The Sacramento Kings need to get into Anthony Davis trade talks as a facilitator
The Sacramento Kings aren’t going to trade for Anthony Davis, but they could be a valuable facilitator for another team.
Anthony Davis isn’t coming to the Sacramento King — that’s a fact. Another fact? Sacramento Kings have ample cap space and several glaring needs across the roster.
Is it likely the Kings get involved in a three team trade? No. The Sacramento Kings haven’t shown any serious inclination to get involved as a facilitator in big trades when the opportunity has presented itself. They didn’t get involved with Kawhi Leonard, nor when Jimmy Butler was dealt. They’ve also avoided taking part in any salary dumps — effectively signaling they don’t have a desire to make trades. That could change if the right deal presents itself. Enter: the Los Angeles Clippers.
Obviously, the Clippers would get back Anthony Davis from the Pelicans, while likely sending a package centered around Lou Williams, Jerome Robinson, Milos Teodosic and draft compensation to New Orleans would be a starting point. The Clippers also need to send out another big contract, namely Danilo Gallinari, who’d be heading to Sacramento.
Six moves the Kings could make at the deadline. light. More
The Kings, for their part, could likely get this done by sending out a combination of draft picks, salary filler and Willie Cauley-Stein, along with some salary relief. This, is just one scenario though. There’s also other trade opportunities out there for a straight across Kings-Pelicans swap — just not for Davis. A Cauley-Stein-Nikola Mirotic trade could be appealing to the Pelicans should Sacramento attach some draft assets.
Similar to Anthony Davis, however, Jrue Holiday isn’t going to come to Sacramento for obvious reasons. Still, working their way into being a facilitator for an Anthony Davis trade could be beneficial in many ways. If the Sacramento Kings aren’t getting back an impact player (Gallinari, Mirotic), they could leverage their cap space into acquiring additional draft assets, especially in a year where they lack a first-round pick.
Next. Top three players midway through the season. dark
Whether it happens or not remains to be seen. The Sacramento Kings are rumored to actively pursuing trades, but so far no move has been made — despite having every opportunity to do so. The clock is ticking Vlade, the trade deadline is less than 72 hours away.