Kings’ Alex Len reportedly receiving interest from Eastern Conference contender

Alex Len has been a reliable backup big for the Kings since 2021. Even when he is not seeing a lot of playing time, he always stays ready for when his number is called and the team needs him.

Due to an ankle injury and Mike Brown’s preference to go small with Trey Lyles as the backup five, he has not played much this season, however. He just returned to the lineup on Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers but only played a few minutes when the Kings waved the white flag.

Having Len on the bench is good insurance. The Kings can’t go small against every team, and Domantas Sabonis may miss some time down the line. 

New York Knicks reportedly interested in Alex Len

In Sacramento, Len doesn’t see the court a lot right now, but on a team that has center minutes available, he could have a real impact. The New York Knicks are one of those teams.

They will be without their starting center Mitchell Robinson for the remainder of the season, and reserve Jericho Sims is out as well. 

SYN’s NBA insider Ian Begley suggested that they could target Len to help with their center depth.

"“They have enough draft capital, young talent and salary filler to trade for an impactful big man. New York has the rights to nine first-round picks over the next five drafts. The club also owns Detroit’s 2024 second-round pick, which will be in the low 30s. So the Knicks can make an offer for, say, Utah’s Kelly Olynyk or Sacramento’s Alex Len, without putting a dent in their trade assets.”"

- Ian Begley

The return for Len won’t be mind-blowing, but if the Kings really want to make a big move—either by the trade deadline or over the summer—some additional assets would be helpful. It is definitely a move worth considering if the Knicks do indeed ask for Len. 

Unless he suddenly becomes the main big behind Sabonis, trade assets could prove to be more useful in the long run. 

For New York, this might not be a long-term fit, especially when Robinson returns, but it could help them survive the rest of the season. They are currently sitting in seventh place in the East but are looking to make another playoff run, building on last season’s success and Jalen Brunson’s breakout.