The Sacramento Kings must look to improve the roster following a disappointing first-round playoff loss. In the playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, the Kings blew a 2-0 series lead, and it is clear that some changes need to be made. Do not expect a super busy offseason, as I know Sacramento wants to keep the core together after a successful regular season with 48 wins.
The only true untouchable on this roster is All-NBA point guard De’Aaron Fox, as GM Monte McNair could look to trade anyone else to build around Fox. After signing him to a 5-year extension worth $163 million, the Kings showed their commitment to Fox.
As the Kings look to make some changes to make a playoff run next season, here are the top six realistic trade assets they could use to make moves this 2023 offseason:
6. 2023 1st round pick
The Sacramento Kings hold the 24th overall pick in this year’s draft, and while the Kings can not technically trade this pick due to not having a 1st-round pick in 2024, they can trade whoever they select. This pick is not worth much as it is a late 1st rounder, but if a prospect falls to pick 24 that another team is interested in, it could get interesting.
The Kings might not want to take on a young rookie and could package this pick with a player to receive someone that could contribute immediately. This 2023 draft class is loaded with talent, so it would not be a surprise if an impressive prospect fell to the Kings. While I do not think Sacramento will trade this pick, it could be needed to get another deal done.
I would rather have the Kings take a chance on a talented rookie with the pick, but it may be a valuable pick for another team, which could be worth trading.
5. Malik Monk
In Malik Monk’s first season in Sacramento, he finished fifth in the 6th Man of the Year voting, averaging 13.5 points and 3.9 assists per game. Monk was very impressive at times for the Kings as he led the second unit, which teams could find value in such an effective scorer off the bench.
The Kings signed Monk to a two-year, $19 million deal last offseason. Monk earned his money, especially in the playoffs, where he had 32 points in Game 1 and 28 points in Game 6, both coming off the bench and both in wins. After arguably having the best season of his career, Monk’s trade value rose and could be on the market.
Malik Monk is only 25 years old, yet he has veteran experience, coming off his 6th season in the NBA. Monk is unlikely to be traded, especially with his connection with franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox, given the two were college teammates.
Monk could contribute to just about any team in the league and showed his value to a winning team for the first time in his career, coming off his first playoff appearance. A playoff team could make a move for Monk, but the Kings might not get as much in return as they would like.
4. Davion Mitchell
After a fantastic rookie season for Davion Mitchell in 2021-22, he took a step back for the Sacramento Kings this season. After playing 27.7 minutes per game in his rookie year, he only played 18.1 minutes this season. This step-back likely took a toll on his trade value, but he is still a valuable asset.
Mitchell’s defensive prowess is known around the league, as he is given the nickname “Off Night” due to the player he is guarding having an off night because of him. In the playoff series against the Warriors, Mitchell held his own guarding Stephen Curry until he played just 19 minutes combined in Games 6 and 7.
Davion Mitchell is a backup point guard with the potential to be a starter on another team. Many teams would take a chance on Mitchell solely based on his defensive presence, and with more of an opportunity to shine on offense and facilitate, he could be valuable to some teams.
The 24-year-old guard is still on his rookie contract, making around $5 million per year, including a team option coming in 2024-25 that teams could value. Mitchell is the most likely to be traded out of the players on this list, but his value took a hit after his role took a step back this season.
3. Kevin Huerter
After the Sacramento Kings traded for Huerter last offseason, they could look to deal him again for the right price. Huerter is coming off a career-best year, averaging 15.2 points per game, shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.2% from deep. Huerter showed he is one of the best shooters in the NBA while making a three-point contest appearance during All-Star Weekend.
Huerter, at 24 years old, has four years left on his contract worth $65 million and showed his value to this Kings squad this season. He played a significant role in the regular season success of this team, starting in all 75 games he played.
Many teams would value the shooting ability Huerter brings, especially playoff teams that struggled to shoot the ball. While Huerter is a fantastic shooter, the other aspects of his game are lacking. Huerter is an average defender and does not do much work with the ball in his hands, but his threat on a dribble hand-off or a catch-and-shoot scenario makes him valuable.
Huerter is unlikely to get traded, but teams in desperate need of a sharpshooter could value him enough to give the Kings asking price. Huerter is only dealt if he is part of a package for a star-caliber player, as the Kings know his importance.
2. Keegan Murray
Keegan Murray is coming off a fantastic rookie season, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. The 22-year-old forward averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting 45.3% from the field and an impressive 41.1% from three. Murray broke the record for most threes in a season by a rookie, previously set by All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell.
Murray would be included in any big deal the Kings could make this offseason, especially if it were for a star forward like Nets’ Mikal Bridges or Raptors’ OG Anunoby. The 4th overall pick in the 2022 draft has further increased his value after a strong rookie year. He showcased his shooting ability, playing a stretch four role on this Kings squad.
Many teams value a 6’8″ player that can run the floor and shoot the three-ball at a high rate, especially one 22 years old. This Kings team is loaded with young talent, so dealing the rookie to land a big-impact player is not out of the picture.
Keegan Murray’s value is through the roof after impressing most of the NBA, as he can only keep improving.
1. Domantas Sabonis
While it may sound crazy to trade Domantas Sabonis, his value is intriguing. The 27-year-old seven-footer was rewarded for a great season with All-NBA third-team honors. He averaged 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game while shooting career-highs 61.5% from the field and 37.3% from deep.
Domantas Sabonis could realistically be traded for two main reasons. One, his value is at a peak. Coming off an All-Star appearance and All-NBA third-team honors while leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years, the whole NBA sees his impact. Two, he is about to get paid. Sabonis is entering the final year of his contract and will be making $22 million. I would expect him to ask for at least $30 million per year, if not more. If the Kings do not want to be the team to give him his payday, he could be traded for young assets to a team ready to make a push.
Sabonis is a great talent, a premier rebounder in the league, and has a deep offensive arsenal. Many teams looking for an immediate impact big man that can create from anywhere on the court could be making calls for Sabonis.
Of course, Sacramento values Sabonis, so it would be hard to get him off their hands, but he remains the Kings top trade asset for this 2023 offseason.
3 Draft prospects that would be a steal for the Kings with the 24th pick
With the 2023 NBA Draft approaching, we look at three prospects that could be a steal for the Sacramento Kings with the 24th overall pick