Sacramento Kings Make No Changes As Trade Deadline Expires
By Rafe Wong
The Sacramento Kings made some noise as the trade deadline expired not too long ago but, in the end, they were unsuccessful in making a move.
This now leaves the Kings to finish the last 29 games of the regular season with the current roster that they have, and although it is consisted with talent, they have not gelled well enough to show fans that they can make a legit run for the postseason.
When pertaining with the deadline, there were two trades that the Kings seemed to be in serious talks for. These trades were between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls.
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The first rumor to come out of these two were with the Cavaliers, where the focus was sending Ben McLemore to Cleveland in exchange for Iman Shumpert. According to Kings insider Jason Jones, the Cavs had Shumpert available for the Kings to trade for him.
However, as the trade deadline got nearer it seemed like the possibility of this trade happening became bleaker, as the trade talks between the Kings and Cavs started to dissipate.
Trade chatter: Iman Shumpert is available if Kings want him. Divac might be reluctant to part with 1 of his faves: Koufos or Belinelli
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) February 17, 2016
Ben McLemore could be moved in such a deal. Belinelli/Koufos aren't untouchable, Divac simply looking for the right deal.
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) February 17, 2016
The next headline to come out for the Kings was that they were aggressively going after Bulls veteran Pau Gasol, in which the trade would consist of Sacramento receiving Gasol and Tony Snell in exchange for McLemore and Kosta Koufos (according to Chris Broussard).
I'm told Bulls and Kings still discussing potential trade: Pau Gasol and Tony Snell for Kosta Koufas and Ben McLemore
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 18, 2016
Although the Kings were trying hard to bring the 35-year-old veteran to Sacramento, there was not a scenario where both sides could agree upon. As a result, leaving the Kings to end the trade deadline with nothing.
In my opinion, the Cleveland trade made the most sense out of both trades. Being able to receive an established defender like Shumpert would have been a big plus for the Kings going forward.
Also, the Bulls trade would have been risky. Yes, it would have been a big upgrade having Gasol pair up with Cousins and also to get a young and promising defender in Snell, but really what were the chances that Gasol will remain in Sacramento after this season?
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He has a player option for next season on his contract and I am certain he would opt out of his contract if he were to be relocated to the state’s capital.
Bottom line, the Kings were unable to make a deal before the trade deadline, which means that the team will have to ride on the current personnel to get the job done in the second half of the season.
Based on a talent standpoint, this team isn’t bad and actually should have a shot to still reach the top 8 of the Western Conference, but it has been the inconsistency that has hurt them. In order for the Kings to make ground in the Western Conference standings, the team as a whole has to be more consistently productive for it to happen.