Kings Boost Backcourt Depth in 3-Team Mock Trade With Warriors, Wizards
The Sacramento Kings, with former All-Stars DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis, should have the talent to make a playoff run, although a lack of backcourt talent and the loaded Western Conference has made things tough.
Unless the Kings trade their veterans and embrace a full-on rebuild, it's hard to imagine them leapfrogging teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and even the San Antonio Spurs.
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However, one recently proposed mock trade would land solid talent and fix the Kings' lack of depth.
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) and forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) against Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10)© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
With no true point guard and a general lack of defense, the Kings have been unable to advance past the play-in tournament, much less make the playoffs outright.
With poorly executed trades like the one for DeRozan and the one that sent away De'Aaron Fox still in fans' mouths, the Kings could right the ship under the new regime in the front office. Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey proposed a trade that lands some proven talent and young pieces in Sacramento.
Full Mock Trade Details
Warriors Receive: Corey Kispert, Jonas Valančiūnas, 2031 first-round pick via WSH (top-five protected)
Wizards Receive: Jonathan Kuminga (via sign-and-trade), Malik Monk
Kings Receive: Marcus Smart, Buddy Hield, Saddiq Bey, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2030 first-round pick from WSH via GSW (top-20 protected)
The Kings land talented youngsters in Saddiq Bey and Trayce Jackson-Davis to build around, as well as a heavily protected pick. Jackson-Davis could backup Sabonis, Hield would shore up the wing rotation, and the Kings get a proven point guard who can defend and facilitate.
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By 2030, the Washington Wizards should, finally, be good, and Sacramento won't have to wait long for that pick to convey.
While Smart has never been a lethal scorer, Sabonis, DeRozan, and LaVine all have a proven track record. Plus, adding Smart allows Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and Hield to play larger bench roles.
While this trade doesn't make the Kings frontrunners, it improves the roster where they need it the most, without making any massive sacrifices.
Check out the Inside the Kings homepage for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Sacramento Kings' Purgatory Looks Even Worse After NBA Draft Lottery Shakeup
Related: Kings Predicted to Send 6-Time All-Star to Clippers for Former Champion in Offseason Trade
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