NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Sacramento Kings are fighting a wave of emotions, good draft picks, good trades, and solid play as they are sitting right in the thick of things in the Western Conference. With a core that revolves around De’Aaron Fox, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis the Kings have a young core that will be fun to watch over the next few years. Well, that’s if they decide to keep them together.
According to Yahoo Sports, there are reports that the Sacramento Kings are looking to make some NBA trade deadline deals that could involve Kyle Kuzma, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam. Any one of those players could push the young Kings up the standings but what will it cost them?
What Should The Sacramento Kings Do?
Fox is a no-go as his name has been mentioned in trades dating back to last season when it came to the Philadelphia 76ers looking to part ways with Ben Simmons. Kyle Kuzma is a deal that could be down since there are rumors he wants out of Washington and is expected to decline his $13M option if not traded. As for the two players on the Raptors, that’s where things can get interesting.
Siakam is 28 years old but he also has two years remaining on his contract that pays him $35M+. Is this something the Kings are willing to take on? As for Anunoby, he’s younger at 25 and he’s being paid $24M until 2024 where he has a Player Option for $20M. Once again, is this the route the Kings are willing to go?
With the injury to Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings may be forced to make a move now. However, if they do decide to stand pat, now is the time for Keegan to assert himself more on both ends of the floor. But one of the main names being mentioned in deals is Harrison Barnes. Barnes is set to be a free agent in 2023 and at the age of 30, he’s the oldest regular rotation Kings’ player.
His outside shooting and rebounding will be missed but as the Kings’ attempt to get younger and shave money off their payroll, Barnes will be the odd man out. But the injury to Sabonis should make Barnes valuable to the rotation but will they want to resign him this summer?
A few other rumors floating around concerning the Sacramento Kings could land them PJ Washington of the Charlotte Hornets, Robert Covington of the Portland Trail Blazers, Jae Crowder of the Phoenix Suns, and Gary Trent Jr of the Raptors. For a team ranked 24th in defense, the Kings should look to get better on that end of the floor as they rank in the top 5 in Points Scored.
Everything is speculation at this point but the injury to Sabonis may force their hand. There is no timetable for his return and with the Kings jockeying for playoff position, the trade deadline could be a way for them to stay relevant in the West until Sabonis returns.
This is the nature of the NBA and with the Sacramento Kings not sniffing the playoffs since the 2005-06 season, it’s time to start making these hard decisions.
