The Kings have long been expected to make a big move. They just returned to the playoffs, De’Aaron Fox is a star, Domantas Sabonis is a walking double-double, Keegan Murray is developing well on both ends of the floor, and Malik Monk is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
Things are going well, but they still need some reinforcements to make that next step. They were often linked to Pascal Siakam, especially after the Raptors sent OG Anunoby to New York, but they recently pulled out of trade talks.
In search of another deal, the Kings have reportedly made Kevin Huerter, Harrison Barnes, and Davion Mitchell available. Huerter and Mitchell are both not having a good season but are capable of playing much better.
Combining that with a savvy veteran and maybe even some draft compensation should get them a high-impact player to help defensively and create some offense.
So, let’s look at two Kings trade partners that make sense and two that don’t.
The Chicago Bulls don’t make sense
Ever since talks about Zach LaVine being on his way out of Chicago first surfaced, the Kings have been linked to him. LaVine is not the answer, however.
He does not help with the Kings’ defensive struggles, and his injuries are a concern. Plus, his contract is a nightmare. The Kings want to go all in and make a move to push them to the next level, and LaVine is not the player to give up all their assets for.
The Bulls have other players who could be interesting, like Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams, but neither one would be a huge difference-maker. If no other deal is possible, getting either one in a small trade could be a consolation prize.
For a blockbuster trade, the Bulls are not a fitting trade partner for the Kings, however.