5 Stars Kings could chase before the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
1. Donovan Mitchell
Mitchell is the best player whose name continues to pop up in the rumor mill. Jake Fischer reported the Cavaliers are in no rush to trade the four-time All-Star, but the day could be fast approaching.
Mitchell can become a free agent in the summer of 2025, and the Cavaliers cannot let him get there. They must re-sign him to a long-term deal or explore his trade market. The price drops the moment Mitchell says he wants out, so does Cleveland preemptively trade him? Only the Cavaliers front office can make that decision.
The Kings would have a small backcourt, but they are winning games by outscoring the opposition right now. Mitchell has averaged over 25 points per game for four straight years. He is a walking bucket, who is comfortable playing off the ball. The four-time All-Star would have no issues sharing the court with De’Aaron Fox in Sacramento.
The Kings may not be able to keep him long-term, but it would be a trade for two shots at a championship. It would be risky, but it will likely take that kind of gamble to win the franchise’s second championship and first since 1951.
Expect the Sacramento Kings to explore upgrading their roster before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. Will they find the right move? Stay tuned to find out.