Sacramento Kings: NBA Trade Deadline Buyers

With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching (February 19th), teams looking to make moves to improve their rosters for the final playoff push are out there looking to deal. While the Kings have their sights set on the 2015-2016 season, which will seemingly be under coach George Karl, they can still get involved helping to facilitate some trades and land assets to help them going forward.

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As far as potential assets the Kings can move, Sacramento is unfortunately limited. Unless the Kings finish in the bottom 10 of the league, their first round pick will be headed to the Chicago Bulls.

They do have a couple contracts that are set to expire including Derrick Williams, who’s $6.6 million dollar contract could help teams looking cut salary for this summer. Nik Stauskas and Ben McLemore are the only other tradeable assets with any kind of value that the Kings would be willing to move.

While the idea of the Kings moving either seems unlikely, they could be moved if the right package presents itself.

Arron Afflalo

The Denver Nuggets are going to become a very busy team in the days leading up to NBA trade deadline. One of the names they likely will be moving is guard Arron Afflalo. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne is reporting the Sacramento Kings are among teams that have spoken to the Nuggets about Afflalo.

Not only is he a tremendous defender, but he also can provide outside shooting. He typically hovers between the high 30% to low 40% shooting percentage from behind the arc. His best seasons from three were under George Karl during their time in Denver.

Afflalo would fit into Karl’s scheme as well as the front office’s vision of space and pace. His veteran poise would be a welcomed addition to the locker room as well.

The biggest question looming is what the Nuggets would want in return or Afflalo. Shelburne suggested the Nuggets want a first round pick. While his contract does run through the end of the 2015-2016 season, he has the ability to opt out at the end of this season. The Kings and other teams would be hesitant to move future assets, such as a first round pick, without some assurance, he plans to stay with the Kings.

Taj Gibson

Feb 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Carl Landry (24) during the second half at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Sacramento Kings 104-86. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are in a bit of a predicament. They have an emerging superstar in Jimmy Butler, who just made his first NBA All Star team and is poised for a max deal. The problem for the Bulls is they can’t pay him the deal he will covet unless they make some roster moves.

This is where the Kings step in.

While the Bulls would seemingly want more for a player that has shown tremendous play in past seasons, between a dip in play as of late and the Bulls front court talent including Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic, the Bulls may move Gibson in a deal that landed them the expiring contract of Williams and Stauskas, who could fill future minutes at the shooting guard spot.

The Kings could also remove the protection from the first round pick assuring the Bulls of keeping the pick.

NBC’s Pro Basketball Talk is reporting Gibson is drawing interest around the NBA and he is still being floated around in trade talks.

Gibson’s deal extends for two seasons beyond this one. His deal is very team friendly at a little over 8.5 million per season. His number could look even better when the cap number jumps after this summer.

Gibson would a great fit next to DeMarcus Cousins, as he can play both away from the hoop as well as rebound and be a physical presence inside. He has the ability to be a double-double machine. It would also allow the Kings to utilize Jason Thompson in a bench role, adding much needed depth.

Brook Lopez

The Brooklyn Nets have been shopping their often injured center as the trade deadline approaches. The Nets are in an awful spot regarding their cap number and want to clear cap space. If the Kings could package Derrick Williams’ expiring contract, a young piece, likely Ben McLemore, and Ramon Sessions as salary filler they may have a potential deal. The Kings would likely have to move a pick or two to get the Nets to pull the trigger.

For the Kings it may seem like an odd fit but not only does Lopez bring the rim protection they covet, but it would be one of the best passing front courts in the NBA. Lopez, like Afflalo has a player option for the 2015-2016 which could be a cause for concern for the Kings.

Backup Point Guard

Ramon Sessions and Ray McCallum have both left a lot be desired in terms of reliability from the backup point guard spot. Sessions could be on his way out, as his name continues to be floated about. Both previously rumored deals have failed produce anything.

In a perfect world, the Kings land a point guard that can start and have Darren Collison lead the second unit, the likely hood of that happening at this point is low. If they can add stability at the reserve guard role, it would help the drop off to the second unit seem less drastic.

A lot could happen between now and February 19. Stay tuned to @aroyalpain for the latest news and rumors.