A Royal Pain
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Is Another Roster Shake-Up in Store This Offseason?

By Jake Fitzgibbon

May 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings vice president of basketball operations and general manager Vlade Divac addresses the media after a press conference at the Sacramento Kings XC (Experience Center). Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings vice president of basketball operations and general manager Vlade Divac addresses the media after a press conference at the Sacramento Kings XC (Experience Center). Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The offseason is well underway for the Sacramento Kings. The Draft Lottery has been and gone, which resulted in the Kings receiving the 8th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Now it’s full steam ahead for the draft on June 23rd.

The Kings have already begun their pre-draft workouts, however, the first two workouts have only consisted of 2nd round talent; with the higher ranked prospects expected to come in over the next couple weeks.

Last offseason saw the Kings bring in a total of 9 new players including names such as Rajon Rondo, Willie Cauley-Stein, Kosta Koufos, Marco Bellineli, and Seth Curry. Only 6 players from the previous season were on this past season roster. 

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I don’t think the Kings will have as much turnover as that this season, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see something quite close to it. Especially after the disappointing outcome of the 2015-2016 campaign.

For the Kings, it will start with the draft. The Kings currently sit with the 8th pick in the draft and they can use it to select a promising young player to add to the roster. Unfortunately, they may be just out of reach of players like Buddy Hield and Kris Dunn. However, players such as Denzel Valentine and Timothe Luwawu will likely still be on the board when it’s the Kings turn to select.

Free agency commences not long after the draft and this will be a pivotal time for the Kings front office. Vlade Divac and his staff are going to be quite busy come free agency, as they have over $20 million in cap space at their disposal.

Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

The notable free agents for the Kings include Rajon Rondo, Seth Curry, and Quincy Acy. Re-signing these guys will take up a large amount of the cap space, which is why Vlade may let someone like Rondo walk so he has that extra cap space to spend on areas of need.

Rajon Rondo really is the decisive factor here, if Vlade decides to bring him back, a huge chunk of the cap space will be gone, but the Kings will get to keep a quality player who may be inclined to try a little harder under coach Dave Joerger; especially on the defensive end.  Otherwise, the money can be spent elsewhere.

There is also the prospect of trading DeMarcus Cousins, but I doubt he gets moved this offseason. Cousins being traded is more likely at the trade deadline if the Kings are not progressing to a level of Vlade Divac’s satisfaction. A player like Rudy Gay is more likely to be moved.

I do expect to see many new faces on the Kings this offseason; maybe more than I imagine. I would not be surprised to see Vlade shake things up this offseason by re-shuffling the roster with a trade or two, which free’s up more cap space, or brings in some quality players in return.

Next: What Should The Sacramento Kings Do With Their Draft Pick?

Anything is possible for the Kings, especially after the poor showing last season. The roster has talent, it was just poorly utilized last season. One thing is for sure, though, Vlade Divac isn’t getting any rest this offseason.

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