While it is only the beginning of June, and the NBA offseason is barely underway, we can start looking toward next season. The 2022-23 season was a success for the Sacramento Kings, so they have no reason to blow it up and start over. But, they will make moves through the draft, free agency, and trades to improve what they have built.
There are reports of Sacramento looking to trade their first-round pick, along with rumors of potential trade targets. The 2023 free agency class is not filled with much superstar talent, but many viable role players are available. The 2023 draft class is loaded with talent, so if the Kings keep their first-round pick, they could find a gem at pick 24.
There are three big question marks around Sacramento’s roster: Harrison Barnes, Trey Lyles, and Terence Davis, all pending unrestricted free agents. It is rumored that the Kings want to keep Barnes and Lyles, who contributed greatly to the team this season.
While it is hard to predict what will happen in free agency and what trades the Kings could make, we can try. Here is a way-too-early prediction of what the Sacramento Kings starting lineup will look like next season:
Point Guard: De’Aaron Fox
The All-NBA guard is not going anywhere, as he is truly untouchable. De’Aaron Fox is coming off his first All-Star appearance while leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years. He has catapulted himself into the conversation of the league’s best point guards, and all that is left for him is some playoff success, which can come as soon as next season.
De’Aaron Fox is locked in as a King for at least three more years. Sacramento will not miss out on Fox’s prime years, and they will continue to build around him so those years are not wasted. Fox averaged 25.0 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting a career-high from the field with 51.2%.
After receiving All-NBA Third Team honors and being an All-Star, Fox will continue to rack up accolades. The new face of Sacramento is only 25 years old and will keep improving as the team around him improves as well.