The Kings are back in action following Scott Perry’s biggest move since he rejoined the organization. Of course, I’m referencing the trade that landed the Kings De’Andre Hunter for Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, and a 2nd round pick (routed to Chicago so they would eat Dario Saric’s contract). We went deep on this trade in the latest episode of The Kings Herald Show, so if you want to hear Jerry Reynolds discuss the move, give that a listen.
They’re playing the Grizzlies tonight, an organization that just made a franchise-altering trade of their own, sending Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah for a bunch of draft compensation. So, this should be a fascinating (and terrible) night of basketball in Sacramento. Let’s get to it.
Who: Sacramento Kings (12-39) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (19-29)
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
When: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET
Watch: NBCSCA / League Pass
The Kings have already made one significant move, and it sounds like they’re still quite busy. They’re one of the few teams still in on Ja Morant (no thanks) and have had ongoing conversations with the Toronto Raptors about a deal centered around RJ Barrett and Domantas Sabonis. Other players like DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Devin Carter have been in and out of trade rumors all year. I think just about everything is on the table here.
Memphis, after trading JJJ, has every reason to lose as much as possible for the rest of the season. The Kings, despite trying to win most nights, can’t seem to. What does all this mean? Well, in the immediate, one very ugly night of basketball. I have no clue who the Kings or Grizzlies may sit with the NBA trade deadline tomorrow, but maybe we’ll see De’Andre Hunter debut? More Daeqwon Plowden and Isaiah Stevens? Your guess is as good as mine.
I am sure of one thing: what the Kings are working on off the court is infinitely more compelling than what is happening on it.
Prediction: Kings 120, Grizzlies 111.