The NBA offseason has kicked off, and we have already seen a monster trade featuring Kevin Durant. That blockbuster move might end up affecting the Kings, but they cannot wait for other teams to come calling. Instead, they need to pick up the phone and be aggressive, or else they will lose all chance of acquiring the sort of players they need.
They have already shown that if they snooze, they lose. On Monday night, the Boston Celtics dealt a big blow to the Kings and their offseason hopes.
The Kings lost out on Jrue Holiday, and fans are rightfully nervous
The Celtics shipped Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks. The Celtics valued Holiday and would have loved to keep him around, but they are attempting to cut some costs, and this move will save Boston about $40 million.
It was a smart move and one that Sacramento should have been involved with. Holiday was a target for the Kings because he is the exact sort of player the Kings want. Plus, the Celtics were looking to do business because they are trying to save money. If Sacramento had been more forceful, Holiday could have been theirs.
The upsides of Holiday are plentiful. He's a two-time All-Star, a two-time champion, and, most importantly, versatile. Last season, he posted an average of 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. While he may not receive the same sort of attention as someone like Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, he can do a lot for any team he plays for. And he fits the bill for Sacramento because they are looking for a proven and consistent point guard.
The Kings could have easily and happily slid him into rotation right away, and he would have produced results. Instead, he will likely be making noise up north in Portland. And the Kings have let another one slip by.
We don't know how hard the Kings sought Holiday or if they really pursued him at all. But if they did attempt to get him and fell short, they need to examine why and change their approach quickly. The clock is ticking.
These next few days will be nerve-wracking for Kings fans because this is when Sacramento could do something substantial and impressive or something boneheaded. Missing out on Holiday is not a good move, and people are afraid that it's just a sign of things to come.
Not acquiring Holiday doesn't put an end to the Kings' offseason plans but is a disappointment, and hopefully not the first of many.