3. Alex Caruso
Alex Caruso is pretty much everything the Kings need in a backup guard. He is a great defender, knows how to play his role well, and shoots over 40 percent from three. Plus, he can fit into any lineup and with any teammates.
Many teams in the league would love to have him on the roster, and unfortunately, so do the Chicago Bulls. He is on a great contract and has been good all season long. Even if they break up their big three and rebuild around Coby White and Patrick Williams, having Caruso around would be valuable.
The Bulls have shown no indication to move Caruso, and understandably so. No matter where they go in the future, he is a great player to have around.
2. Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant is the second half of O’Connor’s proposed duo of trade targets to upgrade the Kings’ roster. He is a solid defender, a great three-point shooter, and just a talented scorer overall.
His skill set makes him a great fit in the front court with Sabonis and Murray and a definite upgrade over Barnes. The rebuilding Trail Blazers reportedly have no intention of trading him right now, however.
That does not mean that they won’t consider offers over the summer, but it does make it pretty much impossible for the Kings to get him before the trade deadline.
1. Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges is the perfect modern 3-and-D wing. He never misses games, guards all of the best perimeter players well, can stretch the floor, and has expanded his offensive skill set since leaving Phoenix.
Almost every team in the NBA would love to have him, and the Kings are no exception. He might be the one player worth going all in for. No matter when, he won’t come cheap, as you can see in this proposed mock trade, but it would be worth it for the Kings as long as the deal doesn’t include Keegan Murray.
Getting Bridges would be a dream come true for the Kings. Unfortunately, it won’t be anything more than that for now.
The Nets view Bridges as the player they want to build around. Getting him made losing Kevin Durant bearable. He is a part of their future, the foundation of the next good Nets team.
They have no reason to trade him right now and won’t. That doesn’t mean that he will spend the rest of his career in Brooklyn, and the Kings shouldn’t try to make an offer, but it will most likely be declined, and they’ll have to settle with someone else.