Sacramento Kings rumors, trade ideas for 2021 NBA offseason - Sportsnaut
The Sacramento Kings extended their playoff drought to 15 years this past season, tying the record for longest playoff drought in NBA history. Following another season of disappointment, changes are coming in Sacramento.
Under general manager Monte McNair, the Kings have made a series of good and bad moves in recent months. Sacramento lost out on a Bogdan Bogdanovic sign-and-trade, allowing him to leave in free agency for nothing. But McNair also made a few good moves, drafting Tyrese Haliburton and acquire Delon Wright before the NBA trade deadline.
Coming off their second consecutive season with a 31-41 record, McNair surprised many by retaining head coach Luke Walton for a third season. Originally hired by Vlade Divac, Walton holds a 62-82 record in Sacramento and is responsible for one of the worst defenses in NBA history.
Related: 3 reasons the Sacramento Kings are making a mistake by retaining Luke Walton
Heading into the 2021 NBA offseason, let's examine the latest Sacramento Kings rumors, potential trade ideas and where things stand for the organization.
Sacramento Kings rumors: Will Richaun Holmes re-sign?
Sacramento landed one of the biggest steals of the offseason in 2019, signing Richaun Holmes to a two-year, $10 million contract. Recognizing him as an underutilized player in Phoenix, the Kings offered the 6-foot-10 center more minutes and he thrived in Sacramento.
- Richaun Holmes stats (2020-'21): 14.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 63.7% from the field, 79.4% from the free-throw line
Holmes, age 27, will have a fantastic opportunity to receive a much larger contract this summer. He demonstrated that he is a starting-caliber player, with the athleticism and scoring ability to function nicely in the evolving NBA. Holmes asking price is expected to be high, per The Athletic's Jason Jones. He received interest from the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors before the NBA trade deadline, with those clubs expected to pursue him this summer.
NBC Sports' James Ham reported that Holmes' representatives are hoping to land him a four-year contract worth around $80 million. It would make him the sixth highest-paid center in the NBA. If another NBA team is even willing to offer him $15-plus million annually, the Kings likely won't be able to afford to re-sign him.
Sacramento Kings rumors: Team lost $100 million due to COVID-19 pandemic
The future of Marvin Bagley III in Sacramento
Sacramento will never live down drafting Marvin Bagley III over Luka Doncic, even if it's just another chapter in a long history of the organization's dysfunction. Needless to say, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft hasn't come close to expectations.
Injuries have been an issue for the 6-foot-11 forward. Through his first three NBA season, he has only appeared in 118 games and just 52 of those were starts. He has shown flashes of being a quality player in Sacramento, but those moments are short-lived.
- Marvin Bagley III career stats (2018-'21): 14.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 50% from the field, 66.3% from the free-throw line
Bagley III missed time with groin, hand, calf and wrist injuries this past season. Prior to that. He fractured his left hand in March, which sidelined him for multiple weeks. He also suffered a season-ending foot injury during the 2020-'21 NBA season.
Durability isn't the only problem. Bagley's father has been vocal on Twitter about the Kings being responsible for his son's struggles, even calling for a trade. Bagley has been a major liability defensively when on the court and growing frustrations led to him being on the trade block this season.
McNair didn't draft Bagley, so there is less blame on his shoulders if a trade happens. But moving the former Duke starter at this point would be the ultimate sell low. With that said, both sides are likely better off with a separation.
Sacramento Kings trade and free-agent targets: Examining best options to improve roster
The Kings owe Buddy Hield ($22.47 million), Harrison Barnes ($20.28 million) and De'Aaron Fox ($28.1 million) a combined $70 million next year. Factoring in Wright ($8.52 million) and Haliburton ($4.02 million), that's a significant portion of the NBA salary cap.
As a result, the Kings options in NBA free agency will be extremely limited for a team that already struggles to attract players without overpaying. So, trades are the best way to acquire talent.
Kristaps Porzingis to Sacramento Kings?
Kristaps Porzingis isn't happy with his role and the Dallas Mavericks are amid organizational chaos. Whenever Mark Cuban settles things down with a new coach and general manager, the next priority might be a Porzingis trade. If that happens, Sacramento could put in a call.
- Sacramento Kings trade: Marvin Bagley, Buddy Hield, 2022 second-round pick (Chicago Bulls)
- Dallas Mavericks trade: Kristaps Porzingis
In this deal, the Mavericks buy low on Bagley with the hope that he thrives in a change of scenery. Hield, while a liability on the defensive end, is one of the NBA's best 3-point specialists. Putting a shooter like that around Luka Doncic could make a difference in the playoffs.
As for Sacramento, this brings in a star. Porzingis is no longer the player that brought him to fame in New York, but he can still be a quality starter. He'd be a significant upgrade over Bagley. While he has clashed with Doncic, Porzingis would likely be better for the Kings' locker room than Bagley and Hield.
Myles Turner replaces Richaun Holmes
If the Kings have to spend more than $15 million per season on a center, they might as well land a player who fits what they need. Turner is an outstanding defender, someone who often flies under the radar in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
- Sacramento Kings acquire: Myles Turner
- Indiana Pacers acquire: Marvin Bagley, 2021 SAC first-round pick
Assuming Sacramento doesn't win the NBA Draft lottery, which rarely works in its favor, McNair should explore moving the first-round pick. There is a steep drop in talent after the top-six picks, so the Kings would be throwing a dart and praying it lands on someone who can make an impact in a few years.
Turner can make a difference in the Kings' lineup immediately. He'll pair nicely with Fox and Haliburton, allowing Sacramento to build a foundation that can last. With Turner and a few small additions, maybe the Kings even compete for a spot in the play-in tournament.
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