The Sacramento Kings have waived Chima Moneke, as first reported by James Ham of ESPN 1320.
According to a league source, the Sacramento Kings have waived Chima Moneke.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) January 7, 2023
Moneke’s contract was set to become fully guaranteed in the coming days if he had not been waived. Matthew Dellavedova and KZ Okpala have similar deadlines coming up, but both seem likely to remain on the roster and have their contracts guaranteed.
According to a league source, Matthew Dellavedova will remain on the Kings’ roster past the guaranteed contract date. His 1-year, $2.6 million contract for this season will be paid in full, whether he finishes out the season in Sacramento or not.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) January 7, 2023
With the deadline looming, Moneke seemed likely to end up being waived to give the Kings additional roster flexibility. As of today, teams are able to sign players to 10-day contracts, but the Kings did not have an open roster spot. The Kings could sign someone to a 10-day, sign someone outright via free agency, or take on an additional player in a trade.
As for Moneke, he was a feel-good story and has played well for the Stockton Kings this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up signing with Stockton directly. Wherever his journey takes him, we’ll be rooting for the best for him.
I’m guessing some folks may start to wonder who the Kings should sign to a 10-day deal, but I really don’t think there is anyone out there than can help, let alone crack the rotation, for the Kings. I’d rather just leave the spot open in case of injury replacement or a possible trade.
I was thinking of a trade scenario where the Kings get Wendell Carter Jr. Inhear Bamba’s name being thrown around, but I think Carter would be better. It would take something like Holmes, Davis, and a 1st. Not sure if Orlando would be interested in something like that, but I think the Kings would be vastly improved with Carter.
Orlando isn’t trading Carter Jr. He’s part of their core going forward. Plus, he’s far too good to be a backup to Sabonis.
What about the Hornets Nick Richards?
Maybe they should give Tristan Thompson a call
Meh, doesn’t move the needle for me. One I have wondered about just currently got the start for the Spurs. Zach Collins might be a cheap get. He’s very injury prone, but I think he could fit the system. He is also respectable from 3 and can protect the rim.
Jack- we agree! but the price may be too high. Nik Richards is one of those second-round guys who blossom.
Would not give up a first for him.
I like Naz Reid too but his price is too high
why not kick the tires on Bamba?
maybe not
would not give up a first for him. He has had trouble staying healthy and trouble being “better than” the other reserves.
Time to start the ten day tryouts for a back up center.
I think the King’s biggest need is how to play when Sabonis sits (for rest or due to injury). Whether this means alternative defensive and offensive schemes that maximize the talents/minimize the shortcomings of players like Holmes, Len, Metu or Queta or a new player that can somewhat emulate what Sabonis does (who besides Jokic or Cousins, whom I would avoid for well known reasons?), I do not know. Without a *clear* path to improvement on that backup (or “next to”) role for Sabonis, I would not give up assets, i.e. not a 1st.
ideally, yes, but that’s hard to find. the backup will mostly play with Davion who has mentioned the need for more rim protection. possibly a guy like Damian Jones? in the small sample size from last year, they played well together. Damian hit enough outside shots to provide floor spacing. and was also a lob threat. can probably trade Metu for him straight up.
This is an excellent idea. Damien Jones. Well done. He seemingly would be better then every option we currently have
not gonna lie though. I think Cousins could work just as good if not better and he costs the team nothing. I think the culture of this squad under Mike browns leadership is strong enough that the risk of cousins wouldn’t be an issue.
more paint protection
I think it is a fools errand to try and find someone to replace Domas during injury. One or two games, sure. But if it’s for an extended time I think this team is in deep touble. I hope I am wrong.
Getting someone who can hold the fort and give the opportunity to limit Domas’ minutes without digging a hole is quite important, though.
I hated the thought about DMC but now maybe?????
D. Jones would be good.
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