Welcome back to the mailbag!
It’s been awhile since the Herald’s last group discussion.
- Malik Monk entered the starting lineup.
- The Kings won three games in a row, immediately followed that wining streak up with a six game losing streak, and immediately followed that losing streak up with a seven game winning steak.
- The Kings are somehow tied for 9th in the West and are sitting at .500.
- Sacramento fired Mike Brown and held no media availability after the decision.
- The Kings named Doug Christie their interim head coach.
- Devin Carter made his rookie debut and has looked pretty solid.
- Keon Ellis is finally receiving consistent and sufficient minutes.
- Sacramento has been linked to Cam Johnson, Kyle Kuzma, Zach LaVine, and Nick Richards, among others, in trade rumors.
And those are just the biggest storylines! Have a question about lineups, trade options, Fox’s future, who the best basketball player on staff is or was, Will’s favorite restaurant (it’s Buffalo Wild Wings), or anything else, throw it in the chat!
Now, get to asking so we can get to answering!
(Side note – the planned game recap will not be posted, as Greg is battling a migraine after listening to Will drone on about Buffalo Wild Wings)
Who does Kevin Huerter have compromising photos of?
What would your most “out there” trade idea for the deadline be and why?
“Out there” being defined as the completely unexpected, out of left field thing we’ve seen like getting Sabonis or sending Cousins to the Pelicans.
Kings trade DeRozan, huerter and boatload of picks for Michael Porter Jr. And Zeke nnaji. Personally, I’d like to see that or the kings trading huerter and boatload of picks for Deni and toumani camara.
Derosan for John Collins
John Collins perfect but doubt a tanking Jazz team wants a 35 year old with a longer contract . We both can dream .
DDR to Miami, Mitchell Robinson to Utah, Collins to Sac. Sprinkle in 2nd rounders as needed.
How does Miami pull that off?
Sorry, I meant Duncan Robinson. And they could add Josh Richardson. Robinson has a non-guaranteed contract for next year, Richardson is expiring. So Mia would send whatever picks are needed to Utah.
That seems a solid trade for all and exactly what Kings need !
Well Ainge would want Devin Carter, Jovic, Keegan, multiple unprotected 1st round picks, along with some 2nd round picks, and someone’s unborn child in return for Collins.
Ainge is seen as a “shrewd” GM, but he is mostly delusional.
The Blazers traded Brogdon and 2 FRP’s (one became Bub Carrington) to get Deni. And Camara is their up and coming tenacious 3 and D guy.
Not sure they can be had.
Jimmy Butler
Yup, I was thinking DDR, Huerter, Lyles and a first for Butler.
no first. Jimmy Buckets is likely a 35 game rental, unless you meant Miami gives a first.
You see, I can envision Butler playing with the biggest of chips on his shoulder and carrying this team deep into the playoffs. It could be argued that he carried lesser teams to the Finals, albeit in the East. It would be an all in move, much like the Raps did with Kawhi, or to a lesser extent when the Kings traded for Artest.
If shit goes sideways and he walks, Monte has cleared $48M in cap space, including $40M guaranteed to Huerter and DDR next season.
that is an excellent point. If there is one known and reliable personality trait of Jimmy Butler III, it is the chip on those wide shoulders. That Jeff Teague interview and the Butler story with him on the TWolves back with Thibs and KAT is as glaring a chip story as I’ve heard in sports.
Jimmy with a Kings jersey on and a shaka handed Vivek would be a classic photo that might make me grin non-stop for a month.
I’ll fantasize further: Jimmy leaves and use the cap space to sign Naz Reid this Summer, with space left over (re-sign Lyles, etc.)
Yes a trade for Butler is the right trade. The Heat will want a first and yes give them a first if that’s what it takes to make the deal. We have to realize however the Heat want youth and potential in return. Huerter, and Keegan Murray and a couple of seconds and maybe a first round swap.
No way!
DDR and Lyles for Julius Randle.
Another, now that PHX has traded for Nick Richards, Huerter for Jusuf Nurkic seems pretty reasonable for both teams.
Draymond would love that. Domas AND Nurkic on the same team? He can stomp and choke at the same time. A full body work out.
I like that one.
And to go with it Huerter and a pick for Jonas V.
Maybe
Give the other team some credit for not being completely stupid. Never going to accept that
Lamelo Ball for Fox…
NO WAY!
Might have to throw in a 2nd rounder or two
Fox for Haliburton.
Pacers would probably do it with Hali having an off season and with a huge long term contract . Plus Nemhard and O Connell more than make up for Hali .
Are you confident that Fox is the franchise player to continue building with? If not, what would be your plan as Kings GM to reshape the roster to make sustained, deep playoff runs?
What is it that the team is needing and isn’t getting from the backup center position? I’ve felt like each of Jones, Robinson, and Len have provided some real value on the court, yet none can get consistent minutes.
Why can’t we have nice things?
Thangz.
Its just about that time of year for 10-day contracts. Do you think the Kings will pull the trigger here, and have any ideas as to some potential talent they might consider?
Nick Richards is off the table
Sure would be nice to have some 2nd round picks in Kings land…
We need them to help cash flow the A’s.
BREAKING: A’s trade for new right fielder, Cash Considerations.
CC Sabbatical.
Dallas Paythem.
Dick Green.
Money Gray.
Penny Hardaway
Ken Grifty.
Barry Bonds
Ernie Banks
I’m shocked the Suns sill have picks to trade.
They had 3, they now have 1.
If you had to trade one of the starting five in order to acquire a piece (or more) to take this team to a higher level, who would you be willing to part with.
DDR.
Next Fox.
Hell No
Fox, because he will get the best return and there will not be an anchor of a contract to worry about
Anyone not named Sabonis.
Agreed. I think he is absolutely the baseline of this team and shouldn’t be going anywhere unless you’ve somehow figured out something better.
No-one is untradable.
But I would hold on to Domas.
Hearing from Jerry on the podcast that Bird sees Domas as a franchise player only strengthens that belief. Bird is one of the few NBA legends who was succesful at all levels.
Buffalo Wild Wings is not really a restaurant…more a diarrhea enthusiast club.
Counterpoint – Unlike the Kings, they have wings that can go on runs.
Edit: my gifs never work. Lol, well done Rob. You made me laugh out loud in my far too quiet office building.
League wide question with Kings implications: What do you think this year’s trade deadline is projecting towards compared to what happened in previous years?
Who knows!
There’s still a chance that Kings will go on another 6 game losing streak to help secure the 11th or 12th spot in the Western Conference and thus secure their lottery odds (this season’s FRP is 12th slot protected).
Who are you looking at for the Kings to select in this upcoming deep 2025 draft.
I faaarrt in your general direction….
It all depends on what Monte is going to to with Fox otherwise we have no picks. Remember Atlanta.
They can trade 1st round picks starting in the 2027 draft. If the Atlanta trade does not convey in 2025, Kings own their 2026 1st rounder. If that 2026 does not convey, it turns in to 2nd round picks for 2026 and 2027.
That means they would have their own 2026 pick, so the Stepien rule would not apply for the 2027 pick as the Kings would own both of their 2026 and 2028 1st round picks.
(I think that is correct)
Who are your current favorite team play by play and color commentary duo in the NBA to listen to?
If you’re in the area, are you going to any sacramento A’s games?
I have enjoyed Kevin Calabro at Portland since I lived in Seattle in the ‘90s, when he was paired with Margues Johnson in the booth for the Sonics.
Is there any truth to the rumor that because of his stature, Vivek will not allow Monte to acquire players that are tall for their positions?
That’s one of Vivek’s shortcomings.
That doesn’t measure up…
Houston has now won 4 in a row with both Jabari Smith and Tari Eason sidelined by injuries. Eason is day-to-day while Smith will be out another 3 to 7 weeks with a broken left hand. If Houston were to offer both in exchange for Huerter, but only if Keon was also included, would you consider that deal?
What if it was Carter instead of Keon? (We would have to take on a third small contract for this to work.)
Two big, long, young, athletic forwards that can switch on defense, knock down the 3, and that are still on rookie deals in exchange for Huerter and one other 6’4″ guard? I say yes to this so fast it’ll make your head spin.
What would the team’s record / season need to realistically look like for Doug to retain the head coaching job?
Coach Christie Era:
7-2
For Christie to go > .500
19-23 (26-25) record: 39-43
For Kings to go >.500 record: 42-40
22-20
For Kings to 46, 48, 50
26-16, 28-14, 30-12
You can find success as you define it.
Will it be the record of Doug Christie, the overall team record, or their ability to make the Play-In, the Playoffs, Playoff record?
Knowing how the Ranadive Kings avoid the Luxury Tax, it is easy to factor the remaining $20M owed to previous coach Mike Brown into the decision regarding the next hire. Doug Christie, the front office choice for promotion and first time Head Coach, would command a relative discounted or bargain level salary to whichever other
poor shmuchhire that would captain the Kings bench. Just my opinion, but unless this team performs at a dismal pace, it is Doug Christie’s job to lose, looking from today’s perspective.Considering DC is an interim coach who inherited a 5 games under .500 record, he SHOULD be considered a success if he makes the play-in OR playoffs. Of course, who knows with this owner.
Sam Amick said it would most likely take an unprotected first (along with Huerter and Lyles) to get heavily rumored Kings target Cam Johnson. Would you make that trade? If not, how much would you protect the pick?
Only if Johnson could get us to the playoff instead of the play-in. Of course, that is very hard to tell if he would make that much of a difference. But, that is what MM needs to be considering before he makes such a move.
In a heart beat.
The issue I have with that, is you are trading away a couple of assets and a first round pick for a guy you likely intent to bring off the bench. If DDR wasn’t on the roster and you could slot in Cam with Keegan and Sabonis, fine, but as the roster is currently constructed, no. Couple that with the fact you are also giving up Lyles who is not only Sabonis’ backup but also Keegan’s
That’s it. You gain Cam Johnson, the better player, but lose Trey Lyles – your net front court depth is unchanged. And Cam Johnson, in his 7 seasons averages under 50 games per season with a high, as high mind you, of 66 (once).
You need talent, yes, but you also need depth in the front court. Cam Johnson does not give you both. John Collins and less trade investment makes more sense of the Kings at this time, IMO.
The challenging thing for the Kings is trading away 1 front court player for 1 front court player. They need to add a front court player alongside Domas and Lyles.
If they could retain Lyles and add another SF/PF or PF/C, then that would help. But Huerter by himself is not that enticing, so likely a draft asset would need to be included with him.
In my asinine trade above I could see getting John Collins instead of Cam Johnson. All above trades still work. Starters Hero, Monk, Murray, Collins and Sabonis. Backups stay the same.
Things would really change if you could trade Derozan for Collins. Then you would also have Cam Johnson.
I don’t know that CJ and JC as rotational pieces give you a better shot at staying alive in the playoffs than having DBo. His game is made for the playoffs and a big reason why the FO ended up adding him, IMO. Of course, you have to get there…
Ok. I have been wanting to do the asinine trade since way back on King’s Herald
Huerter, Lyles, C. Jones and a first for Cam Johnson.
Fox to the Heat for Hero, Ware , Jovic and 2 firsts,and 2 seconds.
When Derozan first stepped on the scene he was asked and said he would do anything to help the Kings therefore the starters would be Hero, Monk, C. Johnson Murray and Sabonis. The bachups would be Carter, Ellis, Derozan, Jovic and Ware. If you want to and I have no problem with switching Ejjis and Monk. There you have it. Positional basketball.
NO WAY!
no
Rank these trade targets based on estimated trade cost, contract, production, and basketball fit.
John Collins, Cam Johnson, Kyle Kuzma, Jerami Grant, Jonas Valančiūnas
Cam and John only. No to the rest.
What’s your take on the lack of a press conference from the Kings brass about the Brown firing, and the Mark Jones “interview” with Monte and the lack of questions regarding the firing?
Lets just move on. No harping. Just happened. What are we going to do anyway.
Before: Let’s not talk about it until the dust has settled.
After: Now that the dust has settled, why talk about It?
It’s like wearing a jacket without sleeves!
Nothing to roll up prior to NBA trade season!
I say we let Monte go to an expansion team. He can be Sleeveless in Seattle.
As long as he stays in the Vestern Conference.
C. Montgomery McNair
It’s because Vivek is a coward. It’s absurd. Even if Mike Brown was the problem, you go out there, take your lumps and move on.
He might be a coward but more importantly he doesn’t let Monte do his job. At one time he said he would stay out of the way but doesn’t seem to be doing that.
No, sadly this is clearly true. Sam Amick talked about this on Carmichael Dave’s show last week and said there was no question that Vivek is the one who runs the show. It’s really unfortunate.
While it was clearly the wrong way too handle the situation it’s still better than going on a radio show for two hours to justify the firing… Progress?
Cowardly lack of accountability. “Let’s hide after we got a bunch of (well deserved) criticism and we’ll come out and take credit if it goes well.”
Why has Doug Christie been able to motivate the Kings in a way Mike Brown was not able to? What is the main difference between the 2 head coaches?
Why hasn’t Monte McNair made a trade (before the season, during the season, and even before the season) to obtain a PF/ big that we all can tell the Kings are lacking and need?
Who knows? Only Monte and the Phantom know.
Glass half full vs glass half empty. Doug is a motivator Brown was not.
Skeered.
Do you REALLY think the Kings have fixed anything? Or is this just new coach bounce shenanigans and we’ll settle in to being a .500 team.
I don’t think the Kings are settling into a .500 team. They *are* a .500 team!
I think they’ll probably be a little better in the second half. Even if that happens, the front office doesn’t get to hang a “Mission Accomplished” banner for the courageous highwire act of being not improving at all for the third season in a row.
Well, yeah that’s what I mean. I don’t think they were really a 13-19 team but they also aren’t the team who won 7 in a row. This feels like a team that’s very close to .500 and they are currently .500! I think for a lot of fans it probably feels like they’re better than that because of the winning streak but we’re really just back to neutral.
Do you think Keon Ellis should be a starter for the Kings?
What do you think the ceiling/floor is for Devin Carter going into the end of this season?
What record do you think Christie will need to secure head coaching job next season, or do you believe he will not be the long term coach?
What is our biggest need going into the trade deadline, and what is your ideal trade scenario?
If you could have one past Kings player join this team to help us make the playoffs, who would it be?
Do you think signing Corliss Williamson and Bobby Jackson to join the coaching staff is a good idea.
Do you have any free Kings tickets laying around?
GO KINGS
Do you think Mike Brown is hate-watching Kings games now?
Badge Legend