Trade deadline approaching for Kings
- Thread starter dude12
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Damn this team. As much as I want one of the top PG prospects in this years draft, our team is playing them selves out of that position.
Im also wondering if Collison and Lawson are not that bad of a combo going forward. Pretty hard to mention Collison in trade scenarios the way hes playing as of late.
Im also wondering if Collison and Lawson are not that bad of a combo going forward. Pretty hard to mention Collison in trade scenarios the way hes playing as of late.
Here is the thing, I don't think it would be financially viable to keep both Lawson and Collision because you would be spending at least $20m per season on two plays that cannot play together most of the time.
We need to make a choice and stick with it. Hell we might not want either of them back.
While we have been in a lot of our games but just not being able to get the win, I suspect we might be a bit like the Jazz last year, play hard, be a tough team to play but ultimately just miss out on the top 8.
The worst of all outcomes would be to finish like that. But lose the pick to Chicago.
The front office is in a bit of a funny situation here. We are not in the 8th spot but we are not far off it either. We always said we would know by the all star break which direction we will head in but we will be none the wiser. Tough choice coming up for Vlade and the crew.
I expect us to try and pull off a trade that helps us win now. DC, Lawson, KK are players with some real value with play off teams so if flicking 2 of them helps you address another position of need then I think we will do it.
I don't expect both DC and Lawson to get traded but would not be surprised if one of them along with KK gets shipped out that allows us to flick those assets for a SF or a PF that will be here beyond this season. I don't think we will trade assets for a 2-3 month rentals.
I would love to see us pull of a trade that would allow us to keep our pick but still make the play offs. This draft is loaded with some excellent PG prospects that could really help out in the long run but I don't want us to get that at the expense of missing out on the playoffs as that in itself has longer term implications for us.
Best case scenario is to make the playoffs but still have a pick inside 15 to pick up a young PG that we can bring along with one of DC or Lawson. When that PG eventually becomes the starter, you still have a very strong back up PG in one of the vets.
If one of Lawson or DC gets traded, expect us to sign Joran Farmer for the rest of the season as a back up.
I know Malik Monk is more of a combo guard but hell, if you are going to run the offense through your bigs then all he needs to be is a PG that can bring it up the court under pressure, make an entry pass to Cuz and go space the floor. Occasionally he will need to be good in pick and roll because if you have WCS on the floor, then you need to have a PG capable of running pick and roll with him to maximize his value offensively.
Interesting couple of weeks ahead for the front office. If we are to make a move, I expect it to be during the all star break given our injuries and schedule.
We need to make a choice and stick with it. Hell we might not want either of them back.
While we have been in a lot of our games but just not being able to get the win, I suspect we might be a bit like the Jazz last year, play hard, be a tough team to play but ultimately just miss out on the top 8.
The worst of all outcomes would be to finish like that. But lose the pick to Chicago.
The front office is in a bit of a funny situation here. We are not in the 8th spot but we are not far off it either. We always said we would know by the all star break which direction we will head in but we will be none the wiser. Tough choice coming up for Vlade and the crew.
I expect us to try and pull off a trade that helps us win now. DC, Lawson, KK are players with some real value with play off teams so if flicking 2 of them helps you address another position of need then I think we will do it.
I don't expect both DC and Lawson to get traded but would not be surprised if one of them along with KK gets shipped out that allows us to flick those assets for a SF or a PF that will be here beyond this season. I don't think we will trade assets for a 2-3 month rentals.
I would love to see us pull of a trade that would allow us to keep our pick but still make the play offs. This draft is loaded with some excellent PG prospects that could really help out in the long run but I don't want us to get that at the expense of missing out on the playoffs as that in itself has longer term implications for us.
Best case scenario is to make the playoffs but still have a pick inside 15 to pick up a young PG that we can bring along with one of DC or Lawson. When that PG eventually becomes the starter, you still have a very strong back up PG in one of the vets.
If one of Lawson or DC gets traded, expect us to sign Joran Farmer for the rest of the season as a back up.
I know Malik Monk is more of a combo guard but hell, if you are going to run the offense through your bigs then all he needs to be is a PG that can bring it up the court under pressure, make an entry pass to Cuz and go space the floor. Occasionally he will need to be good in pick and roll because if you have WCS on the floor, then you need to have a PG capable of running pick and roll with him to maximize his value offensively.
Interesting couple of weeks ahead for the front office. If we are to make a move, I expect it to be during the all star break given our injuries and schedule.
I want to start off by saying that I think our biggest problem as a team lies with the starting lineup. I like DC, but he can't run a team and our slow starts are associated with that. The constant and needless dribbling sometimes eats off half the clock before we get into our sets, resulting in us rushing shots and forcing things. Also, DC can sometimes be a defensive liability as stronger guards overpower him easily. I think we have to upgrade the PG position first. I am also a believer that WCS needs to be starting, as he just gives us a more dynamic option than KK on offense. Cousins and KK don't really mesh all that well together either.
I don't think SG is a position we are actively looking to fill, as next season we will have Vlade's guy coming over and Malachi as back-up. Our biggest priority, IMO, is to infuse some talent into the starting lineup by getting a quality starter or a 2nd star. We need help and I don't think we can maintain our unbelievable come backs for the rest of the season.
Our available players:
-KK
-Ben
-DC
-WCS (only in the right scenario aka us getting a 2nd star)
-Casspi
Teams that can/would trade with us:
Orlando Magic: Ibaka is free game for sure, but a lot of their roster is open I think, as their record continues to look worse and worse. Possible trade partner. Lots of young talent here as well.
NY Knicks: Carmelo is essentially being kicked out of the "clubhouse" and would help our roster, but I doubt he would waive his trade clause to come to Sacramento. He would give us the #2 option we have needed for years. Possible trade partner.
New Orleans Pelicans: they are actively looking to trade, but are not selling off assets, essentially in the same position as us trying to improve their roster. Not a realistic trade partner and are our competition for the 8th spot.
Houston Rockets: When aren't they looking to trade? As good as their record is, I don't see what the Kings would want from them or vice versa. Not a realistic trade partner. Don't want Brewer either.
Boston Celtics: they are usually active this time of year and they are looking to trade for a big name. They want to win now. Not a trade partner for us because they would want Cousins.
Miami Heat: this one should start and end with Dragic. He is a skilled and good PG that would be a major boost to our offense. He is steady if nothing else and plays hard. There could be a chance here if we play our cards right. Whiteside is being shopped around too, but I am not sure if we have the pieces for him. Would instantly make us the best rebounding team in the league though... Potential trade partner
LA Clippers: Crawford might be available, but he is quite old (still getting it done though!). Austin Rivers might be a target, but he is the coach's son, and he ain't coming cheap for that reason. Potential trade partner, but my guess is unlikely.
OKC Thunder: Cameron Payne is really our only option here, but we lost Rudy who would have been our biggest bargaining chip with the Thunder. Unlikely now that Rudy is out. They might want DC in return, but he's more important to us than just numbers suggest. Unlikely, but possible, trade partner
Phoenix Suns: They are a bad team, but are working on their future and have some nice assets. I would love to get Bledsoe, but we would have to give up a lot to get him I think. We can't really continue to keep promising draft picks either so we can't entice them with that. There is Brandon Knight, but I view him a Collison type of player and I am not sure he would be much of an upgrade.
Minnesota T-Wolves: Ricky Rubio for some reason has been associated with trade rumors with us for the past few years, so I feel obligated to put this here. However, he's the type of player that doesn't really fit anymore. Yes, his defense would be a welcome upgrade as well as his playmaking, but his inability to hit shots would be a nail in the coffin for us in the starting line-up. The PG absolutely has to be able to hit open shots consistently. They did lose LaVine and maybe would want to take a flyer on Ben as a stop-gap option.
I don't think SG is a position we are actively looking to fill, as next season we will have Vlade's guy coming over and Malachi as back-up. Our biggest priority, IMO, is to infuse some talent into the starting lineup by getting a quality starter or a 2nd star. We need help and I don't think we can maintain our unbelievable come backs for the rest of the season.
Our available players:
-KK
-Ben
-DC
-WCS (only in the right scenario aka us getting a 2nd star)
-Casspi
Teams that can/would trade with us:
Orlando Magic: Ibaka is free game for sure, but a lot of their roster is open I think, as their record continues to look worse and worse. Possible trade partner. Lots of young talent here as well.
NY Knicks: Carmelo is essentially being kicked out of the "clubhouse" and would help our roster, but I doubt he would waive his trade clause to come to Sacramento. He would give us the #2 option we have needed for years. Possible trade partner.
New Orleans Pelicans: they are actively looking to trade, but are not selling off assets, essentially in the same position as us trying to improve their roster. Not a realistic trade partner and are our competition for the 8th spot.
Houston Rockets: When aren't they looking to trade? As good as their record is, I don't see what the Kings would want from them or vice versa. Not a realistic trade partner. Don't want Brewer either.
Boston Celtics: they are usually active this time of year and they are looking to trade for a big name. They want to win now. Not a trade partner for us because they would want Cousins.
Miami Heat: this one should start and end with Dragic. He is a skilled and good PG that would be a major boost to our offense. He is steady if nothing else and plays hard. There could be a chance here if we play our cards right. Whiteside is being shopped around too, but I am not sure if we have the pieces for him. Would instantly make us the best rebounding team in the league though... Potential trade partner
LA Clippers: Crawford might be available, but he is quite old (still getting it done though!). Austin Rivers might be a target, but he is the coach's son, and he ain't coming cheap for that reason. Potential trade partner, but my guess is unlikely.
OKC Thunder: Cameron Payne is really our only option here, but we lost Rudy who would have been our biggest bargaining chip with the Thunder. Unlikely now that Rudy is out. They might want DC in return, but he's more important to us than just numbers suggest. Unlikely, but possible, trade partner
Phoenix Suns: They are a bad team, but are working on their future and have some nice assets. I would love to get Bledsoe, but we would have to give up a lot to get him I think. We can't really continue to keep promising draft picks either so we can't entice them with that. There is Brandon Knight, but I view him a Collison type of player and I am not sure he would be much of an upgrade.
Minnesota T-Wolves: Ricky Rubio for some reason has been associated with trade rumors with us for the past few years, so I feel obligated to put this here. However, he's the type of player that doesn't really fit anymore. Yes, his defense would be a welcome upgrade as well as his playmaking, but his inability to hit shots would be a nail in the coffin for us in the starting line-up. The PG absolutely has to be able to hit open shots consistently. They did lose LaVine and maybe would want to take a flyer on Ben as a stop-gap option.
I think a trade for Carmelo would be a worthwhile gamble. He's an older star, but he can still get it done on offense. I trust that Joerger would make Carmelo a willing passer (he was working on that part of his game for the last few years and did pass the ball well at times) and a team player. Make no mistake, Carmelo Anthony coming here would make others want to come here too. He's still a star and he can still put up points with the best of them. He's not that old. Even if he is a ball stopper at times, it's what we need when Cousins is sitting. We need a 2nd go to option. He can definitely be it.
With Houston, I don't think they part with Beverely and I don't think there is even a chance there, hence why I didn't include him. He's exactly what Houston needs starting next to Harden.
With Orlando, it's not just Ibaka. Their entire team is falling apart at the seams right now and we might be able to grab something off the sinking ship. Fournier would add a dynamic option to our team. Payton is a possibility as a young defensive minded PG. Doesn't hurt to have one of those around. Gordon is unlikely, but who knows. You have to try at least.
Minnesota: Ben and DC would be awesome for Rubio, even if he can't shoot. Both are gone at the end of the year anyway and Rubio would certainly be a nice prize to get back. Still can't shoot and it would still be a big problem. How do you offset that?
With Houston, I don't think they part with Beverely and I don't think there is even a chance there, hence why I didn't include him. He's exactly what Houston needs starting next to Harden.
With Orlando, it's not just Ibaka. Their entire team is falling apart at the seams right now and we might be able to grab something off the sinking ship. Fournier would add a dynamic option to our team. Payton is a possibility as a young defensive minded PG. Doesn't hurt to have one of those around. Gordon is unlikely, but who knows. You have to try at least.
Minnesota: Ben and DC would be awesome for Rubio, even if he can't shoot. Both are gone at the end of the year anyway and Rubio would certainly be a nice prize to get back. Still can't shoot and it would still be a big problem. How do you offset that?
With Melo, I don't think he waives his no-trade clause for Sacramento. Maybe unless DeMarcus really tries to convince him that we have a bright future? I think we'd probably need to give up WCS, Richardson, and Bogdanovic. Throw in Afflalo or Tolliver for trade filter. I know that's a lot of youth to give up, but Melo is still Melo.
I don't think Orlando gives up Fournier at all. We'd need to trade our 2017 1st round pick+Richardson? Even with that, they wouldn't do the trade before deadline, mostly because it means that Fournier would be good enough to make us lose our draft pick. For some odd-reason...... a lot, and I mean a lot of Orlando fans think they have the next superstar in Gordon..... I think he might be untouchable..even though I heavily disagree...
I think DC+Ben for Rubio would need a sweetener on our end since both guys are expiring. Maybe one of the rooks. I can definitely see them doing that.
I don't think Orlando gives up Fournier at all. We'd need to trade our 2017 1st round pick+Richardson? Even with that, they wouldn't do the trade before deadline, mostly because it means that Fournier would be good enough to make us lose our draft pick. For some odd-reason...... a lot, and I mean a lot of Orlando fans think they have the next superstar in Gordon..... I think he might be untouchable..even though I heavily disagree...
I think DC+Ben for Rubio would need a sweetener on our end since both guys are expiring. Maybe one of the rooks. I can definitely see them doing that.
This team is 15th on offense and 23rd on D. Melo will likely help the first, but we'll not solve any problems on the other end, very likely exacerbates them. Can Cuz and Melo really coexist offensively? Melo in many senses rich man's Rudy, including zones of operation, and Joerger hadn't truly figured Cuz-Rudy offensive dynamic out with a training camp. This will be a tough ask to do on the fly for a man, hellbent on starting Kosta next to Boogie.
6 games out of POs Orlando can't be thinking of postseason anymore. Unless they throw 25+m per (money always talks), Magic can't rely on Ibaka staying either, though I think, Cleveland looks vulnerable enough and Lowry is not a young man, that Raptors will offer Poeltl+ for Serge. I wouldn't include WCS, and that would be the end of discussion.
My preferred move would be to explore Chicago muddied waters and look to pry Taj from them. I wonder, if Kings are free to remove protection on the pick without Sixers consent, unlike last year, when that killed stupid trade for Gasol.
6 games out of POs Orlando can't be thinking of postseason anymore. Unless they throw 25+m per (money always talks), Magic can't rely on Ibaka staying either, though I think, Cleveland looks vulnerable enough and Lowry is not a young man, that Raptors will offer Poeltl+ for Serge. I wouldn't include WCS, and that would be the end of discussion.
My preferred move would be to explore Chicago muddied waters and look to pry Taj from them. I wonder, if Kings are free to remove protection on the pick without Sixers consent, unlike last year, when that killed stupid trade for Gasol.
I am not sure what Kosta being next to Boogie has anything to do with Melo, unless you mean Joerger doesn't really like to change things up much. We aren't the best team on earth on the defensive end, that's for sure. And yes, Melo has never been known for his defense, but neither has Rudy Gay and we play him plenty. I really don't see why Melo couldn't exist with Cousins. In theory, you can have Cousins in the post dishing out to Melo or you can reverse that and have Melo in the post. Of importance is that Melo is a very very comfortable post player. He's quite adept at banging inside and finishing. We don't have anyone else like that on our entire roster sans Cousins. I think our offense is extremely predictable and needs some new "angles" if you will. Melo will also allow Cousins to operate down low more freely. Gone would be the days of the regular double or triple team, and it would result in a completely different type of offense. For the first time in his entire career, Cousins wouldn't have to work so hard because he's got a career 25ppg scorer with him. Teams would have to pick: stop Cousins and have Melo go off on you or stop Melo and watch Cousins feast. Melo isn't a perfect player, but he may be what we need.
In regards to Taj, I really don't know if the Bulls part with him easily. They are still an almost .500 team and they don't really have anyone backing him up. They aren't really high on Mirotic at all. What would your scenario be for Taj? Who do we part with?
In regards to Taj, I really don't know if the Bulls part with him easily. They are still an almost .500 team and they don't really have anyone backing him up. They aren't really high on Mirotic at all. What would your scenario be for Taj? Who do we part with?
There is no way Melo comes to Sacramento. People keep forgetting that his wife was adamant that she wanted to live in NYC hence why he forced a trade there to start off with and why he negotiated a no trade clause when he re-signed.
She ain't leaving NYC for Sacramento.
One thing that is not necessarily related to the trade deadline directly but to the free agency is that I think unless we can get a genuine star, we will be looking to keep cap flexibility going into summer. Don't be surprised if we happen to be one of the teams that drops a max on Otto Porter Jr. The dude is having a ridiculously good season and is still very young.
She ain't leaving NYC for Sacramento.
One thing that is not necessarily related to the trade deadline directly but to the free agency is that I think unless we can get a genuine star, we will be looking to keep cap flexibility going into summer. Don't be surprised if we happen to be one of the teams that drops a max on Otto Porter Jr. The dude is having a ridiculously good season and is still very young.
What do you guys think about putting something together for Serge Ibaka? His name has come up in trade chatter recently and the Magic seemed convinced that he will not resign and he will walk for nothing. Of course the same worry would apply to us but we have a bonafide star on our team and are in a better position than Orlando imo. Hes 27 and would compliment Boogie very nicely. Would a Koufas. Cassdpi, Bmac, Papa package be enough?
K
Saw this on bleacher report, hope this trade doesn't happen but don't disagree with the author on most of the story...
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore, two second-round picks
Sacramento Kings Receive: Luol Deng
Kings general manager Vlade Divac made it easy on us when he told ESPN's Marc Stein that DeMarcus Cousins wasn't going anywhere. At least for the time being, we can take a hiatus from the annual tradition of speculating on Cousins' future, as said future almost certainly features a contract from the Kings worth more than $200 million.
More broadly, though, Divac and the Kings' history of strange moves makes predictions difficult. A braintrust willing to surrender useful vets and draft assets in order to clear cash for Rajon Rondo (yes, this really happened) puts everything on the table. Remember, Divac is the guy who a league source described in Kevin Arnovitz's deep dive on the Kings for ESPN.com thusly: "Nobody in that position has ever been less qualified, less capable or a nicer person."
Perhaps Divac's amicable nature will lead to a swap for Lakers forward Luol Deng.
The Kings could certainly use a steadying, professional veteran presence on the roster, and Deng is most useful these days as an undersized power forward—an area of need Matt Barnes and Anthony Tolliver haven't consistently met.
So, the bold prediction: Sacramento sends Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore and two second-round picks to the Lakers for Deng, which allows L.A. to get out from under Deng's onerous four-year deal and clear nearly $18 million from next year's books...assuming Gay recovers well enough from his torn Achilles to opt out of the final season of his contract. McLemore is a pure flier. Maybe he shows the Lakers something, but more likely, he walks away and L.A. isn't upset about it.
Deng is already overpaid for his production, and the aging curve will only exacerbate that issue in the final three years of his current deal. But he's a name, and the Kings are devoted to winning in the short term. This is the kind of head-scratching move that fits their brand.
Stranger things have happened. Actually, with the Kings, stranger things always happen.
—Grant Hughes
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore, two second-round picks
Sacramento Kings Receive: Luol Deng
Kings general manager Vlade Divac made it easy on us when he told ESPN's Marc Stein that DeMarcus Cousins wasn't going anywhere. At least for the time being, we can take a hiatus from the annual tradition of speculating on Cousins' future, as said future almost certainly features a contract from the Kings worth more than $200 million.
More broadly, though, Divac and the Kings' history of strange moves makes predictions difficult. A braintrust willing to surrender useful vets and draft assets in order to clear cash for Rajon Rondo (yes, this really happened) puts everything on the table. Remember, Divac is the guy who a league source described in Kevin Arnovitz's deep dive on the Kings for ESPN.com thusly: "Nobody in that position has ever been less qualified, less capable or a nicer person."
Perhaps Divac's amicable nature will lead to a swap for Lakers forward Luol Deng.
The Kings could certainly use a steadying, professional veteran presence on the roster, and Deng is most useful these days as an undersized power forward—an area of need Matt Barnes and Anthony Tolliver haven't consistently met.
So, the bold prediction: Sacramento sends Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore and two second-round picks to the Lakers for Deng, which allows L.A. to get out from under Deng's onerous four-year deal and clear nearly $18 million from next year's books...assuming Gay recovers well enough from his torn Achilles to opt out of the final season of his contract. McLemore is a pure flier. Maybe he shows the Lakers something, but more likely, he walks away and L.A. isn't upset about it.
Deng is already overpaid for his production, and the aging curve will only exacerbate that issue in the final three years of his current deal. But he's a name, and the Kings are devoted to winning in the short term. This is the kind of head-scratching move that fits their brand.
Stranger things have happened. Actually, with the Kings, stranger things always happen.
—Grant Hughes
With the new CBA, where low-paid get a bump, and superstars get a bump, solid players are gonna be squeezed a bit, not balloon like Deng has. The effect is suppressed a bit by the fact, that we have another $11 million bump this summer, but the idea that freeing Lakers from this deal requires sweeteners from the Kings is ludicrous.
nope, want nothing to do with Deng.
It does seem like a Vlade-type of deal to win now.. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kings wanted to pull a deal like this, but it's dumb. Deng is a horrible player on a horrible contract.
We're helping the Lakers take on a terrible contract and we get nothing from it. Dude, we gave up Stauskas+2 years of pickswap+2019 1st rounder all to clear like $14m..and that $14m wasn't even long-term like Deng's contract.
If Vlade did this deal, after the Sixers one, he'd be claimed worst GM in the league, and I think he'd be banned from the G1C.
It does seem like a Vlade-type of deal to win now.. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kings wanted to pull a deal like this, but it's dumb. Deng is a horrible player on a horrible contract.
We're helping the Lakers take on a terrible contract and we get nothing from it. Dude, we gave up Stauskas+2 years of pickswap+2019 1st rounder all to clear like $14m..and that $14m wasn't even long-term like Deng's contract.
If Vlade did this deal, after the Sixers one, he'd be claimed worst GM in the league, and I think he'd be banned from the G1C.
