The Sacramento Kings committed a cardinal sin between the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. On the heels of a 48-win season that ended a 17-year postseason drought, the Kings ran it back with an all-but-identical roster.
The end result was the inevitable outcome when a team mistakes complacency for enthusiasm: A regression due to the rest of the NBA steadily improving.
A 46-36 record in 2023-24 offers proof that Sacramento is closer to contending than it's been in quite some time. On the heels of a two-win decrease with a roster that was generally healthy, however, the Kings are finally learning how dangerous complacency can be.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Kings are looking to rectify that mistake by going testing the waters on a potential trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram.
Sources: The Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in trading for New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, as I reported earlier today on @hoopshype. https://t.co/vm2kxvDMkE
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 30, 2024
It's unclear if a trade will ultimately materialize, but the fact that Sacramento is even considering a trade for Ingram is a promising sign.
Sacramento Kings exploring a potential Brandon Ingram trade
Ingram, 26, has spent the past five seasons in a co-starring role alongside Zion Williamson with the Pelicans. During that time, he's emerged as one of the most well-rounded wings in the NBA, contributing positively in virtually every phase of the game.
Statistically speaking, he's averaged 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per game on .472/.372/.847 shooting.
From a statistical perspective, Ingram would've ranked second on the Kings in scoring and rebounding, third in assists, and fifth in three-point field goals made in 2023-24. Beyond the numbers, he's the rare example of a player who can create at a high level for himself and others.
In 2023-24, Ingram accounted for 35.5 points per game between his scoring and distributing—a figure that only De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis exceeded among Kings players.
By adding Ingram to the Fox and Sabonis dynamic, the Kings would create a three-headed monster on the offensive end of the floor. Some players have showcased the potential to create that balance, with Malik Monk and Keegan Murray often penciled into that role, but Sacramento must show a sense of urgency.
Fox, 26, and Sabonis, 28, are still relatively young, but a team that's right on the cusp of 50 wins can't afford to wait for the leap to contender status to happen on its own.
The door is open for the Kings to reestablish themselves as one of the top teams in a stacked Western Conference. As the likes of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder make moves to improve, however, Sacramento must be willing to do the same.
Thankfully, interest in one of the best perimeter players in the NBA is proof that Sacramento is no longer waiting for greatness to come to them. They're out to claim it for themselves.