One of the Sacramento Kings’ most glaring weaknesses last season was perimeter defense. Going into this summer, it’s been expected that the Kings would like to improve their wing defense through the draft, free agency, trades, or some combination of the three. Now, Damien Barling of ESPN 1320 reports that the Kings are “aggressively” pursuing OG Anunoby:
The Sacramento Kings are aggressively pursing Toronto Raptors SF OG Anunoby sources tell @DLoAndKC and @espn1320.
— Damien Barling (@damienbarling) June 15, 2023
The Kings were previously connected to Anunoby in rumors around the trade deadline, but nothing materialized.
Anunoby is, on paper, a perfect fit for the Sacramento Kings. He’s a good defender, and can guard the wing position. He can score, including the ability to shoot threes at a respectable clip. He’s 25 years old, so he fits the team’s timeline. It’s exactly the type of upgrade the Kings should be looking at.
There are two main concerns with Anunoby. The first is his contract. After this season OG has a player option which he will almost certainly decline in order to secure a new, longer, larger contract. The Kings would need to be confident in their ability to retain OG beyond this season and comfortable with the money he would be expecting to receive. That could be challenging in the same summer where the Kings would also be re-signing Domantas Sabonis.
Durability is the other major concern with Anunoby. The last three seasons OG has played in 43, 48, and 67 games, respectively. The Kings would need to feel confident that OG could stay on the floor. A big part of Sacramento’s success last season was the durability of the roster, including players playing through injuries.
Of course, the contract and durability concerns are the only reasons Anunoby may be available in the first place, as it appears Toronto is ready to pivot into more of a development period to reset and build around Scottie Barnes.
Even if a deal is agreed to, it likely wouldn’t be made final until after the NBA draft, allowing the Kings to include their first round pick in the deal (in a situation where the Kings would be picking for the Raptors).
We’ll have to wait and see if anything materializes, but in the meantime we can rest easy knowing the Kings are targeting players to continue to improve the roster.
As far as fit, and price, I like it better than Bradley Beal.
OG would bring his own set of concerns. Bad injury history, potential one year rental if he walks, may cost a lot.
Compared to Beal who has an injury history and is guaranteed to cost a lot.
OG after this coming season is going to cost a lot too. I’d certainly rather have OG over Beal; but this isn’t a one or the other equation.
Anunoby, is also younger, and fits better, at least on paper.
A Bradley Beal trade reeks of Vivek-edness and might the equivalent of Minny’s Rudy Gobert debacle.
Which means it could totally happen.
Other than Keegan, Huerter, Fox, and Sabonis, what would the Raptors want (besides picks)?
The Raptors would ask for Davion. All they ever did with Kyle Lowry was win. Win, win and win some more.
With FVF most likely leaving I could see how Davion would be a huge want for them and adds into their defensive minded team. With Siakam and OG getting traded they could have a pretty seemless rebuild rather quickly
Davion straight up? Or Davion, Keegan, Huerter, Fox, Sabonis, and picks?
Obviously not, but if you’re point is that the Raptors will ask for way too much, you might be correct. Apparently OG is linked to about half of the league in trade speculation and the Raptors are asking for a lot in return, and OG is going to sit back on load management, watching the bidding war go crazy.
It was Hobby916’s point, but yeah, I think he was mostly kidding. What I like is, these nationwide stories linking Sac to big names, and contracts, sends the right message. The Kings are serious about spending.
I meant those 4 not being included, what do the kings have that makes Toronto do a deal.
I think it’s pretty hard to say. They would prolly want Davion, (cringe) and more.
He’s basically Harrison Barnes with better defense. The hard arguments were laid out, tho; wanting a payday the same year we’ll have to pay Sabonis and the most recent injury history. Him making it through 60+ games this season has me less concerned there, but that contract situation…
I really like him. Would be hard to get but for me the biggest reason not to do this is his health. Look at the last three years. There are some pretty good young power forwards out there.Just to name two. PJ Washington and Naz Reed.
Kings could have drafted him instead of Justin Jackson.
I would say no. I like him but he is hurt a lot and his contract is “iffy”
I would not give up the 24 i which is what they want.
Beal- really good player. Can get his shot but NO.
This is not the year, I don’t think to throw all the marbles into the middle of the circle.
Just to name two. PJ Washington and Naz Reed.
I really like this FA class for depth and potential homerun hits on buy low candidates. So yeah as you say the money and assets can be more wisely used then to throw at OG or Beal.
Yes and yes.
get Jonathan Isaac!! If it works (his consistent injury history becomes a thing of the past ) then OH MY GOD!
they both have the injury history and the cost to get Isaac is much less than OG.
I’m all in on Isaac
Shit, I just read about Isaac’s clothing line and all his “Christian values” bull shit. His mental well being and fit on this team is highly highly suspect now. At least to me. 🤷♂️
Which Christian values bother you so much?
Yes his Christian values now make his fit on the team highly highly suspect….your comment is ridiculous as is your bigotry
I think 60+ games is a solid number of games played for a season for any player and he’s accomplished that 4 out of 6 seasons so I’m not as concerned there. Its the payday, for a guy who improved defensively and regressed offensively. Speaking of spacing the floor, he’s been just at or below the league average for most of his career, so he’s not exactly stretching the defense, IMO.
It’s all about what it costs to get him / retain him for me.
On paper, he’s just what we need. That injury history and looming contract extension makes it a little less ideal to me though. We know in Sac we’re never going to be a hot free agent destination and taking big swings on players like him is likely how we build an elite squad. If we could get a guaranteed 65+ games from him I’d probably take the gamble and hope he likes it enough here that he’d resign with us. Depending on the cost I certainly wouldn’t hate it but there is some iffy-ness to it. It would suck to make the move and then he bounces once he’s a free agent, or he just doesn’t stay healthy and we gave up valuable pieces + picks on a lemon.
Gonna be an interesting next couple weeks!
how can you guarantee 65+ games when he has failed that for 3 years. ?
Bad body, bad risky contract.
I agree with you. Like the Beal trade, the negatives far outweigh the positives to me. The gamble of him staying healthy is the biggest issue. Players with injury history hardly ever just magically become ironmen. Every year in fantasy basketball my buddy takes him saying “this is the year” and it never is. Lol
I agree with you murraytant.
You can’t guarantee anyone, the past notwithstanding. How many seasons did Philly wait for Embiid? Anunoby’s young, he can stay healthy if he’s accident free. The Warriors waited for Curry. We associate age and injuries, but some of us are more accident prone in our youth. Because the Raps don’t feel they can afford to be patient, doesn’t mean he won’t play 82 games.
Embiid and lil stephie were hurt early in their careers and did well after some “rest” and treatment. OG is approaching mid career and he is still hurt, Fragile.
Not sure you can say Embiid has “done well” from a health/availability standpoint, given that he’s never played more than 68 games, and has played in a total of 394 (out of a possible 728 games).
Even if you take out his first two years, of which he sat completely, he’s only averaged 56 games played per year.
He’s a remarkably dominant force when he does play, but availability is not one of his elite traits.
reinforces the argument to leave OG in the hospital in Canada.
This upcoming draft is gonna be really good. Last year it was between Keegan and Ivey. I was very worried we would be disappointed. This season there are so many possibilities, including trades (maybe all around the league). I didn’t think I’d be excited for the draft, but I really am, and w/o the usual sense of dread.
The draft is going to be sick this year. I’m expecting a crap ton of trades during the proceedings.
And I think the Kings will be in the mix.
Remember last year was #4 and #5 not #24. A lot of difference.
Kegan at 4, Kris at 24!
The price is going to be high for OG.
Keep in mind that multiple teams offered three first rounders and more for OG at the deadline and Masai declined to take any offers.
Zach Lowe also reported at the time that Masai preferred multiple young players as opposed to picks.
By the sounds of it, it’s going to take multiple firsts and a young player or two. I think OG is overrated and the price would be too high to trade for him. Then you throw in the injury concerns and him potentially leaving after one year and I just don’t think it makes sense.
Having said that, if the trade was something like Davion, Richaun and a first round pick and pick swap, I wouldn’t be mad at it, especially if he can play some 4 next to Sabonis.
Fox
KH
Keegan
OG
Ox
IMO I would rather get 2 instead of 1. Just an idea. PJ Washington at PF. 24 years old with a 7’3″ wing span. Can be a good weak side rim protector next to Sabonis. Can extent the defense and shoot the 3. The second would be Drew Eubanks. He would be backup center for Sabonis. Tough nut. Can also set great picks with a quick cut to the basket. Good rebounder and shot blocker. Fits the need.
I’m not in love with it but you gotta give to get. Would not trade Fox Ox or Keegan. Everything else can be on the table.
IIWM and I wasn’t getting positive indications from Sabonis’ camp. I would consider a trade involving Siakam. Domas is fantastic, but his value in Sac, expires with his contract next offseason. His stock is very high right now.
With his injury history, would rather have Pascal Siakam.
Pascal is also more talented and a better positional fit. If there’s anyone worth a home run trade, it’s him.
I don’t know. That’s a lot of money to spent on one player. In this case we could possibly get 2 younger players thru draft or FA.
He might be my favorite potential acquisition as well. I’m not sure how they’d get him but, I’m not surprised to see Monte targeting Toronto. They have an embarrassment of riches on the wing, and bigs, and wing/bigs. I’m not sure Thaddeus Young wouldn’t find minutes in Sac..
I think Pascal would cost more than OG, we’re talking like three firsts and likely Davion and Keegan. Pascal is in the last year of his contract as well so you’d potentially risk him walking just like OG.
They can’t keep everyone, and their not getting full value for everyone, at once. Someone with value likely slips through their grasp. Squeeze them.
Huerter, Davion, Holmes + ’26 & ’28.
Fox UFA
Monk #24
Murray Edwards
Siakam Sasha
Sabonis Lyles Queta
Personally, I’d sign a defensive wing like Hart or Brooks, draft Colby Jones or Sidy Cissoko and just vibe to the NBA Finals. Can probably get a little something in a Barnes sign and trade – maybe even Toronto would want him thrown in. Who says no?
Kings “currently” cannot trade any future 1st picks until 2028 thanks to the Huerter trade pick obligations to ATL that run through 2026
If Monte could somehow get ATL to waive those obligations for this year’s 2024, then the Kings could offer the 2026 and 2028 free and clear.
I personally don’t want Brooks. There goes or chemistry and perhaps even our culture.
Damn, I’m down with this.
Starting 5:
Fox
Hart
Murray
Siakam
Sabonis
Bench:
Monk
Edwards
Barnes
Lyles
Queta
Ellis
In my most mature voice:
Wowiewowiewowiewowwwwww
Pleaaaaaaase
Well said
Given Monte’s track record in keeping everything tight lip, I don’t believe the rumors especially this time of the year.. This is the same as before where reports mentioned that the Kings are enamored with Siakam and Simmons..
Probably theres some level of interest but I highly doubt anything will come to fruition..
Speculation, Postulation, Rumor, Smoke, Mirrors –
It’s that time of the season!
Beal, Porzingas, Kuzma, OG, Siakam, Gary Trent, Jr., FVV – and that’s just Wizards and Dinos.
This much I am confident in: With parity, many teams are looking to rise above and will be anxious to make moves. It’s is going to be a wild, nutso, insane, cray-cray Free Agency and Draft.
Pick a Popcorn Gif
Wouldn’t one just rather prefer to sign a Zinger or Kuzma level FA(s) than to give up assets for OG or Pascal with the added risk of them signing elsewhere next season?
Remember Monty almost got Kuzma. That tells me he likes him. I do too but I think he will ask too much in FA. Maybe not.
Yes solid point. Of course, that’s if one feels confident about signing a talent of that caliber. Free Agency is later, trades are the only avenue available to make improvements right now, and the draft is next week. You know the saying about a boy in the bush.
It’s entirely possible to do both.
Offer up a package of Huerter, Mitchell, the #24 and a 2028 unconditional first for OG.
Then with the free agent cap space vacated by Barnes and Co. offer Kuzma $20M per year.
Next season’s starting 5: Fox, OG, Murray, Kuzma, Sabonis. That’s the closest thing to a long Denver type lineup you can get.
I really like this.
Bruce Brown might be a good alternative to Kuzma as well if you want that Denver look
I might swap out Washington for Kuzma. A little more versatile all around younger and would cost less. We still need to get a backup PG. Maybe just maybe Ellis could fill that role.
Toronto turned down 3 firsts for OG. They might take Davion + 2 but that is way too high a price.
Beal- hard no
OG- no unless Kings don’t give up much. As in keep Davion, keep the #24 and keep Keegan. Toronto wants too much. Like the duds in that way- they want a high pick for Kuminga who was a #7 and could not get on the court for a second round exit team. I would say his value has depreciated towards maybe a late first, if that. But enough of them
Well, Sasha is having fun. Olympiacos won game 4- up 3-1 because the game was called with Olympiacos up 63-35 and the Pantha fans started throwing smoke bombs and noisemakers- but into THE NET SURROUNDING THE COURT! They have nets to prevent duds fans from throwing Day-day dolls at the refs.
I think for his safety he needs to sign here. Negotiations cannot start until after the draft.
Monte- take it easy and slow. There will be table scraps from idiot teams trying to win it all. Sign Sasha. Sign Lyles. Either sign or sign and trade HB.
Use #24 on OMP or Cissoko. Use #38 on TJD (hopefully) or Colby Jones or J. Jacquez. #54- I bet he moves that. Three first year guys is a lot. Sign Yuta Watanabe.
Sign a backup center- Reid if he is a deal.
That’s enough for one off season. unless Rachaun can be moved. Otherwise move him at deadline.
It’s painful to see so many think this gets done without Keegan
why would a rebuilding (if they trade their vets) Toronto want worse role players like Huerter and Davion for a better OG. They would keep OG or trade him somewhere else. Our picks, which could be contending and in the further future (GMs don’t like future picks as much) won’t bridge it
for what it’s worth if OG gave strong signal he would re-sign I might move Keegan for him, though I’m not Keegan’s biggest supporter
Your not wrong but, Toronto may not have many options. The Kings are one of a handful of teams ready and willing to make this kind of swing. Hard NO on Keegan.
No way should Keegan be moved. Murray’s contract and potential make him worth just as much or more than OG considering OG’s contract situation compared to having complete control of Murray’s future on his rookie deal.
I personally wouldn’t even include Mitchell in the offer for OG. I would offer TOR Huerter, two future Top-5 protected 1sts, with ATL getting yet another 1st for releasing the protections for the Huerter trade. Maybe TOR would want two 1sts from several years from now – hoping the pick will be better than this year’s #24 – allowing ATL to get the 2023 #24.
The Kings have the leverage in the negotiations with TOR as they don’t NEED to trade for OG while Toronto absolutely needs to trade OG before losing him for nothing (they have no intentions of extending him). Make the best offer you can live with, but don’t bid against yourself. I think a quality player and two 1sts is a fair price for a potential one year rental of a very good player when healthy. If someone offers TOR more and OG goes elsewhere, we can take a shot at him in next year’s Free Agency period without having to give up anything in terms of assets (although we’d be bidding against several teams with less salary limitations).
the OG for Keegan is similar to DS for Hali
Exactly
Why? Hali was putting up 20/10 routinely as a starter. Keegan was a relatively one dimensional rookie (making assisted open threes)
OG is a strong all around role player, something Keegan might not ever be
100%. If Hali = Sabonis then Keegan = OG.
I would not trade Keegan straight up for OG. No way. Keegan fits so well and has sooooo much more upside from an already excellent base.
Huerter, the #24 (traded after the pick that was selected for Toronto) this years 38th pick, 2026 unprotected, 2024 2nd, 2025 2nd
Kings don’t have the leverage. OG is a fairly heralded player which the league will be bidding on and the Raptors don’t need to rebuild, they can pivot to trying to compete
i wouldn’t make the trade unless it was in stone OG was re-signing, your right about the expiring
I’d give up any combination of Kings not named Sabonis, Fox and Keegan. If Toronto wants this year’s 2024 and other tradable assets so be it. An OG type player is what the Kings core is missing and that type of player won’t be available at #24. Kings can only get that type of player in trade.
I still think going after a John Collins situation makes sense.
1) He fits a positional need best and can hit a 3 reasonably well, rebound and be a weak side shotblocker somewhat
2) He’s locked into a contract, it’s big l, but not albatross. It’s long but not forever long.
3) He’s attainable. You may have to give up a lil something but wouldn’t mortgage the future.
4) we need more forwards.
I really like Adamsite”s trade package. Then at backup I might still like Ellis along with Monk and a Holmes trade for Reggie Bullock with Venzekov and my pick for Backup center Drew Eubanks.
Neemias is your back up center.
I looked up his stats, and after ticking up this year, the numbers look better than I realized. His contract pays him this season, almost exactly what Barnes made last, not too bad. He was a plus two in +/-, I like that. He’d bring a lot to be excited about. I love his size, and hops, along with very reliable defense. It is too bad Sac couldn’t just draft or sign a guy like him.
Stay with the current defensive juggernaut of a roster or roll the dice a little for OG?
Roll the dice.
Kings are never going to be 1 or 1A on any free agent’s destination of choice. Regardless of Fox and Sabonis on the team
OG would be a huge upgrade at the 3.
For all the stat similarities between Barnes and OG. OG would be the best wing defender this team ever had. Barnes has never been that shut down guy.
Barnes is close to being a bench guy . In the league 12 years and his decline was obvious last season.
OG has been in the league 5 years. Still a chance for upside.
Injury concerns. Sure.
But, sometimes you have to take a chance.
I’d say he’d be the best since Metta World Peace came to Sac. Interestingly enough, Metta came to Sac at age 27, OG would be 26 by the start of the season.
I just looked up the OG’s past season and compared it to Metta’s first in Sac and they are damn near identical. Keep in mind Metta was the alpha in Sac while OG would be third fiddle to Fox and Sabonis.
Yeah I was about to say…we had this guy named Ron Artest. Doug Christie wasn’t a slouch there on perimeter Defense either.
I am probably on an island here, but I think my offer for OG would be Huerter & picks (ATL would need to help with the pick sitch), and keep Mitchell out of the offer altogether. Considering OG’s contract situation, I don’t have any problem missing out on paying too much for OG.
I consider Fox, Murray, & Domas as untouchable with Monk and Mitchell not far behind. I love Huerter but I think he has more value in the trade market and is likely easier to replace for the Kings (with either Monk/Mitchell/Ellis/Edwards) than finding another quality 3&D guard behind Fox & Monk. Unless Ellis has improved more than we’ve seen, there isn’t anyone else on the team who can keep opposing guards from getting into the paint.
I have heard that we might be able to trade Holmes to the Mavs for Bullock. Salaries almost match and Bullock can play backup SF. Shoots well and plays good defense.
I hope you heard right. Holmes for any player that’s not a center would be an excellent trade. If whoever that is can be in the 10 man rotation then it’s an absolute STEEEEEL. If whoever that is simply a 3rd PG (which we don’t currently have) then it’s still a solid move.
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