Kings shot blocking trade target could be buyout option

After a lackluster trade deadline, the Sacramento Kings should be looking to address some of their needs on the buyout market. Monte McNair didn’t find the right deal to make after the Kessler Edwards acquisition which leaves his roster a bit thin at some very valuable positions.

With each passing day after the deadline, we get a more clear picture of how this year’s buyout market is going to look. We also can cross some names off the list of options for the Kings to consider almost immediately. Players such as Russell Westbrook aren’t going to be under consideration for Sacramento for obvious reasons.

While many fans are a bit frustrated the Kings didn’t at least swing one more small deal, it’s possible that was the right decision. If they are able to address one or two areas of need on the buyout market, meaning without giving up any assets, the decision to hold tight at the deadline would look a lot better.

It’s tricky, though. In order to even have desirable options via the buyout market a team is relying on other teams to release a player that happens to fit a specific need. It’s a roll of the dice and can’t be banked on but if things play out right it could be the perfect way to round out a roster for the stretch run of the season.

The Kings will inevitably be monitoring a few different player types on the buyout market. Any perimeter defender would be a welcome addition, but especially a wing defender that can play a meaningful role off the bench.

Another area the Kings will have an eye on is the big man market. That is where they could see things align perfectly despite not making a move for a rim protector prior to the trade deadline.

Kings could add Nerlens Noel if bought out by the Pistons

Prior to the trade deadline, it was reported multiple times throughout the season that the Kings were among the teams interested in potentially trading for Detroit Pistons big man Nerlens Noel.

While many teams have been linked to the big man this season, no one was able to find the right deal to acquire him via trade. Speculation exists that the Pistons could look to open a roster spot by waiving Noel, given the lack of need they have for him down the stretch this season.

Detroit clearly wants to focus on younger players and they have a few young, developing big men on their roster. Players such as Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman and former King Marvin Bagley III should all be ahead of Noel for minutes moving forward.

Moving on from Noel would make a lot of sense for the Pistons. If they decide to go that route, the Kings would be wise to aggressively pursue his services for the remainder of the season.

He is exactly the kind of depth the Kings need for their stretch run. His ability to protect the rim would be a new asset for Mike Brown to deploy.

No Sacramento player is averaging more than a half block per game this season. Even more telling, after Domantas Sabonis, the Kings don’t really have anyone willing and capable of defending the rim. Keegan Murray defends the second most shots at the rim per game right now.

Noel has blocked 1.5 shots per game over the course of his career. He is a long, lengthy big that makes life difficult for opponents around the rim.