With the Boston Celtics crowned the NBA Champions, all attention now officially turns to the offseason. Matt Moore of The Action Network posted a roundup of NBA rumors and intel, with some interesting Sacramento Kings nuggets included. Moore reports that the Kings are still kicking the tires on a potential deal with the Chicago Bulls to acquire Zach LaVine or Alex Caruso, or possibly both:
The Sacramento Kings are going back to the well with the same trade package they offered Toronto twice for OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam. The offer includes Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter and draft pick compensation. They’re known to have had calls with Chicago involving Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso.
The Kings have been connected to LaVine multiple times over the years. Vlade Divac signed him to a restricted free agent offer sheet that was quickly matched, and Sacramento was interested in LaVine again last season before LaVine suffered another injury. Alex Caruso is a name we’ve kicked around these parts last season, but the Bulls reported asking price at the trade deadline was pretty high.
Moore explains the Kings interest in LaVine as being tied to the possibility that Malik Monk leaves in free agency, and this makes sense to me. The biggest issue with acquiring LaVine last season, aside from his continued injury woes, was the difficult fit of another high-usage guard alongside Monk and De’Aaron Fox. If Monk leaves and Kevin Huerter is part of the return package (which he almost surely would be), the fit isn’t quite as confusing. Chicago may also ask for Keon Ellis in the deal, particularly if the Kings were acquiring both LaVine and Caruso. I don’t see the Kings parting with Ellis for LaVine if Caruso isn’t in the deal, personally.
LaVine’s biggest flaws are simple: he’s expense and doesn’t stay healthy. LaVine is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season, and then has a $48.9 million player options. LaVine has dealt with a litany of injuries over the years, and played just 25 games last season. LaVine has also never been a great defender. But when he’s healthy, LaVine is exactly the type of offensive threat the Kings have needed. A downhill threat who can attack the defense, get into the paint, get to the line, and finish as a lob threat. LaVine has also developed over the years into a respectable three-point threat, good enough to at least keep defenses honest.
Acquiring LaVine would be a big risk, regardless of whether or not Alex Caruso joins him, but I’d certainly feel better about getting both players than getting LaVine alone. Will the Kings take such a big, expensive risk after an extended period of standing pat? We’ll have to wait and see.
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It’s also worth noting that Moore reports that the Kings are expected to renew talks for Kyle Kuzma. The Kings have chased Kuzma for years, so this isn’t a big surprise, but it’s still worth mentioning here.
I’m a hard no on LaVine.
1) As Greg pointed out…his contract. LaVine would be come the highest paid King just edging out Sabonis. Now take into consideration that Fox is likely due for his extension. That would make 3 players making over $40M per year. That’s PHX Suns type of lunacy. How do you build a roster around 3 fringe all-stars making that kind of money?
2) As Greg pointed out…injures. Zach is approaching 30 and his played over 70 games just 3 times in his 10 year career. He ain’t getting any younger and he has. proven track record of being injured.
3) Fit. He doesn’t answer any of the Kings desperte needs in a defensive wing and a 3 and D big next to Sabonis.
4) Cost. It would decimate the Kings depth to acquire a contract like his. Most likely it would take both of Barnes and Huerter, draft capital, and more filler to match salaries. Are you willing to give up 2 key members of the 8 man rotation, this year’s #13, and a contract like Sasha’s for a guy who will likely give you 65 games next season?
LaVine is basically and older, far more expensive, more injured, and higher usage version of Monk.
Pass.
The contract is the big one that makes me think it won’t get done. Vivek hasn’t been in the tax before, and adding Lavine wouldn’t be the optimal player to do that for.
The rest of it is fine, I guess. Barnes and Huerter minutes taken up by Lavine and Caruso. Sasha, Duarte, even Davion would go out too and I won’t lose sleep over them being gone.
All in all, I just don’t see that deal happening. I wouldn’t hate it, but wouldn’t be jumping for joy either.
The money, the age, and the injuries just doesn’t do it for me. There are other players out there that would fit the bill.
I agree with your general sentiments. However I don’t think it would cost the 13th pick. I f anything they might give us a pick.
That’s a lot of contract to take on, so Monte could get the Bulls pick this season too. The risk is all on the King’s end in the potential deal.
It’s definitely risky, but the Kings instantly put a better team on the floor, imo.
I doubt it.
I disagree on cost. There was zero market for LaVine last year before he got hurt. Chicago was looking to unload for pretty much anything. Kings might get picks to take on the contract.
Greg- if Bulls want to dump LaVine like Kings wanted to dump Holmes, then there are some possibilities here. If Bulls want future picks or Keon, then no. Keon’s contributions, albeit in a short season, were impressive. Defensive stats moved far for the better. and he is cheap. Doubt Bulls would give up this year’s #11 but that would be great. Even a switch with #13. Kings would have to match salaries -ok, that means Huerter. ok But if HB is included need to replace the 3/4 HB slot. That’s where Kuzma might come into play. But any deal there, I would want to get a #26 return because there may be a player there- DaRon Holmes for example who Denver wants at #28.
Kings are taking risk here in both deals. and do not have to get fleeced. Boston got Holiday and Porzingus last off season and did not get fleeced. Mavs got Gafford and PJ and did not get fleeced.
Who else would want LaVine and Kuzma? None of the over the cap teams, none of the under the cap up and coming teams (not ready yet). The market for either is small. Orlando does not want them. Actually maybe OKC but their big move might be bigger than this.
I disagree. LaVine falls into that Bradly Beal catagory The Suns paid for him and the Bulls will want similar return for Zach.
The thing is, the Bulls don’t NEED to unload LaVine. They can sit and wait with him. They aren’t about to add assets to move him. The Kings will have to pay and that is where I say pass…along with everything I said above.
Maybe that’s where Caruso comes into play. Basically eat his contract in exchange for getting Caruso who would be the get. Him alone changes our entire identity as one of the best 3 and d wings in the league. Look at what kcp did for both the Lakers and the nuggets, he was basically the missing piece for both championship runs and Caruso to me is better then kcp and younger. Yes it’s a gamble but one that at this point we have to take and go all in.
bulls were looking to unload Lavine for value
lavine/Caruso are good and Barnes/Huerter/Sasha et aren’t
that’s costing 13
Definitely disagree on the cost. I think Lavine is a negative asset so unless Caruso is attached or a pick is coming back to us, a deal isn’t getting done. Lavine only makes sense if Monk is gone. At that point maybe you take a flier.
Lavine still doesn’t make sense if Monk was gone.’
I don’t like Lavine but they have to replace his creation and scoring from somewhere.
Starting at $43M per year? Pass.
I guess my question would be what’s the alternative? Lets assume Monk is gone (I think he will be for the record). Who’s the best fit to fill that scoring/shot creation role? After Monk’s injury last year, the biggest issue was the offense not the defense. The offensive numbers look ok but if you filter out the Blazers game (barely a real game) to end the year it drops precipitously. I can’t stand Lavine but there’s no question that he’s the highest upside option available to fill that role if Monk is gone. Plus, I think we could actually RECEIVE a pick (or a player) to take his contract which would give the Kings more ammunition to make another move. His contract is awful but trying to find distressed assets is the way the Kings have to operate if they want to meaningfully improve.
The logic here doesn’t make any sense to me. If LaVine’s production to contract is so bad that they have to add a pick to move him, how does he help the Kings. When has a team gotten better by eating a bad contract? That’s what rebuilding or desperate (Suns) teams do. Monte would be committing 3 years to a Fox, Sabonis, LaVine core who will make up about 80% of the cap.
I understand the Monk replacement idea but it still creates a massive vacuum on the team. Are the Kings a better team if LaVine is brought in to replace Monk AND Barnes and Huerter (they’d be required to match salaries). That is 3 core players out and one core player coming in at basically the same cap hit. That’s a net negative in my book.
Yeah I don’t like Lavine I’m just asking what the other realistic options are. The Kings are a lottery team without Monk. That feels clear to me.
On another note, you don’t think the Kings are desperate? I think they are because if they don’t make the playoffs again I think Monte is out of here. Lavine for all his many flaws has much higher upside than some other options even if there’s a 25% chance he actually hits his upside threshold.
Man do I agree with you in all the above reasons not to trade for him.
Perhaps it will all make more sense after this off season but I’m not sure what direction the Kings are going.
They need a 4 next to Sabonis and a wing. Maybe Kuzma can be that? Maybe Levine is a decent Monk replacement but no d and prohibitive contract?
my real question is, they have SAbonus, and yet it seems like Mike Brown is trying to run offenses like Boston. He wants players who can shoot the three drive- n dish. But shouldn’t you adjust your O if you’re gonna have Sabonis at the center of it so much?
And Monte seems to be bringing in one type of player and Brown wants a different type of player.
and it’s all the same rehash names coming out. Monte is going to need to have a great off-season or this window is going to go down the tubes.
Submit your resume to be Kings GM. Fix everything.
Clearly, you know better and have always known better.
Here’s where you tell me that I’m telling you how to “fan.”
Glad to see you repeat the same garbage to everyone.
Consistent.
Yakshi is a troll that takes personal attacks at other commenters. Surprised he hasn’t been banned.
banning Yakshi would be a mistake. a lot of his comments are funny. in this particular thread, maybe not, but just scroll down.
He is allowed to show the world all that he or she is.
Why don’t they accept your resume?
What a bizarre comment made for absolutely no reason.
What’s the name of that guy who used to play basketball. He was on the 76ers and got traded?
Yes, all very good points. Rec’d.
And the idea that the Bulls will basically salary dump him feels like wishful thinking. And they are not letting Caruso (love him!) go for cheap…
As was already said during the season, Monte faces a huge challenge to improve this roster. The more I read about the draft and the available trade and FA options, the bigger the challenge seems to become.
May you live in interesting times.
I one hundred percent agree with you on Lavine, well put!
I don’t get the fixation with Lavine. If we gave away a #24 pick just to unload Holmes, Chicago can pony up at least a pick swap to unload Lavine. Even then, I don’t see how it improves us.
I do love me some Caruso, though.
Adamsite If you have a choice of players to trade for would you go for Kuzma or Adjiva?
Avdija
IMO, Deni is not available. That ends the talks right there.
Bingo. And the Wizards would ask a Kings’ ransom for him if he were.
Going to take the G league roster filler and two NBA players to get Lavine. He isn’t worth it.
Caruso is good but will cost us. He might be worth it,
IMO- the best targets are Markenon then Igram and then Grant. The cost for these guys is high or there is no possibility.
Guys like J and Z Collins and J. Smith just don’t move the needle. They are bench guys.
LaVine and Kuzma are decent offensive players with the negatives of ball-hog and injury. However, Washington and Bulls may be motivated to move them. Neither of those teams is going anywhere. and these guys and their salaries are an albatross.
Would it be possible to get both- give up some combination of Duarte, Sasha, Mitchell, Lyles, HB and Huerter plus some future picks? Perhaps the Bulls would be willing to dump LaVine and add compensation just for taking him?
Washington wants a second lottery pick- could the Bulls #11 (pipe dream since Bulls want picks) , the Kings #13 and the Washington #26 be switched around? If the Bulls gave up Caruso for the Kings to take on LaVine money- hallelujah!
If Washington gave up Kuzma + #26 for players +#13, the Kings might come out ok. I would rather have the NOP #21 and Ingram and give up #13 + future picks and current players .
I would NOT give up Ellis in any deal. Not for Caruso.
Monk may or may not come back. Kings need length, ability to score and get a bucket and these two guys can do that. Risk- injury, cost and ball hogs, team chemistry. Running it back next year with same outfit won’t do it.
There are just not that many players on the move who are proven.
These are certainly the needle movers and will cost a ton. Doubt MM has the stones to make a big move. I’d be fine with trading for Portis.
If a LaVine deal happens, I hope it’s because all other potential deals (Ingram, grant and Kuzma) fell through.Kings desperately need size. 1. I would trade future picks+ HB+KH for Ingram and then slot monk into the starting line up. Maybe he’ll resign for less if he gets the starting gig. 2. Not sure how the salary cap works but if there’s any money left, an athletic 4-5 would be nice. 3. a package of Davion/Sasha or Trey for a change of scenery 3 and D guy would be nice. 4. Sign a smart old PG that will play a little D and run the offense
I like Chris Dunn. Maybe get him for our BAE. 2 years ar 9.4 mil.
I’m on board for Zach Lavine.
Why?
The Kings need talent. Come playoff time, a line up of Lavine, Fox, Sabonis, Keegan
is formidable.
Health?
OG Annunoby is his injury comp, IMO.
Or Kawhi. or Zion. Of Randle. Or Porzingas. or Beal. Maybe include Booker.
This was the injury playoffs, wasn’t it?
Giannis. Spida Mitchell. Butler. Jamal Murray. Dame Lillard. Sengun at the end of the season. Steph somewhat. Funny, Anthony Davis was pretty healthy.
Who was the “healthy” team?
My point – There are injury riddled players. Some, obviously more than others.
Sac needs talent. Kuzma, Grant would be great. Markannen had injuries. Brandon Ingram has injuries.
Zach Lavine, if available, would be available. This is Sac- get the talent.
As far as salary cap, luxury tax – that’s on ownership. Frankly – I want to see Vivek gamble some cash. He hasn’t done so yet in 13 seasons. If he can’t – then the Kings can’t compete. As a fan, Inwant to know that. So I am a doubter. Please, shut me up. SPEND.
and if that includes Alex Caruso – hell, yes!
Wanna take a guess at how many playoff games Zach LaVine has won in 10 seasons?
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It’s less than De’Aaron Fox.
Exactly. And there’s no D in Lavine. He’d get targeted off the floor at end of games.
The only way I’d want him is Caruso in the deal.
Caruso would make a great Monk Replacement. And Defends.
Even then, Caruso would come with a $43M per year for 3 years anchor in LaVine. It’s not worth it.
If the Kings had an albatross contract to send back in return, I’d listen. The fact of the matter is, they don’t, so I say no.
Right. I agree actually. Makes me wonder why Monte would chase Lavine? Unless it’s the owner pushing?
Perhaps it’s been Vivek all these years pushing for Lavine.
Perhaps Vivek sees Lavine as Klay only more athletic!
Zach can go get a bucket. Kings lack that. Fox maybe, Monk yes but Monk is 50/50 gone. Caruso cannot get a basket.
Despite his troubles on offense, I like Keon more than Caruso and far more cost friendly.
Good teams usually have one so called lock down defender. Cannot have two if those persons are not offensive threats. Start Ellis- Kings numbers improved greatly when he started. LaVine as a bench guy. No D but then Monk was no D. Kuzma starts- that’s another go get a bucket guy. His D is no worse than HB. (LOL- play more zone??)
The cost for Caruso is too high and he does add some value but not enough to overcome Keon with whom he will fight for role.
and keep some semblance of a pick this year, since there is none next year and the following years may be gone in these trades. A young guy at 23 or so could be a low-cost youth guy and maybe some useful talent- Filipowski, Ware or Holmes. Size
at the same time, if Carter goes to Bulls at #11 as suspected and Holland drops then keep #11 for him. or trade- some teams would salivate for him. This draft has 13 players ranked in the top 3 tiers- Carter would be good but redundant- but if one of the others drops, there is a player there- Holland, Saluan, Knect????
Lots of split-second decisions here.
The kings do have albatross contracts if you combine the near 20 for Barnes at 2 more years plus 2 more years of Huerter at 15 per that’s 35 on 2 players that were non existing in last years playoffs and nearly unplayable..throw in Duarte and Sasha both of whom had zero impact on the court this year there’s 17 per on non rotational players. Caruso alone is worth more then all of this players I just mentioned and the cost is taking on Lavine who can at the very least get a bucket when ever he feels like.
Well…. it’s a Bull Market.
Lavine has been a supposed trade target for the Kings since he was born.
Pretty sure Caruso has been mentioned before as well?
Let’s hear/see commenter’s rankings of most desired offseason acquisitions (realistic ones) via trade…go!
Trade: I’m likely in the minority, but I’d go for John Collins. He’s unlikely to cost the Kings draft capital and he fills a position of need. He can hit from three, rebound and protect the rim and he doesn’t require huge usage. Hit fit nicely as the 4th option on offense. Dream target, but not sure he is available: Bobby Portis. He’s only getting traded if the Bucks are desperate to get below the apron.
Free agency: Re-sign Monk and use the MLE on Jalen Smith. He can play the 4 and backup Sabonis. Longshots: Pat Williams and Isaac Okoro and hope that their teams don’t match. Tobias Harris and hope he settles for the MLE
I like Collins. Fits better than Kuzma. I also like Jalen Smith. Yes he can backup Sabonis. Can get him with the MLE.
This sis similar to Mavs getting PJ and Gafford. I know that these two helped Mavs get to Finals but they are peaked. I want more. These two would move the Kings up in standings but just not dramatic or strong enough.
I’m not sure criticizing acquired players who just helped their team make it to the Finals helps your argument.
If Monte made some marginal moves like a PJ and Gafford and it took the Kings to the Finals I’d be pretty fucking cool with it.
Collins, Jalen Smith, re-sign Monk, and figure out how to get Okoro. That sounds like a good offseason.
Okoro, Ellis, and Murray on the perimeter would really help protect Domas defensively.
Maybe but……
just not convinced on J. Collins. Seems like a PJ Washington type- good and helpful but not enough to make a big jump. Mavs did well- got to Finals, added PJ and Gafford but emptied the vault. This is it for them.
Portis- same thing costs a lot but for marginal improvement.
J. Smith- third or fourth PF on Indy- why would he be better here?
Williams- not proven, Okoro never proven.
Harris- serviceable but slow.
These are all “improvments” but I see Kuzma and LaVine as bigger risks but bigger opportunity for improvement. They can go get a bucket. These other guys are all “fit in ” types.
Ingram might cost more but he can go get a bucket. NOP soured on him- fit with Zion and costly extension. So he is on the block but with plenty of suiters. NOP let the LAL keep this years pick owed to them. They still have #21 I think. Switch 13 for 21, give players take Ingram. Use #21 for size.
If get ingram don’t need Kuzma or LaVine but Monk coming back is then critical.
Jonathan Issac (had one of his “healthier” seasons) via trade or acquire Obi Toppin in RFA. I could see either fitting well next to Domas in the frontcourt
Boston averaged 101.6 points in five finals games. Dallas averaged 99.2.
Stifling defense wins championships. The Kings don’t have it at this time. There are compelling arguments for picking up Lavine here – UpgradedToQuestionable makes a very good case.
But I still don’t think the Kings need to swing for the fences on offense, though a Monk replacement is probably going to be needed.
I doubt there’s a way to pry Caruso away from the Bulls without taking on Lavine or giving up Keon, but that’s my dream. I’d rather find offense somewhere other than Lavine, though. That injury history is just too much for my taste.
Keon is only 24 and I believe going into year 3, maybe he’s our Caruso?
Based off the second half of last season, he likely pops this year.
Keon is younger, more athletic and more instinctual. and far less expensive. Caruso is slower, and, at this time more experienced. Can’t play together.
If LaVine is expendable and Bulls want to dump him, I would not insist on Caruso as the cost for the dump. Kings have a younger, cheaper Caruso. I am sure the Bulls would be happy not to have to include him in a dump.
Keon cannot finish at the rim but was 75th percentile in hand off threes.
Caruso alone is too expensive- last year they wanted like 2 first round picks for him.
Caruso is 26 maybe 2 years older then Keon and an all nba defensive player that shoots over 40 percent from 3 and is just as athletic if not more while also having the ability to finish at the rim. He’s light years ahead of Keon and having 2 of them wouldn’t be a bad thing. Imagine the defense of this closing lineup
Fox
Keon
Caruso
Keegan
Sabonis
Oh goodness get it done!!
You need more rebounding and rim protection.
Caruso is Caruso. No question about that.
If we’re looking at adding someone who won’t cost a ton in assets, who may be attainable and could be a needle-mover, how about Day’Ron Sharpe of the Nets?
He may not be a great floor stretcher and that may limit his fit alongside Sabonis, but can certainly substitute in for Domas as a DHO-initiator and screener. Also, he’s still young and shot a decent clip of 3’s, admiedly at a very small sample size.
And for those who care about these things (and shouldn’t), he does fit the time-line. (Imagine the Celtics saying that Horford didn’t fit the timeline…)
I like Sharp. Big body. Can play with the big guys. 6’11” and weights 265. Only 22. He can backup Sabonis and play Smith as the backup to Collins. Can also play center if need be. He is what Monty likes versatility.
Sharpe is fine but all these guys are marginal. Kings need big consistent impact guys- or at least one.
This is not go get KD, or PG3 or Kyrie type of move but a move bigger than any of these fine but marginal players. This is a go get a Sabonis type move, not a Trey Lyles
Cool. How are you going to do that?
Tell me who you like. I am curious.
I don’t think the Bulls would be interested in Barnes/Huerter. Both god awful last year and really not worth much with those contracts.
I am in Miami. Heat are interested in that package and have real clout to get it. Herro, Robinson, young talent. Bulls are looking to get younger not add addtl money on a one dimensional player and one way past his prime. Just makes no sense for the bulls to deal with the Kings.
Ingram and Markannan aren’t Happening. Unless Keegan is involved.
The fact is a lot of teams have more to offer than than the Kings in way of compensation. More youth, better picks, better depth, and in some cases cap.
Kuzma seems realistic, Clarkson, Anderson, Drummond, those types of players.
Colin Sexton is a player that should be targeted once Monk leaves. There would be little drop off. He would slide right into the starting lineup. Can shoot the 3, can pass and is even younger than Monk. He is also lightning quick.
If we’re talking a scoring combo guard, I’d opt for a Jordan Clarkson before LaVine. Much better use of resources in acquiring him for that role than to blow all roster and financial flexibility with LaVine.
Give me value!
High output low cost assets that can lead to future growth and flexibility.
My prediction is that if the Kings lose Monk and then deal Barnes, Huerter and the pick for LaVine and Caruso, they will get tossed out of the play-in or first round and Monte McNair gets fired, either at the end of next season or the end of the following one. It’s going to create an awful, John Wall on the Wizards style mess for the next front office to clean up.
I don’t have much love for Barnes or Huerter on the floor, but if you lose those two plus and Monk and add LaVine and Caruso, at best this team improves by 2-3 games and becomes just good enough to push someone to six games in the first round. Maybe. For a team that will be in the tax and has zero flexibility going forward.
The Suns have been trying something similar with better players over the last few years, and it’s not working. I am very much not a fan of LaVine even when healthy, and I don’t see how he makes this team better enough to even reach the second round.
I don’t have a solution on how this team gets better, but I’m pretty confident if the major moves involve LaVine, Kuzma or Collins, they won’t.
Asterisk: I’m usually wrong.
Pretty much agree.
My only difference is that I think some tinkering around the edges, in finding a legit PF next to Sabonis and a defensive wing could help this team make a deeper playoff run. Something like a trade for John Collins and MLE signing of Okoro would improve the team while not leveraging the future.
IMO Collins is a much better player than those 2 Dalles got. It isn’t who you get for scoring etc but who is the best fit for the Kings. This is where Monty and staff make their money. Some of you want say Kuzma but is he a better fit say along side Sabonis. I think not. I will go with Collins if not just for his protecting the weakside rim and rebounding but doesn’t have to be a go to guy to be affective on a team already with plenty of scorers.
With Fox, Ellis, Murray, Collins and Sabonis you have scoring, defense and rebounding. Now you need to take care of the bench which really needs a workover. If Monk stays that would be a great start but where do you go from there? I proposed a trade package that would get the Spurs Keldon Johnson and Zach Collins. This would help in scoring(Johnson) and a good young bachup to Sabonis. Gey Jalen Smith in FA to be backup to Collins(John) who can shoot the 3 help on the weakside rim and rebound. He can also be a backup center.
IMO Colby Jones just might be the player that is ready to be a contrbutor on the bench. I rrally like him a lot. I would like to see if we could get Chris Dunn using our BAE as our backup point guard. Now we hace Dunn(defense) Monk, K.Johnson, Smith and Z. Collins. A really good bench. All these players FIT IMO.
If Monk leaves then insert Jones in the SG spot.
If Monk leaves, Monte is really kind of screwed.
That’s really 3 major holes and 3 separate positions Monte would need to fill on a capped out team with really only the MLE and Bi-Annual to play with. Trades would have to be made.
Good luck.
Even if Monk stays, the Kings are going to have a hard to improving significantly without a serious gamble.
A) You gamble by mortgaging future assets for a serious upgrade at the four (Barnes and Heurter alone aren’t netting you that).
B) You go for marginal upgrades and bank on either finding a diamond in the rough with the MLE or #13.
C) You go for marginal upgrades and hope that Keegan Murray turns into a legitimate 20ppg type player that can consistently get his own shot at all 3 levels. You may be able to hope Monk becomes this guy too. But, not only do you need him to resign first, he really fits this current roster better as a 6th man.
Option A is a gamble with your assets and options B and C are gambles in that you risk sitting in mediocrity we no clear path forward.
At least retaining Monk fills a major hole and allows Monte to spend above the cap. That’s an asset retained and provides future spending power. Having him leave for nothing really sets the Kings back.
But you’re right, it’s all a gamble after that. My hope is Keegan takes another step and Monte is able to find the ancillary pieces that make the sum greater than their parts all without giving up future assets.
It’s possible. They did it in Boston and Denver. Find the right non-all star pieces to surround your stars.
If Monk stays that’s what I am trying to do. As of now will leave trade comments alone until we know what’s going to happen with Monk. GO KINGS! GO MONK!
That’s a very good point on the value of retaining Monk with regards to the salary cap and the future flexibility it provides (aside from the fact that he is the second primary ballhandler and the only other player on the team that can really go off on any given night).
The one question I have for only going for role players to compliment the current roster is Sabonis. Domas is an awesome player and he’s ridiculously consistent, but he’s not really a guy that can take over a game scoring unless he dramatically improves his midrange or three point game.
If Murray makes the leap, Sabonis doesn’t have too. But, if both Sabonis and Murray stay the same, I just think you need another true scoring threat in the starting five (that can ideally play good enough defense to help protect Sabonis a bit on that end). Not sure who fits that bill that can reasonably be gotten by the Kings though.
if Monk leaves then the above is screwed. If he stays the above might work. Do you pray? I do.
Question for Adamsite. Do you think Dejounte Murray could help the Kings? The guy can play basketball.
Your #2 is John Collins with Jalen Smith as bachup.
Your #3 is Keegan Murray.
I don’t know yet how to replace your #1. Mayde we can’t but get close.
100% agree, and I don’t see a scenario where Monk isn’t offered a lot more money and likely a starting role somewhere else. I’ll be bordering on shocked if Monk doesn’t leave. Monk really should leave for an Eastern Conference team where he can put up bigger numbers, potentially making the next contract even better.
If I’m Monk and one motivation is chasing a payday, I would be inclined to sign for more money and fewer years (3 year deal with a player option in the last year?) at a higher average annual salary, where I’m going to start and be a big part of the offense. Fill the box score and cash a nine-figure check in two years.
Miami is talking serious with the Bulls. I live in Miami.
Lavine will be incredible with Butler.
lowry’s 29 mil expiring
Jokic, Martin and a pick.
They would also consider moving Herro for Caruso in the deal.
You live in Miami but don’t know Lowry isn’t on the Heat?
All I know is that the Bulls started winning a lot of games as soon as they put Lavine on the injured list.
I’d be hesitant to hand over draft pics, and frankly, I’d prefer to keep Ellis, who has a lot more productive years ahead of him than does Lavine, who as you noted, misses a ton of games. You’re giving up an awful lot of depth and potential for an iffy return.
I think most of us are on the same page here…the Kings need to consolidate talent and improve the top end of their roster. What does that look like?
We need to move players to improve our team. When looking at Boston…they had to part with some good talent to find pieces to fit. They moved Smart to get Porzingis. They moved Robert Williams to get Jrue. They had to sign players like White and Horford in previous seasons. Some of these were huge gambles. How would the Kings make similar moves?
They may have to trade Huerter, Barnes, future picks, #13, Sasha, Kessler, Davion etc. Maybe even sign and trade Monk.
Huerter, Barnes, Edwards, #13 for Ingram
Davion, Sasha, future protected first for Collins
use some salary exemptions on Cam Payne and Nik Claxton (or Jalen Smith).
Fox, Payne, Jones
Ellis, Monk
Ingram
Murray, Collins
Sabonis, Claxton OR Smith
That’s a decent start.
btw-congrats to Queta for getting a ring with the Celtics. Well deserved.
I’ll take Smith with the MLE. I thingk I would rather gert Chris Dunn than Payne.
If Malik isn’t coming back, they’re including Caruso, and they just want matching salaries (within %80,) no picks? There could be better options out there, but if not, yeah, I’m down, totally. Bite the bullet, and end up with more top-level players. Deal with the cap consequences later. If Monk leaves, they’re desperate for talent.
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