The Kings will aggressively pursue a trade for a star, The Athletic’s Shams Charania stated on FanDuel’s Run It Back (hat tip to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin).
“This is the first time in a really long time — maybe when Chris Webber was with the Kings — that you can look at the Kings as a trade destination,” Charania said. “They’re going to be involved in every star player: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, maybe Zach LaVine. Whatever stars become available because [Kings’ GM] Monte McNair, that organization, they’ve done a good job at keeping their assets. They have tradable contracts. So they’re going to be a player for stars coming up for sure.”
The Kings control all of their future first-round picks except their 2024 selection, which is owed to Atlanta (with lottery protection).
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- The Suns’ Yuta Watanabe missed Sunday’s game at Utah with a left quad contusion, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. He was kneed during a pick-up game on Saturday. Watanabe, who signed a two-year, veteran’s minimum contract with a player option during the offseason, had appeared in Phoenix’s first 12 games, averaging 5.3 points per night.
- Suns wing Bradley Beal, who won’t play for at least the next three weeks due to a low back strain, has dealt with nerve irritation from his back down to his legs, according to The Athletic’s Charania. Beal, who suffered the initial injury in training camp, only appeared in three games before he was sidelined again last week.
- It’s time for the Clippers and Warriors to start showing that they’re true contenders and prove they deserve to continue with their current core groups, The Athletic’s John Hollinger opines.
Yea I don’t exactly see them targeting Siakam or LaVine or DeRozan. OG or Caruso maybe. Upgrade over Davion Mitchell. 3&D upgrades would be my guess. Thybulle could be a dark horse trade candidate.
Good call on Thybulle. Out of everyone mentioned I think his D is what they need to close more games out. Murray has put a lot into his D over the summer. You can tell watching him he’s put emphasis. But they need to lock guards up at the point to slow teams down. Every one wants a Siakam. I think they will ask for the moon though.
I think the Bucks would be interested in Mitchell. He plays lock down D. Lavine would be an upgrade over Huerter too. We shall see.
Zach LaVine is an excellent fit with Sacramento.
What exactly does Sacramento have to offer a rebuilding Bulls team?? Davion Mitchell is not enticing. Can’t see how Keegan Murray would be on the table. 1st round Picks Sacramento would have to offer would project in the 20’s. The Atlanta pick is “protected”.
Heuter is going to be involved in any trade due to salary and they have no need with Duarte, Colby Jones, Monk, and whoever they trade for.
Brad Beal is becoming real problem for Phoenix. They can’t get past the 2nd round of the playoffs with just Booker and Durant. They have to have all three, and they have to be healthy. The supporting cast just isn’t reliable at all.
This is gonna be the only bite at the apple that Phoenix gets. Whole thing is riding on Brad Beal’s fragile body. If this guy ain’t ready to go after 5 years of limited action ….. How does he get through the Playoffs?????
They could actually. If they learned to pass the ball. Durant gets stagnet when he feels like he has to take over. Their assist numbers are weak. Suggesting they play a lot of hero ball and don’t pass the ball as well. Beal is a problem physically. But there’s no way they didn’t anticipate him plylaying less than 82
As if KD leading the team in minutes means he’s going to be healthy in the playoffs?
He’s missed time every season since his achilles tear.
Warriors, as usual, HAVE TO FIND A CENTER! Looney can’t do it all on his own!!!
I don’t see the trade ballast for Sac , I mean it’s gotta be Huerrter Barnes and Monk but you gotta add 2 together ( along w Davion/. Len just to get to 1 stars salary … they aren’t that deep to begin with and those top 3 guys are currently very critical to the core
Last year they had about 20 mill completely dead expiring contracts to add to Barnes ( expiring ) to make a deal and didn’t … would seem harder this year but you never know in the NBA
I , like others above , see a more Og ( 18 mill ) or Caruso (9.5) than a star trade happening
*kuzma for 25 is interesting but I think Wiz hold unless completely blown away w an offer ( unlikely )
I think Monk is off limits due to the crazy energy he brings to the team and fans. His relationship with Fox is also big.
KH is for sure being included because Duarte and Colby Jones are on the team with Monk. They do have a backup pg problem since Fox was out they were better with Ellis over Davion.
They need a Swiss Army knife wing or a shot blocker to help with Sabonis.
OG is a star, if he’s moved he’ll be the best player moved at the deadline. He’s a lockdown defender on the games best players and puts up just shy of 20 pts a night.