The Kings are one of three NBA teams with significant cap room still available and have been linked to big-name restricted free agents like Jabari Parker and Zach LaVine within the last week or two. However, rather than making a bid for an RFA, Sacramento may take another route with its cap space.
According to Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee, the Kings intend to focus on the trade market, hoping to use their cap room to absorb an unwanted contract or two and collect extra draft assets. The ideal scenario for the team, Jones suggests, would be to acquire a veteran small forward in a trade and pick up a 2019 first-rounder, since Sacramento’s own 2019 pick is headed to the Celtics or Sixers.
While Jones confirms that Sacramento has expressed interest in Parker and LaVine, the prospect of reshaping the roster around either player, plus the uncertainty surrounding an offer sheet – which could be matched by the Bucks and Bulls, respectively – may ultimately discourage the club from pursuing either RFA. The Kings also view Parker as a power forward and aren’t looking to add more players at that spot, Jones notes.
The Kings have been on the lookout for a small forward in free agency, offering slightly more money to Mario Hezonja than the $6.5MM he’ll reportedly receive from the Knicks. However, if the team can add a small forward in a trade that also includes another asset or two, it may be a win in both the short- and long-term for the franchise.
While Jones doesn’t identify any specific trade partners the Kings may talk to, Bobby Marks’ list of clubs with the highest projected 2018/19 team salaries gives us a pretty good idea of which teams might be looking to cut costs.
The Thunder are one possible trade partner, though Alex Abrines and Kyle Singler may not appeal much to the Kings, and Carmelo Anthony is unlikely to approve a trade to Sacramento. The Raptors could be an intriguing fit if they’re looking to get out of the tax, or at least to reduce their projected tax bill — Norman Powell is believed to be available, and C.J. Miles could be too.
It seems the Kings have a new plan each year. Vlade must have pictures on the owners. Maybe they can’t get someone better to live in sack-of-potatoes.
Good news for the Bulls. Sacramento is the only team linked to Lavine with the cap space to actually sign him. Hopefully he plays on the QO this year and the Bulls can head into FA next year with the flexibility not only to re-sign Lavine but to also bring in two max FAs.
I think a modest extension would be in the Bulls best interest. Next year, the cap goes up and A LOT of teams will have cap space. If they think Lavine is fully healed and he’ll become the player they thought he would be when they traded for him, lock him up now to team friendly deal. If he is 100% and has a strong year, he’ll be a helluva lot more expensive next summer.
Not a terrible plan, much like what the Nets have been doing, using cap space to acquire draft picks. Kings have to build through the draft what choice do they have. need assets
Veteran SF with a bad contract? Perhaps Vlade should give Magic a call about Deng.
He isnt a 3…Demar DeRozan or Andrew Wiggins could fit
DeMar and Andrew are both 2 guards lol. Also Deng is a 3 his whole career who has only played 4 with the Heat/Lakers
He moved to the 4 because he’s no longer capable at 3. Also, Wiggins is a small forward, also known as a 3. Butler is their 2. I know the NBA isn’t really using traditional positions but you are wrong on all accounts.
Deng. But I doubt Kings would want to make a deal with them.
Wrong again Luke.
If they were going to take on LaVine, then why not target THJ from the Knicks? Neither is a 3. Neither can defend 1-5. Seem fungible. Knicks don’t even need their current cap space (they’ll take their worst expiring contracts). Or if the Kings change their minds and want someone who can actually shoot, then C.Lee (same deal). Again, not a 3, but at least he’s forced to defend them a lot with the Knicks.