Heading into the 2018-19 season, the Sacramento Kings have two big holes. First, they have a sizeable hole at small forward. Justin Jackson is the only true small forward on the roster even though both Bogdan Bogdanovic and Iman Shumpert can play the three. Defensively though, running those two out at the three would be a nightmare.
Without a reliable option at small forward, the Kings are going to be in some serious trouble this season. The hole at small forward is here to stay unless the Kings are able to utilize the trade market to bring in reinforcements. Of course, should Justin Jackson become an NBA-level small forward, this could become a moot point. Regardless, bringing in at least one more small forward would not hurt.
Secondly, Sacramento does not own their 2019 first-round pick. This, like the hole at small forward, could also be fixed via trade. The biggest issue with trading for a first-rounder means the Kings would have to take on a considerable salary in return. Something they may not be willing to do.
Objectively, adding a first-round pick should be a top priority for the Kings’ front office. A *presumably* bad team without a first-round pick in the midst of a rebuild is less than ideal. They do, however, have two second-round picks. Though with the Kings’ draft record the odds are against those picks becoming useful players.
Without further ado, let us get into some trades.
Note: these are not based on rumors, rather they come from various ideas floated by other writers.
Sacramento gets SF help and adds a first-round pick
Sacramento Kings Get: SF Evan Turner, 2019 1st Round Pick
Portland Trail Blazers Get: C Kosta Koufos
(h/t Bleacher Report)
Both teams would have the incentive to get this deal done. For the Kings, they get Evan Turner who is a solid, albeit unspectacular option at small forward.
Last season, Turner averaged 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while having shooting splits (FG%/3P%/FT%) of 44.7/31.8/85.0 in 25.7 minutes a game. That was good enough for a true-shooting percentage of 52% and a net rating of -1.5. Like I said, solid, but not spectacular.
Though it would be a major improvement from Justin Jackson’s -8.2 net rating, of course, Jackson was hurt by being on a losing team, whilst Turner’s was buoyed by good teammates around him. Regardless, he would certainly have some value for Sacramento.
The biggest issue with acquiring Turner is his contract. After signing a four-year deal worth $70 million in 2016, he still has two years and $36.4 million remaining on his contract. This is where the 2019 pick comes into play. By jettisoning Turner, the Blazers save roughly $18.6 million against the cap next season, something that could be more valuable for Portland than the pick.
This could all go up in smoke if Portland looks destined for the lottery, or does not feel they can truly contend for a playoff spot, as they may opt to keep the pick, which would likely kill any likelihood of this trade from Sacramento’s view.
Kings and Lakers do business
Sacramento Kings Get: F Luol Deng, 2019 first, 2020 second, 2021 second
Los Angeles Lakers Get: PF Zach Randolph/Kosta Koufos, SG Iman Shumpert
(h/t Bleacher Report)
This, admittedly, would hurt for Sacramento. While Luol Deng and Turner have nearly identical contracts (Deng two-years, $36.8 million remaining), Deng would not be an addition on the court. The real prize here is the three draft picks. Alright, the real prize is the first rounder but there is no way Sacramento would just help the Lakers by taking on Deng for one first right? Right?? Anyway, adding two additional second-rounders does not hurt, and makes this deal all the more palpable for the Kings.
The Lakers do this trade for one reason: cap space. Without Deng to clog up their cap sheet, the Lakers have even more cap space to add impact players around LeBron James in what figures to be a star-studded 2019 free agent pool. The trio of Koufos, Randolph, and Shumpert are all on expiring deals, though only one of Koufos and Randolph would need to be sent south in this trade.
This one would certainly sting for Sacramento, but landing that first-round pick is that important.
Kings trade with another L.A. team
Sacramento Kings Get: Danilo Gallinari
Los Angeles Clippers Get: Deyonta Davis, Zach Randolph, and Iman Shumpert
(h/t Bleacher Report)
There is no draft pick for Sacramento in this one. This is all about bringing in above-average talent to help fill the need for a small forward. Danilo Gallinari is quite a good player, that is, when healthy.
Last season, Gallinari only suited up in 21 games, and as a result, his production suffered. In the 2017-18 season, Gallinari scored 15.3 points per game with 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists on a painful shooting split of 39.8/32.4/93.1. Comparatively, in the 2016-17 season, he played 63 games and scored 18.2 points a night with 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Oh, and the shooting numbers were markedly better sitting at 44.7/38.9/90.2.
Gallinari is heading into the second year of a three-year deal worth $64.7 million, meaning Sacramento would be on the hook for the roughly $44.1 million remaining. Which, is a fair price to pay if you are getting his production from 2016-17. But it quickly turns into an albatross if he is unable to stay healthy or produce solid numbers.
Los Angeles, similar to the team they share an arena with (ha), does this trade for cap reasons. All of the players they receive are on expiring contracts, clearing the way for them to make a run at somebody like Kawhi Leonard and another max-level player. Both teams have the incentive to do this deal, but Sacramento’s side comes with considerably more risk.
Sacramento and Charlotte make things happen
Sacramento Kings Get: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Charlotte Hornets Get: Skal Labissiere, Zach Randolph
(h/t Bleacher Report)
This, like the trade with the Clippers, does not come attached with a pick via Charlotte. This is strictly a move for another option at small forward. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could be a solid fit for Sacramento, which makes them consider doing this deal.
MKG is coming off a year where he averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 50.4% shooting from the field and 68.4% from the charity stripe. He is not an All-Star by any means, but he would be a good complimentary piece for this roster. He posted a positive 2.3 net rating in the Queen City last year as well as a true-shooting percentage of 53.6%. The only issue is, he cannot shoot past the arc.
Kidd-Gilchrist did not make a single three last year, albeit on few attempts. That alone could give the Kings some pause before pulling the trigger on this trade. What is beneficial for them is that they are able to clear up two roster spots, including sending off mercurial big man Skal Labissiere.
Losing Skal might hurt at first, but he does not have a clear path to the rotation and has not shown anything more than the occasional flash of talent. A change of scenery would probably do him well, though it would not go over well with Kings fans.
The Hornets are able to add a solid veteran in Randolph to help in their playoff push, as well as getting Skal to see what they could do with him. An intriguing young player and a productive veteran should be enough to get this deal done should either team pursue it, though if I am Sacramento, this one gives me pause.