For the first time in nearly two decades, the Sacramento Kings have a new goal heading into next season: Win a championship. After the recently concluded NBA Draft, the hectic free agency period looms large for the Kings.
While the Kings drafted some assets to address their needs, they have a crucial free agency period impending. Key veteran Harrison Barnes may hit the market along with Trey Lyles and Alex Len. Replacing Barnes will be pivotal for Sacramento’s chance at another year atop the Western Conference, as they look to enter championship contender status.
After a draft day trade that shipped out Richaun Holmes‘ salary of over $10M/season. Sacramento has around $30 million in cap space for this upcoming free agency. Below are three free agents that could be premium fits with the Kings for the 2023-24 season:
1. Draymond Green
This is a bittersweet one for the Sacramento Kings fanbase. However, Draymond Green would bring a championship pedigree to the Kings organization and vocal leadership that is always needed in a locker room. Green has praised and has ties to Kings head coach Mike Brown, who formerly was an assistant coach to Golden State Warriors.
Additionally, Green adds more playmaking and versatility that the Kings’ style of play covets, as his ability to get the ball in transition and run will only increase Sacramento’s pace of play. The most important aspect of Green’s game that would help the Kings is his defense, an area Sacramento struggled with last year.
While Green is a big-name free agent, he also is a big financial hurdle to overcome. Green is expected to command a contract worth $100 million. As a result, the Kings could take another direction, opting for a player that offers offensive versatility and energy and fits their team timeline.
One of the biggest questions about Draymond is his ability to play outside of Golden State, and whether his success has truly been a credit to himself or just from playing with the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson under Steve Kerr.