Inheriting a roster that features talent, but little cohesion, new Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry is walking into a tough situation.
There are assets to work with, but plenty of moves need to be done before they can begin to optimize some of their players. DeMar DeRozan continues to be in trade rumors, but it seems as though nothing is off the trouble — aside from bottoming out, A.K.A ‘tanking.’
So, working with the MLE this offseason (projected $14.1 million), most would point to filling their clear point guard void. But, if that were to be taken care of via trade, maybe other needs could become apparent.
Given the wide variety of paths Perry could take this offseason, I figured it best to explore a variety of free-agent options as well.
After Jayson Tatum went down in the second round, the Boston Celtics are expected to reset a bit in 2025-25 with the hopes of lessening their tax bill. That could leave five-time All-Star big man Al Horford looking for a new home as he enters free agency.
Albeit under different management, Sacramento was previously reported to be interested in Horford back in 2019. The 2024 NBA Champion was 33 then, but will be 39 throughout next season.
Once a high-caliber switchable defender, now it’s unideal to rely on Horford guarding perimeter players. But, he’s a career 37.7 percent three-point shooter at 6’9 who remains a capable rim protector and outstounding veteran leader.
A better shooter than Jonas Valanciunas, maybe Horford could play alongside Domantas Sabonis. Defensive questions would exist, but having lineup versatility could be useful for head coach Doug Christie as more teams leaguewide as rolling out two bigs in the starting lineups.
Playing in at least 60 games more often than not, his signs of age may show but he usually remains available.
Perry may find better ways to spend his money, but Horford is one of the few MLE-caliber bigs available on the free-agent market. If there were to be a shake-up in the current roster, maybe Horford could make more sense.
More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports
Not even one hour removed from their season-ending loss to Dallas, the Kings announced that 2022-23 Executive of the Year winner Monte McNair would not return as general manager.
Perry, who assumed the role as GM the following day, will have to make decisions on several key positions on his roster, including the starting point guard role.
It’s no secret that Sacramento is in the market for a starting guard, as they have already been linked to several players on the trade market, including former Defensive Player of the Year award winner Marcus Smart.
Read More:
Does Marcus Smart make sense as a PG option for Sacramento?
What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?
Although the Sacramento Kings do not own a first-round pick, they are in the process of preparing for June 25-26th’s 2025 NBA Draft.
Sacramento’s first-round pick was finally conveyed to Atlanta in what was the final ripple effect from the 2022 offseason trade that brought Kevin Huerter to the Kings.
While they won’t be selected in the first round, Sacramento will have the 42nd pick in the draft, meaning they will select at least one player on Day 2 (June 26th) of the draft.
Be sure to keep up on all Sacramento Kings offseason news right here on Sactown Sports 1140, with live on-air coverage every Monday-Friday from 6 am to 6 pm PT.
Upcoming offseason schedule for the Sacramento Kings:
Wednesday, June 25th – 2025 NBA Draft
Monday, June 30th – NBA free agent negotiations can begin
Sunday, July 6th – NBA free agents can officially sign with teams
July 10th-20th – Las Vegas NBA Summer League
August TBD – Release of 2025-26 regular season schedule
September TBD – Start of NBA training camps for the 2025-26 season
Thank you for readingSactownSports.com. Follow us onTwitterandGoogle News, and subscribe to ourYouTubechannel.