With the 2014 NBA Draft a little over two weeks away, the trade talk is sizzling. Rumors around potential deals have become rampant. Not only are the Sacramento Kings tied to the Atlanta Hawks in a potential trade involving their 8th pick, they are also reportedly interested in a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. A deal between the Kings and Bucks would likely include point guard Brandon Knight, whom they could have selected at 7 in the 2011 NBA Draft instead of trading back and selecting Jimmer Fredette at 10. The Kings would also target Larry Sanders in the deal. Even though Sanders inked a 4 year extension before last season with the Bucks, they are reportedly willing to move him.
Larry Sanders would be an ideal complement to Demarcus Cousins. Sanders is an athletic big who has tremendous shot blocking and rebounding capabilities. Sanders will come with questions however. He spent most of last season in street clothes battling injuries. He also has some off the court issues that could be an problem going forward. Brandon Knight is a point guard who brings the size at 6’3” the Kings seem to be looking for. Knight would also make it easier to let Isaiah Thomas leave in free agency.
ESPN NBA Draft expert Chad Ford addressed the trade in a recent chat. He explained the trade “would be a good deal for both teams — especially if the Bucks could get Ben McLemore as well.”
Brian (CA): You said the Kings had interest in Brandon Knight for the 8th pick, would that interest extend to Larry Sanders, considering he would be a perfect fit next to Big Cuz?
Chad Ford: Yes. The need a rim protector and Sanders is available. I think if they give up Knight and Sanders they’ll want more than just the 8th pick. But the Kings have enough assets to throw another player the Bucks way. Would be a good deal for both teams — especially if the Bucks could get Ben McLemore as well. They need young players they can build around. The Bucks will be active in trying to move up and get another pick and the Kings have been among the most active in trying to add a few vets to turn this team into a playoff contender next year. Sanders and Knight would probably do
I find it hard to believe the Kings would move both their 8th overall pick and Ben McLemore in this deal. The Kings do “have enough assets to throw another player the Bucks way.” according to Ford. They have expiring contracts of Derrick Williams, Travis Outlaw, and Reggie Evans to include in any deal. A deal involving the 8th pick and an expiring contract or two makes much more sense from the Kings side. A few teams are looking to acquire a draft pick inside the top 10 and if the Kings play their cards right they may be able to leverage a better deal than some expect.