The Sacramento Kings have an interesting offseason ahead of them that could be full of roster moves after their disappointing season.
Of course, this season was already one full of change for the Kings as they moved on from head coach Mike Brown in December then traded De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline in the same deal that landed them Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.
Sacramento then struggled to end the season as they finished ninth in the Western Conference but failed to make the playoffs after being eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the Play-In Tournament.
Sacramento Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan
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The Kings already started off their offseason with a bang as they hired a new general manager and named Doug Christie as their new head coach but their focus now shifts to their roster as they try to upgrade it his summer.
Of course, many around the NBA believe that the Kings will move on from one of their star players in Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan or LaVine.
With this in mind, Sports Illustrated’s Matt Alquiza recently created a mock trade that would land the Kings a potential replacement for Sabonis if they decide to trade him, though it will cost them one of their key young pieces.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center.
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In the trade, Alquiza has the Kings sending Keegan Murray to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams and Josh Okogie.
This would be a questionable decision by Sacramento due to Murray being arguably their best young player and defender, though they would receive two solid players in return.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (5) reacts to an official’s call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Spectrum Center.
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Despite this, Williams has dealt with a ton of injuries during his career so it would be a major risk for the Kings to make this move, especially if they end up not trading Sabonis.
Because of this, the Kings may be unwilling to move on from Murray this summer, for good reason, and instead look to trade other players to upgrade their roster if they decide not to go into a full rebuild.