We are now at the height of the 2023 NBA offseason. After the conclusion of the NBA Draft, we get a good idea of what the Sacramento Kings roster will look like next season. While the Kings added two new guys to the roster on draft night, we are unsure if either will crack the rotation.
We look forward to seeing what they can do in the Summer League, especially incoming rookie Colby Jones, who has the potential to be an immediate contributor for Sacramento.
With the recent report of Sasha Vezenkov receiving an offer from the Sacramento Kings, the roster will look different next year. With the expected addition of Vezenkov, along with seven players entering free agency, the Sacramento Kings are getting a new look outside of the core group.
The biggest name hitting the free agent market is starting forward Harrison Barnes. The 31-year-old finished his fourth full season in Sacramento, averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on 47/38/82 shooting splits during his time on the Kings.
Three more notable Kings hitting the market are Trey Lyles, Terence Davis, and Chimezie Metu. While it is still in the picture to bring at least one of these guys back, we expect them to test the waters. With the emergence of Sasha Vezenkov, Trey Lyles might be less inclined to return to Sacramento.
With these Kings hitting the market, Sacramento might have to make a big splash in free agency. Due to a draft night trade that shipped Richaun Holmes to Dallas, the Kings freed up about $17 million in cap space, giving them around $35 million to spend in free agency. This is the most cap space of any team that made the playoffs last season, giving the Kings a notable advantage this offseason.
Heading into free agency, which begins at 3 p.m. PT on June 30th, we can take a look at what the Sacramento Kings depth chart looks like.
PG: De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell
SG: Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, Colby Jones (R), Keon Ellis (QO), PJ Dozier
SF: Kessler Edwards (TO)
PF: Keegan Murray, Jalen Slawson (R)
C: Domantas Sabonis, Neemias Queta (QO)
TO: Team Option, QO: Qualifying Offer, R: Rookie
The forward positions stand out the most, as they are very slim right now. The addition of Sasha Vezenkov would help this, but the Kings should still be looking for a starting small forward in free agency, and bringing Harrison Barnes back for cheap to come off the bench would be helpful too. A third-string point guard is needed, along with another center.
Free agency should solve all of these problems for the Sacramento Kings, but the core group of players staying intact is important going into next season.
3 Free agents the Sacramento Kings can now target after draft night trade
Following a busy 2023 NBA Draft night for the Sacramento Kings, we look at 3 free agents they can target due to a trade that freed up cap space.