but looks like a good deal for the Kings. They acquired a guard with some potential for practically nothing. A no-brainer when it comes to assets.
Pretty athletic, slasher. Shoots the 3 but far more effective from left corner than right.
Has length
Defense?
Not really.
Maybe?
From 2021, Sam Vecenie’s college prospect report.
At worst, he replaces Terence Davis. At best, he gives the Kings added depth, as well as the agility to make other deals to bolster the roster.
I was just looking at his advanced stats from the past 2 seasons and nothing really jumped off the page to me.
Agreed, that he is the TD replacement, but a bit longer. It makes me wonder if Monte want’s to two-way both Colby Jones and Slawson, because I saw either of them as the TD replacement before this trade.
I think that’s the best option for both Jones and Slawson. I have a hard time seeing two 2nd rounders getting much time on a team looking to repeat as a 3rd seed.
Given the current glut of guards and wings I imagine Jones and Slawson start their careers in Stockton.
I think Q and Ellis were both offered 2 way deals. You can only have 3 players on 2-way.
That offer, though, may have been just a place holder for now. at the same time, I suspect that Jones will be with the big team.
Q and Ellis qualifying offers were extended to hold their rights, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be back. I’m guessing all they have right now is a summer league spot and a camp invite.
Adding that Queta is not eligible for a two-way contract.
so big team or bust for Q.
I do think Jones will be with the big team but If the Kings continue stockpiling acquisitions, he might be one of the 2 ways guys.
I want Lyles, Yuta and Sasha and Kings need backup for DSand ?? third PG.
I’m predicting he’s a 2way. He can start the nba season in the starting lineup for the Sacramento Kings (if Mike Brown determines that he should be) and his 2 way contract doesn’t stand in the way of that. They can always restructure his contract past the 2 way classification if his spot in the rotation is fully established.
He needs to be promoted to the big club. I’ll be disappointed if he’s not. If he’s used in a trade then I could accept that also.
Q should definitely be a backup center on the big club. I have zero doubt on that. For the cost, the current need on this squad, his size, rebounding prowess, shot blocking instinct in addition to his overall offensive game, familiarity with the core players and understanding of mikes browns system at such a LOW cost makes his promotion to the 15 man roster a no brainer to me.
Q can’t do anymore to prove he deserves a spot.
it’s a perfect fit.
At the cost (which I think is part of the reason #24 was traded) its easy and makes a ton of sense to have both those guys get major minutes in the G league for their first year (maybe longer). If one or both are so good they command minutes then that’s obviously a HUGE win for the franchise and team. Allows other guys to be traded for different pieces, to save money for future contract negotiations, etcetera. Unless Jones or Slawson absolutely show out and prove they need to be on the floor with the big club, slowly working their way in is the absolute best situation for the upcoming season. This latest trade for a backup guard/SF with 2 years experience in the NBA and a skill set and size that’s needed on this squad (in theory) illustrates this basic plan in my opinion.
Imagine Francisco Garcia, but with sense.
🤔🤔🤔…that’s actually not bad at all.
Agreed
Sounds awesome!
I will say this, I do like getting any player with upside about to go into their third season. Promising rookie year followed by a sophomore slump is a very common thing. Maybe year 3 we’ll get to witness a Duarte revival with a huge jump in efficiency.
The Duarte and Ox connection is a solid bonus. One would assume Domas shared some thoughts on his old teammate to help push for his acquisition. I tend to think that’s a good thing if not great thing. Ox know the vibe of this team and where it could use help on the court while also fitting in nicely. That’s a bonus.
I admittedly know nothing about this guy except that I remember hearing he had a solid rookie year and people were kind of excited about him in Indiana for a bit. Looking forward to seeing how coach Brown utilizes him.
Yup the kid was solid. For a minute I even thought Haliburton and Duarte were the Pacers backcourt of the future as both players had a really solid seasons. Obviously Duarte was riddled with injuries all throughout the season and missed a chunk of games. Didn’t help Mathurin and Nembhard were having solid seasons as well.
Good get by MM. I liked Duarte’s game especially his rookie season. Long, athletic and good size at the guard position and can obviously play the wing position as well.
I’m not all that concerned about his game taking a dip last year during his sophomore season. I think injuries played a roll with it and coupled with the loss of Sabonis and them drafting Mathurin definitely played a huge part. If he can stay healthy this season, I think he can be a solid contributor to this team.
Here’s to hoping we get 21/22 Duarte and not 22/23 Duarte. Man, those stats last year, WOOOF….
“Kings add Oregon Duck! (Stomach drops in anticipation of Dillon Brooks) Please welcome Chris Duarte!” (Whew!!!)
2nd team all rookie just a two seasons ago, but odd man out as the Pacers re-formatted their roster and style of play. A nice low risk move, pending the deets on the cost.
Feels like he is the Holiday/DDV/TD replacement. He’s a combo guard who shows heart and can punch above his weight.
The Trey Lyles of the backcourt? If it plays out the same way, color me thrilled.
Yes, I watched a lot of his rookie season as I was having Haliburton withdrawals and he was spectacular. Cuts well, athletic and long for a 2 can play the 3, also a good playmaker, there was a streak where he went off when Haliburton missed some games. Just turned 26 so an older Sophmore just the way Monte likes them. Last year was basically bad luck injury wise. If this is true and all it took was a few seconds for a lottery pick 2 years ago, this is a complete steal by Monte. Him being close with Sabonis is a bonis. See what I did here??
Sabby move
I was thinking along the same lines. Like Lyles, Duarte is a lottery pick who hasn’t quite found his footing yet. I thought Lyles was excellent in his role last year, and hope that he agrees to stay.
No big splash, but I like the group that’s coming together.
I like this.
Good length, good range, smart player.
Very fungible contract and a useful depth piece for any in-season trades as well.
Flexibility really seems paramount to Monte and staff. I feel like they want to be poised to pull the trigger on something significant rather than just settling for the Kuzma’s of the world.
yes, there seem to be two NBA poles: 1. get a big 3, even if this means that the depth suffers, fill in with the promise of winning and veteran contracts vs. 2. get wide ranging depth and multiple players.
Duarte is an NBA player, not a Kyle Guy or Justin James.
If Monte couldn’t get OG or Siakam, I was 100% on board with just running it back with some low-risk, high-upside moves like this that don’t threaten the general vibe. The team got better every month last season, let’s see it play out for another year.
Backup center still worries me, though.
Neemias!!!
I am now convinced that Monte has some kind of evaluation model that values upper classmen over younger prospects. You get a a seasoned player on a rookie scale until their mid to late 20’s. There is definitely a trend there.
I was thinking the same thing.
What a world we live in now where this is an identifiable direction and philosophy from the FO.
Absolutely. This front office does not seem interested in the three year project player, and given the cost, it sort of makes sense.
Haliburton was a sophomore but his game was pretty complete. At this point, though, I agree – Monte isn’t going to take a flier on a Shaedon Sharpe type of player (even though I wanted him in the 2022 draft and still think he might end up as the best player from that class)
I was curious to see if McNair changed his philosophy with the extension under his belt, but it sure looks like his penchant is to go after guys that can potentially contribute sooner than later. Likes guys from winning programs, too.
Current winning programs. Not winning programs from the 90’s the remain relevant due to recruiting.
I think they believe in it if it’s a second round pick. Way more cost effective.
I think MM taking KM over Ivey and Mathurin was the icing on the cake for me as far as what MM values in team building. Subsequent moves like the KH trade provides further evidence.
That leads me to how MM will fill the big man holes on this roster. Should be interesting to see.
D. Powell, Landale, not Poertl (sorry Jack), and there may be other table scraps out there. In a pinch Lyles can play some 5 but not in playoffs. But have to sign him.
Dallas wants to get rid of JaVale but his contract might be too high. He clogs the paint and the low lite reals.
That will never get old.
I’d guess that’s largely a reflection of where the team is at right now, and it’s the right way to proceed, as far as I know. (It’s this far: [—>] maybe less.)
When the right project comes along, I doubt that McNair will hesitate to scoop them up. He’s certainly not afraid to take a big swing if the circumstances are right.
Another “shooting” guard? …hello defense and rebounding? Anyone there? 😑
FWIW, this is Sam Vecenie’s (The Athletic) comments on Duarte coming out of college:
Duarte has been in the league for two years, I’d say at this point, that trumps Duarte’s college evals. Now admittedly, I don’t how Duarte has played on the defensive side of the ball since entering the league but the advanced stats are out there.
Not sure how much you can glean from that, either. Rookies are not known for their defensive chops as they learn the league, so throw those stats out, right? And he was hurt much of last year, so throw those stats out, too.
I guess time will tell.
Time will tell and so will Mike Browns observations.
GS really liked him during the 2021 draft and was willing to offer Moody in exchange for Duarte.
Not sure how much Brown was involved or was part of the group that was sold on Duarte but if he is, then Brown just got one of his guy.
There’s also a built-in ding on your numbers when you play on a team with terrible defense. Our kid Davion has a 118.5 DRtg for his two years, and a -1.2 DBPM. No one watching would consider him to be anything less than a superb defender.
Admittedly, Duarte isn’t joining a defensive juggernaut, but he plays smart defense and he’s likely to be a plus in his role.
Feels like the kind of profile that would have MB salivating. This is a kid he can work with and help shape into a useful defender.
defense and rebounding
I’m with you, this still hasn’t been addressed.
Yeah I’m thinking about getting manhandled by Kevin Looney in a playoff series with home court against a very beatable Warriors team. A legit power forward wins that series and goes at least to Denver. I have faith Monty will improve this area, otherwise I don’t think he can expect going much further next season.
Yep, Looney and draymoron destroying us on the inside gives me ptsd. I agree, if we had just one legit big a long with Sabonis, we win that series.
A healthy Fox probably does the same, or Barnes’ shot being 1/4″ over. But I get your point.
A healthy fox would have been nice, Barnes Shot was in line but a full inch long so I don’t really understand the narrative of how close this shot was other then it was in line as most wide open proffessionals would be. I think we address the rebounding next. We definitely needed more rebounding and physicality.
Or Huerter, Barnes, and Murray don’t slump for most of the series. There were many factors, not just rebounding.
Or Huerter, Barnes, and Murray don’t slump for most of the series. There were many factors, not just rebounding.
A healthy Fox probably does the same, or Barnes’ shot being 1/4″ over. But I get your point.
I agree on both these points, however these are variables that can’t be controlled and happen as they may (injuries, up and down play). The issue with getting destroyed on the interior in that series was a personnel one. Sabonis was the only actual big that was playable and even he was hindered by injuries. Two rotational caliber bigs need to be signed in FA to address this, one a starting 4 and the other a backup 4/5.
Just my two meaningless cents.
It still amazes my how much trouble Sabonis had with Looney. Not that KL isn’t very good at what he does, but we’ve seen Domas just move Brook Lopez out of his way, and that guy is a man-mountain.
What I like is that DS is likely working on what he needs to do to counteract situations where he struggles. And you know he’s working on this three-point shot! Man, if he can get to 35%, it really changes what defenses need to do. I hope he’s working on those elbow jumpers, too, he should be nailing those at around 70%, Brad Miller-style.
Sabonis getting confident in the elbow jumper would be a game changer. His 3pt shooting as it stands. is good enough. Sure it could and probably will improve but his % from dee last year was solid. He should just shoot it more often I guess?
Neemias can be and should be the back up 5 (replacing Alex Len). We till need a longer 4 that rebounds and protects the paint some. If he can hit an outside shout at 34% that would be a huge added bonus.
personally I feel like Kevin Love would be a pretty excellent fit for this team. But, maybe I’m just living in the past. :/
I mentioned it elsewhere, but the organization has got to find out if Queta is an NBA player or not, and that’s only going to happen if he gets twenty minutes per game. If Brown doesn’t think it’ll work, then you may as well give him the chance to play somewhere else.
Q is easy to like, and I hope he steps up if he’s given the opportunity.
Neemias can handle Looney.
I think
Okay, one more time.
The rebounding issues were mostly caused by bad team D. Our perimeter guys got a red carpet to the paint, Sabonis had to come over for help, leaving Looney free to roam the paint and hunt revounds. And the perimeter defenders were out of position/behind their guys and weren’t in position to block out.
A rebounding PF won’t fix much of that issue, IMO.
And I never thought I would say this, but if you don’t believe me, do like Luke Walton.
Watch the tape.
Once you know what to look for, it’s glaringly obvious.
You nailed it..
Interesting wrinkle here is that if Kings take Duarte into their space and don’t send any salary back (which is looks like they wont), they then free up more space for Indy to throw money at a guy like Kuzma.
Indy needs to start spending and pushing forward with their rebuild. Core pieces are there on good contracts in Haliburton, Mathurin and Turner. Landing a big name FA around that core can push them into being a top six team in the East.
yes, I think that’s their purpose here. They are not trying to be nice. They have a plan too. They are also looking at Max Strus.
and now looking at Bruce Brown with a huge overpay.
I hope we’re talking to Strus’ people, he’d be a nice get at the right price.
Same with Brown, to a lesser degree.
They going to be aggressive with big free agent offer sheets. They have some spending to do to hit the salary floor and still clearing space. I wonder if they have enough interest in Barnes to trade for Myles Turner.
Nice pickup. Seems to have a well rounded game.
It is easy to see why Monte McNair wants Chris Duarte. In fact, it is an obvious pattern.
See the hair. See the goatee. Hmmm where have I seen that?
See Jalen Slawson. See Colby Jones.
Pattern revealed!
He’s going to work a trade for Malcolm Brogdon soon!
I’m one of the numbskulls that thinks I have McNair figured out (23-26 year old 6’5″-6’7″ utility player with goatee – Got it!)
Expand the heights (John Collins) and the ages (Dario Saric) and you could be onto something
I think this would be a fantastic move. Duarte got edged out last year because of injury and Mathurin being drafted and there just wasn’t room for him. He was drafted as an older rookie for a team that was trying to contend for the playoffs and then the team went into a rebuild after the Sabonis trade. I would absolutely expect that we would get the best version of him if he joins the Kings.
I’m pretty much in love with everything Monte does these days
Nets pulled a fast one- sent Joe Harris with his 19.9 M contract to Detroit for nothing. Detroit had cap space. This not only eliminated a rival for Cam Johnson but gave them the money to go after Cam without going over the tax line.
Cam off the board for the Kings as i see it.
Espn let Jeff Van Gundy go. Let’s sign him!
And Jalen Rose.
Maybe I can actually watch NBA games on ESPN again.
Reggie Miller is still there!
MEH.
You may be spot on before it is all said and done, but I will note that if the Kings re-up Lyles, they will have their top 8 minutes guys from last season coming back, with Duarte replacing TD at #9. This is a team that played at a 50 win pace after dropping their first four games of the season, so one could hope that the familiarity would help them get off to an even better start.
Also, I believe that they still have somewhere in the neighborhood of $16m in cap space, and they may be able to exceed the cap to re-sign Lyles and/or bring over Vezenkov, so they could still potentially add some depth at center and point guard, or maybe a little length at small forward.
This can all blow up with a run of bad luck on the health front, but one man’s running it back is another man’s symmetry and synergy. While I would have liked to have seen a splashy addition, this path may pay dividends. One thing’s for sure (for me, anyway) – this front office has earned a wait and see attitude.
I’m not mad…does he play defense tho? We need to get some defenders ASAP
This comment will probably be stale or remarkably obtuse in a few hours, but a quick look at the depth chart, assuming just a few things:
Gaurds: Foxy, Red Velvet, Monk, Davion, with Keon lurking – nice blend of shotmaking, shooting, playmaking, swag, on ball defense,
Wings: Keegan (yes, I think his future is at the 3), Duarte, Edwards, Colby Jones – likely cornerstone in his 2nd year, and all sorts of length, youth, and versatility. Hard to think at least one if not two turn into role/rotation players.
Forwards: Barnes, Trey, Sasha, Slawson – some durability and shot creation in the starter, some toughness, range, and ability to play small ball five in Trey, and some serious potential scoring/smarts in Sasha, and a high motor young athlete with strong defensive instincts in the rook. Would Keegan/Barnes/Trey/Sasha be the best shooting 3/4 rotation in the league? Is it even close?
Center: Sabonis. All NBA, a skilled sledgehammer surrounded by shooters.
My thoughts? I wouldn’t mind rolling the dice a bit with a strong offer on a young athletic big like Jaxon Hayes from NO. Superior finisher, great athlete, dangerous vertical threat, very physical, can play a bit next to Sabonis against big teams, very young, with some of his off court issues he may really flourish under a coach/staff like Brown & co, and with no-nonsense team leaders/vets like Fox, Sabonis, HB, and the charisma of Monk. NO has some weird roster construction and contracts, and depending on what they are doing with JV, or if they think they can get a young big back in dealing BI, or the oft injured Barkley Indica, I mean, Zion, then they have a very expensive roster, especially with having to extend Herb Jones.
That is a nice synopsis – the glaring space is BackUp Center. The Ox needs a rest. He only seems superhuman. I am hoping that someone other than just Trey Lyles will fill that gap. Maybe the answer is Jaxson Hayes – I hope we find out soon. My wild hope is Mason Plumlee. That the Kings extended the QO to Neemias Queta is something, but he is your 3rd big (the Alex Len minutes) if Sac doesn’t re-sign the Ukranian former Terrapin.
Phx apparently just pulled their QO for Jock Landale.
that’s how the Kings got Richaun Holmes IIRC
good summary. I would put C. Jones as a guard, not a wing. although he could be both. Duarte can play both SF and SG- he was the SG for the Pacers for a bit.
Center- yep- a problem. I would not depend on Q.LAC want to trade Zubac and make Plumlee the starter. For this year, this spot- although the most essential this off season may have to be just put on hold- but J. Hayes, Eubanks (but he has suiters), Nik Ricards from Hornets who is riding the pine, and perhaps some other salary cap casualty.
Hayes is a sort of free spirit- weird guy but he is tall. And I like D. Powell but so does the Mavs. I like Landale too but Suns want him back. and he is restricted.
T-minus 1 hour and counting before free agency officially begins…hold on to your butts.
Any under the radar player/s you are hoping they target Klam?
Oooh wow, Phoenix pulled the QO from center Jock Landale.
https://twitter.com/JakeLFischer/status/1674893959347290114
I think we see a domas extension, lyles signing and Sasha signing and that’s it. Remember if anyone else comes in you have to remove someone else.
Likely DC:
Fox, Davion
Huerter, Monk, Duarte
Murray, Kessler, Duarte
Barnes, Sasha, Lyles
Sabonis, Lyles, Queta
Not many established guys left to upgrade these spots. Only one I see viable is backup SF, so who out there is an upgrade to Kessler/Duarte or small ball Huerter and fits under our likely $8-10 mil left?
Landale is on the loose. Suns cannot match. Quick negotiations. Landale, J. Hayes or D. Powell as short term back up to DS. Last year it was Holmes and Q who did nothing and Len who did a little- any of these options is better.
I hate Landale, but I’m sure I’d reconsider if he signs in Sacramento.
2 minutes to go time!
Lyles back in the fold. Two years, I think.
are you sure/
Tweeted by both Chris Haynes and James Ham, FWIW.
Smart.
I keep saying the same thing, but MM is keeping this team competent while maintaining flexiblilty and fungible contracts.
Green and Kuzma bullets dodged!
yes, both signed with own teams for 4 years and 100M and 102 respectively.
That’s fine. Sorry but this is just too much.
Kuzma is a fine player, worth about 18m/year. I get why the Wizards kept him, but he wasn’t worth paying more than Barnes to the Kings franchise.
https://twitter.com/TrendingNewsThe/status/1678246862904598528
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