Despite a relatively quiet off-season, the Sacramento Kings have assembled a roster they believe can compete for an NBA championship. Reportedly Kings could pursue a star player through a trade, retaining nine of their top 11 scorers from the historic 2022-23 season was a strategic move by the team’s management.
The Kings are focused on building around their All-Star duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, with little apparent interest in acquiring a third star through trade or free agency. They drafted Keegan Murray with the 4th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, aiming for him to become part of a “big three” alongside Fox and Sabonis.
Kings Could Pursue a Star Player Through a Trade
While they believe they have a strong and deep roster, does that rule out the possibility of making a trade? NBA insider Shams Charania, speaking on the Run It Back show, suggests that the Kings might be a team to watch on the trade market. He pointed out that they have tradable contracts, such as those of Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, making them capable of putting together trade packages for star players. Two players the Kings have shown interest in are OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Both Anunoby and Siakam are expected to be free agents next summer.
“2 guys that [The Kings] had conversations on over the Summer – OG Anunoby & Pascal Siakam”?@ShamsCharania on the Sacramento Kings. pic.twitter.com/rXKgQ8eaY0
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 30, 2023
Kings fans hoped for a move to acquire Anunoby during the 2023 off-season but were left disappointed. Anunoby, a talented two-way forward, plays for the struggling Raptors, who started the season with a 1-3 record. If the Raptors decide to undergo a rebuild before their stars hit free agency, Anunoby and Siakam could become available for trade.
With their current roster, the Kings are in a favorable position, but adding Anunoby at the right price could elevate them to championship contenders. A core group consisting of Fox, Anunoby, Sabonis, Murray, and Malik Monk could position the Kings as favorites to win the 2024 NBA Finals.
While the Kings have excelled on offense, their defense has been a weak point. Acquiring a versatile player like Anunoby, who can excel on both ends of the floor, would be a perfect fit for a Kings team with championship aspirations.
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