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Ben McLemore Joins The Sacramento Kings Rumor Mill

By Rafe Wong

Jan 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) and center DeMarcus Cousins (15) watch from the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Kings 101-90. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) and center DeMarcus Cousins (15) watch from the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs beat the Kings 101-90. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another name has popped up in the trade rumors pertaining the Sacramento Kings, and that player is Ben McLemore.

According to Dan Feldman from NBC Sports, it was reported that McLemore and the Kings are trying to figure out a solution where the former 1st round draft pick finds a new team to play for before the trade deadline expires. A popular destination that has been mentioned is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With McLemore having ties with Lebron James, both athletes that are represented by Klutch Sports Group, it makes some sense to why Cleveland is interested in acquiring the Kings marksman.

For the majority of this season, McLemore has played the role of the Kings starting shooting guard and is averaging 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game for the season.

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Whether or not the Kings are willing to shop McLemore is unknown, but there is an offer that I do see benefitting the Kings if they do decide to part ways with former 1st round draft pick.

Taking away from former “A Royal Pain” writer Vincent Miracle (now with SacKingsNation), a trade scenario that he mentioned that I think will be both good and realistic for Sacramento is trading McLemore and Kosta Koufos in return for Iman Shumpert and Timofey Mozgov.

December 30, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Sleep Train Arena. The 76ers defeated the Kings 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 30, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Sleep Train Arena. The 76ers defeated the Kings 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Comparing Koufos and Mozgov is pretty much apples to apples. Both pretty much play the same styles of game and have similar roles for their teams. In terms of comparing the two guards in this deal, Shumpert is a defensive upgrade for Sacramento, despite him having an off year this season.

When looking at this trade, the main focus is on the swap of the two guards. I think this trade will help benefit both teams, as Shumpert will help enhance the perimeter defense for Sacramento (a major weakness) while the Cavs will have a two-guard with a high ceiling of potential in McLemore that they can develop going forward.

With the trade deadline nearing, it looks like Ben “Sir” McLemore’s tenure with the Kings could possibly be over soon. When looking at the options if the Kings do decide to trade the third-year shooting guard, Cleveland makes the most sense for Sacramento if they do receive Shumpert in return.

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Even though Iman Shumpert is apparently having an off year, his defensive rating is still at a 99.3, which is exceptional. Plus, Timofey Mozgov, similar to Koufos, is a bruiser in the paint, so there will not be a dramatic change (positive or negative) in the power forward position if this trade were to happen.

However, the thought of trading McLemore is disheartening. The potential he holds is star-caliber and the thought of giving away that kind of potential hurts as a fan.

But if the Kings are serious in trying to contend for the postseason this year, an upgrade in the two guard spot is needed, and Shumpert is a good option for that.

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