Kings trade rumor SZN 2023-2024 edition!

What would it take to get Deni Avdija off the Wizards in the summer? Will Mitchell, Duarte and Len get it done?

It would be nice to get Goga Bitadze too.

G: Fox, Monk
G: Huerter, Ellis
F: Murray, Barnes, Edwards
F: Avdija, Lyles, Sasha
C: Sabonis, Goga, McGee

The Wizards could roll with Mitchell/Tyus, Davis/Poole/Duarte, Coulibaly/Kispert, Kuzma/Bags, Holmes/Len.
 
What would it take to get Deni Avdija off the Wizards in the summer? Will Mitchell, Duarte and Len get it done?

It would be nice to get Goga Bitadze too.

G: Fox, Monk
G: Huerter, Ellis
F: Murray, Barnes, Edwards
F: Avdija, Lyles, Sasha
C: Sabonis, Goga, McGee

The Wizards could roll with Mitchell/Tyus, Davis/Poole/Duarte, Coulibaly/Kispert, Kuzma/Bags, Holmes/Len.
Also despite I have no idea of each contract I am sure that it's impossible to get 2 players and keep almost all the rotation ones. Will Monk sign for a minimum or something? Also Len has a 1 year contract so I assume he can't be used in a trade.
 
Also despite I have no idea of each contract I am sure that it's impossible to get 2 players and keep almost all the rotation ones. Will Monk sign for a minimum or something? Also Len has a 1 year contract so I assume he can't be used in a trade.
Fair enough. I haven't looked at the contracts either.

Anyway, I would also do Mitchell and Sasha for Avdija, if that would work.
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
Yeah. The guy seemingly everyone on this board has wanted to get rid of for a bag of chips for the guy that just beat out Malik for 6th man of the year?

I think HB is still a better player than generally given credit for these days, but he's THE one starting spot that I think the King desperately need to upgrade, either by packaging him in a trade, or moving him to a bench role. Either way, Minnesota isn't trading Naz for him.
 
Yeah - people hate on HB (and Huerter). They are both decent NBA players and could help the Kings from the bench or another team as a starter.

It’s just that we are looking for a specific piece at the 4 now (or 3 if you can get a real stud and move Keegan to the 4) that fits within the context of the other starters (Fox, Keon, Keegan and Domas). There aren’t that many dudes on planet earth that are a perfect fit. And Barnes’ 3 pt shooting, ability to get to the line, availability, and consistently being in the right spot are undervalued on this board.

That said - I’d take Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Trey Murphy, Jaren Jackson jr, the freaky wing 7-footers, Kuzma, Deni, Obi, Josh Hart, or either Martin twin over him in the starting line up.
 
Yeah - people hate on HB (and Huerter). They are both decent NBA players and could help the Kings from the bench or another team as a starter.

It’s just that we are looking for a specific piece at the 4 now (or 3 if you can get a real stud and move Keegan to the 4) that fits within the context of the other starters (Fox, Keon, Keegan and Domas). There aren’t that many dudes on planet earth that are a perfect fit. And Barnes’ 3 pt shooting, ability to get to the line, availability, and consistently being in the right spot are undervalued on this board.

That said - I’d take Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Trey Murphy, Jaren Jackson jr, the freaky wing 7-footers, Kuzma, Deni, Obi, Josh Hart, or either Martin twin over him in the starting line up.
yeh a lot to think about this offseason regarding team building. Is Keon the permanent starter? If so that changes what you need at the 4. Is Keegan MPJ with less aggressiveness? That changes what you need at the 4. Is Monk back? Who is in the closing lineup if he is and you bring in an upgrade over HB?
 
I think HB is still a better player than generally given credit for these days, but he's THE one starting spot that I think the King desperately need to upgrade, either by packaging him in a trade, or moving him to a bench role.
Not the "one". Huerter, too, and even more so.

But Keon remaining in the starting lineup next season very well could remedy that.

Between the two, Huerter has been more of a detriment than HB, far as I can tell. But both are inconsistent and seemingly largely invisible when things matter most.
 
Yeah - people hate on HB (and Huerter). They are both decent NBA players and could help the Kings from the bench or another team as a starter.

It’s just that we are looking for a specific piece at the 4 now (or 3 if you can get a real stud and move Keegan to the 4) that fits within the context of the other starters (Fox, Keon, Keegan and Domas). There aren’t that many dudes on planet earth that are a perfect fit. And Barnes’ 3 pt shooting, ability to get to the line, availability, and consistently being in the right spot are undervalued on this board.

That said - I’d take Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Trey Murphy, Jaren Jackson jr, the freaky wing 7-footers, Kuzma, Deni, Obi, Josh Hart, or either Martin twin over him in the starting line up.
I have liked Avdija for a long time. He has a super high BBIQ, is an underrated playmaker and secondary ball handler, rebounds well for the position, can score off the bounce for his size, and is an improving outside shooter. In his first season as a starter he put up 15/7/4, shot 51% FG, 37% 3PT (on only 3 attempts per game though) and 74% from FT (he will fit right in). He did that all on 19% usage, clearly operating as a third option behind Kuzma and Poole, and often sharing the third fiddle role with guys like Tyus Jones and Danilo Galinari/Marvin Bagley.

He is at least a willing defender. He certainly isn't a stopper, but he uses his BBIQ to play good team defense. He is 6'9" but not very long (wingspan is 6'10") so he profiles as a similar build as HB. He is only 23 and locked up on an extension. As an example of his defensive willingness, he had the best defensive rating of any Wizard to play at least half the games with the Wizards. While his defensive rating of 116.2 is not very good, keep in mind that he played on a terrible team and looks like a lockdown defender compared to his teammates who played 40+ games in Washington:

Avdija- 116.2
Colulibaly- 118.4
Shamet- 119.2
Kispert- 119.4
Poole- 119.5
Gafford- 120.0
Kuzma- 120.8
Tyus Jones- 122.5

If you could convince the Wizards to trade Avdija and matching salary (one of Kispert, Shamet, or Johnny Davis) for Huerter and #13, I think you do it. Start Avdija, bring Barnes off the bench. Avdija provides another good secondary playmaker in the starting lineup, and a guy who can get his own bucket.
 
That at least is more of the right guy to be looking at from the Wizards roster, if anybody, versus what's been reported the past couple seasons.
Agree- he profiles as a much better fit than Kuzma. A much more willing defender, someone who would fit in with the offense (without dominating it), and offer another playmaker. Good rebounder for his size and improving outside shooter, though you would need him to shoot more than 3 per game from three point range.
 
Free agents to consider if we lose Monk and decide to use the mid-level

Kelly Oubre- could he be had at that price point? Sixers have a ton of roster spots to fill but maybe he doesnt want to go back there. He is friends with Fox. Gives you a different look offensively and is pretty good on the defensive end. Has his warts but could be worth considering

D Melton- injuries are a problem but has been a winning player and is a good age. Could probably be had at the mid level

Delon Wright- defense and running the second unit are strengths

Slow Mo Anderson- we have had interest in the past. Don’t know if we would have enough offense if he is starting but at least worth considering

obi Toppin- I think he is restricted. Athletic and shoots well, bit more size. Pacers have too many wings at least one or two needs to go? Would the pacers match a midlevel deal?

Jalen smith- size and shooting. If I recall he has a player option on a small deal. Bet on him having some upside?

Who else?
 
Free agents to consider if we lose Monk and decide to use the mid-level

Kelly Oubre- could he be had at that price point? Sixers have a ton of roster spots to fill but maybe he doesnt want to go back there. He is friends with Fox. Gives you a different look offensively and is pretty good on the defensive end. Has his warts but could be worth considering

D Melton- injuries are a problem but has been a winning player and is a good age. Could probably be had at the mid level

Delon Wright- defense and running the second unit are strengths

Slow Mo Anderson- we have had interest in the past. Don’t know if we would have enough offense if he is starting but at least worth considering

obi Toppin- I think he is restricted. Athletic and shoots well, bit more size. Pacers have too many wings at least one or two needs to go? Would the pacers match a midlevel deal?

Jalen smith- size and shooting. If I recall he has a player option on a small deal. Bet on him having some upside?

Who else?
I’d also look at:

Royce O’neal
Naji Marshall
Caleb Martin
Derrick Jones Jr.
Torrey Craig
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
Not the "one". Huerter, too, and even more so.

But Keon remaining in the starting lineup next season very well could remedy that.

Between the two, Huerter has been more of a detriment than HB, far as I can tell. But both are inconsistent and seemingly largely invisible when things matter most.
In my mind the SG spot is Keon's to lose at this point. If Huerter is still on the team he can be a second unit shooter that swings between SG and SF.

But if the Kings manage to re-sign Malik then both Huerter and Barnes can be explored in trades.

Maybe if the Magic strike out on guys like Klay Thompson & Grayson Allen they'd consider trading Jonathan Isaac and his injury history for Huerter's shooting.
 
I have liked Avdija for a long time. He has a super high BBIQ, is an underrated playmaker and secondary ball handler, rebounds well for the position, can score off the bounce for his size, and is an improving outside shooter. In his first season as a starter he put up 15/7/4, shot 51% FG, 37% 3PT (on only 3 attempts per game though) and 74% from FT (he will fit right in). He did that all on 19% usage, clearly operating as a third option behind Kuzma and Poole, and often sharing the third fiddle role with guys like Tyus Jones and Danilo Galinari/Marvin Bagley.

He is at least a willing defender. He certainly isn't a stopper, but he uses his BBIQ to play good team defense. He is 6'9" but not very long (wingspan is 6'10") so he profiles as a similar build as HB. He is only 23 and locked up on an extension. As an example of his defensive willingness, he had the best defensive rating of any Wizard to play at least half the games with the Wizards. While his defensive rating of 116.2 is not very good, keep in mind that he played on a terrible team and looks like a lockdown defender compared to his teammates who played 40+ games in Washington:

Avdija- 116.2
Colulibaly- 118.4
Shamet- 119.2
Kispert- 119.4
Poole- 119.5
Gafford- 120.0
Kuzma- 120.8
Tyus Jones- 122.5

If you could convince the Wizards to trade Avdija and matching salary (one of Kispert, Shamet, or Johnny Davis) for Huerter and #13, I think you do it. Start Avdija, bring Barnes off the bench. Avdija provides another good secondary playmaker in the starting lineup, and a guy who can get his own bucket.
Avdija broke out this year, but people might not really have noticed because of how bad the Wizards are. He's a prime candidate of being a "Aaron Gordon" sort of impact whenever he gets to a good team.
 
Avdija broke out this year, but people might not really have noticed because of how bad the Wizards are. He's a prime candidate of being a "Aaron Gordon" sort of impact whenever he gets to a good team.
The Aaron Gordon comparison is really interesting. Gordon is obviously a more versatile defender, but he wasn't a lockdown guy with the Magic. He used his skills and IQ to fit in well with the Nuggets team defense. It is amazing how decent defenders can flourish if they are put in a good system, as opposed to playing for the Wiz or that vintage of Magic team.

And I think the offensive comparison to Gordon is a good one. Gordon showed he could score, rebound, handle, and get his own bucket in Orlando, but then came into Denver and blended in as a 4th option. But a 4th option who could put up 30 if you needed it. Or run the offense and get 7 assists as an initiator if you needed it. Or play the dunker role and play defense. A very versatile guy who has the skills to take a bigger role, but also the intelligence to blend in and take a smaller role on most nights.
 
Free agents to consider if we lose Monk and decide to use the mid-level

Kelly Oubre- could he be had at that price point? Sixers have a ton of roster spots to fill but maybe he doesnt want to go back there. He is friends with Fox. Gives you a different look offensively and is pretty good on the defensive end. Has his warts but could be worth considering

D Melton- injuries are a problem but has been a winning player and is a good age. Could probably be had at the mid level

Delon Wright- defense and running the second unit are strengths

Slow Mo Anderson- we have had interest in the past. Don’t know if we would have enough offense if he is starting but at least worth considering

obi Toppin- I think he is restricted. Athletic and shoots well, bit more size. Pacers have too many wings at least one or two needs to go? Would the pacers match a midlevel deal?

Jalen smith- size and shooting. If I recall he has a player option on a small deal. Bet on him having some upside?

Who else?
Would love Melton, watched alot of him this year cuz he was on my fantasy team. i doubt the mid level gets it done. Would be one of the best defenders on the Kings right away, probably the second best passer and he knocks down threes. He meshed well with Maxey aswell whos pretty similar to Fox. With all that being said just bring Malik back somehow, because i love him. lol
 
Last edited:
The Aaron Gordon comparison is really interesting. Gordon is obviously a more versatile defender, but he wasn't a lockdown guy with the Magic. He used his skills and IQ to fit in well with the Nuggets team defense. It is amazing how decent defenders can flourish if they are put in a good system, as opposed to playing for the Wiz or that vintage of Magic team.

And I think the offensive comparison to Gordon is a good one. Gordon showed he could score, rebound, handle, and get his own bucket in Orlando, but then came into Denver and blended in as a 4th option. But a 4th option who could put up 30 if you needed it. Or run the offense and get 7 assists as an initiator if you needed it. Or play the dunker role and play defense. A very versatile guy who has the skills to take a bigger role, but also the intelligence to blend in and take a smaller role on most nights.
Yeah he's not the same athlete Gordon is, but their games are super super similar. Avdija is a quality defender that can defend the 3 or 4 effectively that's developed into a damn good secondary playmaker. He's the exact archetype you want for a "glue" guy to round out this core. I'd certainly rather sell the farm for him than someone like Jerami Grant.
 
Here is my list for potential trade candidates. I didn't put Luka or Giannis on the list for obvious reasons

1) Lebron- Lakers will probably just fire Ham and try to throw all their remaining picks at some b rate star but if he decided he wanted to stay close to "home" maybe you could convince him and the Lakers its time to move on. I think other teams would have more attractive trade pieces but adding him would give us a chance at contending.
2} Durant- another pipe dream but there is a decent chance they have to trade him by the deadline if something drastic doesn't happen. He is a bit younger but you only have him for 2 years so the risk could be high. (injuries too)
3) BI- The Pelicans have to eventually give a starting job to Murph. Who's spot does he take? Zion as oft injured as he is will be hard to move and he is a generational talent in some ways (one that has not produced like one admittedly)
4) Deni Avdija- appears to be a bit of a favorite around here and is likely ascending plus has one of the best value contracts in the league. What will the Wizards do? Willl they take another wing in this draft? Deni is one of the most realistic targets
5) Reefer Jones- stud defender, former teammate of Keon and a good shooter on a fantastic contract. If the Pels decided to hold on to BI Zion and Murph maybe Herb actually becomes available. My good buddy on the forum would love this, as would I! If I'm the Pels and I have to chose between him and Murph I would probably take Trey because he is more what they need and they can use Dyson Daniels a bit in the Jones role (if he can ever learn to shoot) If we kept Keon in the starting lineup and add Herb we could be a top 5 defense.
6) Julius Randle- depending on what happens with the Knicks he might get swung in a deal at some point. could we be a third team in that situation? big contract and all that but he is a scorer
7) D Hunter- I know @SacTownKid likes him, I haven't really watched him much. Talented and maybe worth it for the right price but can he stay healthy and has he figured anything out? Maybe ill go back and watch some hawks games to get a better feel.

Who else? I decided not to include Grant, Kuzma, DFS etc because we have talked about them a lot plus the Kuzma thing seems dead and Im not giving up 2 picks for Grant anymore, that ship has sailed and had to include Thybulle who we might not need at this point. IF Portland wants to give up Grant its #13 and salary matching or no deal. DFS would be similar for me and even then I'm not sure.
 
Last edited:
Maybe if the Magic strike out on guys like Klay Thompson & Grayson Allen they'd consider trading Jonathan Isaac and his injury history for Huerter's shooting.
Sign me up.

Even if the KINGS only got 50-60 games out of Isaac, he’d provide some things they really don’t have. Pace him slowly and make sure he’s go to go come April and May, and super optimistically in June too.
 
From reading a lot of stuff, people seem to think Brandon Ingrams stock is at an all time low. Would you take him on the Kings? His disappearing act in these playoffs really hurt the Pelicans. But the Thunder were really stifling him too.
 
Deni Avdija is a pipe dream. Why would Wizards trade a 23 years old SF who has 4 more years on his contract? The most realistic options are still BI and Grant.
because at some point they could have too many forwards. They could have traded Kuzma and decided not to. They drafted Bilal with the 7th pick and there is a better than not chance they take another forward this year. Plus, the top 8 players in the '25 draft (at least the ones being currently mocked) are all wings. I don't know what they will do but I don't think Kuzma, Deni and Bilal will all be on the team at the deadline. Even if you trade Kuzma, imo the Bilal/Deni pairing is not enough offense on the wing.
 
Would love Melton, watched alot of him this year cuz he was on my fantasy team. i doubt the mid level gets it done. Would be one of the best defenders on the Kings right away, probably the second best passer and he knocks down threes. He meshed well with Maxey aswell whos pretty similar to Fox. With all that being said just bring Malik back somehow, because i love him. lol
I love Melton too. He's an impact stud and he's basically Keon with a massive sample of games supporting who he is as a player. Just a bit injury prone is his big downfall, but that also might be why the MLE might be enough to snag him.

It's an interesting theory, surrounding Fox with 3 stud defenders that can all play next to him. Assuming Keegan continues to grow as a defender too, that's a HELL of a defense we can put on the floor around our franchise pillars.

You're betting on Keegan developing into a 20 PPG #2 option on a consistent basis, but it's still a pretty interesting team build idea. Just high impact defenders that are efficient offensive players and you ride your 3 top horses for offense.
 

Capt. Factorial

trifolium contra tempestatem subrigere certum est
Staff member
If we're talking about guys we'd like to steal away from other teams, I think Tari Eason would be towards the top of my list. Very good defender from the 4, can shoot enough to have to respect him, only 23. Rockets probably aren't down on him, but they're liable to look at their roster with Jabari, Sengun, Amen, and Whitmore and think they could use some more guard help.

Don't really know what a fair trade package for him would be. I'd probably be willing to send off #13 straight up. Swinging a deal with a vet like Huerter would be tough given the way their salaries are stacked up, but they could potentially guarantee Jeff Green's final year and pack them together. Their 3rd string PF for a veteran SG (and a salary piece they could use to flip later on)? Could squint and see it.
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
If we're talking about guys we'd like to steal away from other teams, I think Tari Eason would be towards the top of my list. Very good defender from the 4, can shoot enough to have to respect him, only 23. Rockets probably aren't down on him, but they're liable to look at their roster with Jabari, Sengun, Amen, and Whitmore and think they could use some more guard help.

Don't really know what a fair trade package for him would be. I'd probably be willing to send off #13 straight up. Swinging a deal with a vet like Huerter would be tough given the way their salaries are stacked up, but they could potentially guarantee Jeff Green's final year and pack them together. Their 3rd string PF for a veteran SG (and a salary piece they could use to flip later on)? Could squint and see it.
I've missed on plenty of guys too, but it's frustrating that the Rockets nabbed guys that I was really, really high on in Eason and Sengun. And Atlanta got another one later in the draft in Jalen Johnson.

But yeah, I'd love to pry Eason out of Houston. I think he'd be a great option to take Barnes' stating spot between Sabonis and Murray. He'd drag down an already poor FT shooting team even further, but otherwise he gives the team a lot more of what it needs - switchable defense, hustle, toughness, steals, blocks, rebounding - and his shot is improving. He hit 36% of his threes on decent volume this season.

If I had to guess, the Rockets will look to go star hunting this summer. So the Kings hope might be to be a 3rd team to help facilitate a deal and nab Tari in the process.
 
Last edited:
From reading a lot of stuff, people seem to think Brandon Ingrams stock is at an all time low. Would you take him on the Kings? His disappearing act in these playoffs really hurt the Pelicans. But the Thunder were really stifling him too.
I like the idea of Ingram on the Kings. We could really use his mid-range game. The problem would be with matching salaries. He makes $36 million next season (final season of contract). Then they have to be sure they can resign him at a reasonable amount.