Potential Free agent/trade/sign tracker

pdxKingsFan

pdxKingsFan

So Ordinary That It's Truly Quite Extraordinary
Staff member
#3,856
#3,856
luckytkp said:
didnt realize the apron rule, but the top 3 teams in the west are all below it.
Click to expand...
buyout dudes have a bit of a predicament, the top 3 teams (who mostly aren't making big swings at the deadline) might give a chance to collect a ring but they aren't going to give a shot at serious PT that they need to earn their next contract.
 
Noble

Noble

Bench
#3,870
#3,870
ChatGPT really wants us to sign Markelle Fultz lol:

If the Sacramento Kings want to solidify their point guard rotation, improve defense, and maximize their offensive flow, signing Markelle Fultz is the smartest move.

1️⃣ Why the Kings NEED a Playmaking PG
The current PG situation is unstable because:
❌ Monk & LaVine are NOT true point guards – Both are scoring guards first, not natural facilitators.
❌ Devin Carter is still recovering – He’s in the G-League to regain his stamina post-surgery, meaning he cannot be relied upon yet.
❌ Sabonis is being forced into a primary playmaker role – While he’s elite at distributing, the offense flows better when he has a true PG setting him up rather than initiating everything himself.

The Kings need a floor general who can control pace, set up teammates, and defend at a high level. That’s exactly what Markelle Fultz brings.

2️⃣ How Fultz Directly Fixes the Kings’ Weaknesses
✅ Fix #1: Kings Need a Reliable Playmaker
Fultz’s 2023-24 Stats (Orlando Magic):

  • 10.8 PPG | 5.5 APG | 3.2 RPG | 1.4 SPG | 48.2 FG% | 2.3 TOV
  • Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: 3.1 (Top 25 in the NBA)
  • Pick & Roll Efficiency: 1.08 PPP (Ranks in the 75th percentile for NBA PGs)
Why This Matters for Sacramento:

  • Fultz is an efficient, low-turnover passer who ensures the Kings get quality shots every possession.
  • The Kings rank 22nd in assists per game (24.8 APG) – Fultz improves ball movement & offensive structure.
  • He would unlock LaVine & DeRozan’s scoring potential by keeping them in their natural scoring roles.
Think of him as a stabilizer – Sacramento doesn’t need an elite scorer at PG, they need a smart decision-maker who sets up teammates.

✅ Fix #2: The Kings Need Perimeter Defense
  • Defensive Rating: 111.5 (Ranks in the top 50% among guards)
  • On-Ball Defense: Opposing guards shot 41.3% FG against him – one of the best defensive marks among PGs.
  • Steal Percentage: 2.1% (Top 20 in the NBA for guards)
Why This Matters for Sacramento:

  • LaVine & Monk are below-average defenders. Fultz gives the Kings a guard who can defend elite backcourts (Curry, Luka, Ja, Fox, SGA, etc.).
  • Sacramento ranks 18th in Defensive Rating (115.2) – Adding a defensive-minded PG pushes them toward being a top-10 defense.
  • Fultz has the size (6’4”, 210 lbs) to switch onto wings – making him more versatile than smaller PGs like Monte Morris.
Fultz would give the Kings their best defensive PG option while keeping Keon Ellis in his natural defensive stopper role off the bench.

✅ Fix #3: He Thrives in a Motion Offense
  • Sacramento plays one of the fastest tempos in the NBA (Top 10 in pace).
  • Fultz is an elite transition ball-handler – he ranks in the 75th percentile in transition offense.
  • Sabonis needs a guard who can feed him in the post & on cuts.
Why This Matters for Sacramento:

  • The Kings run one of the best dribble-handoff offenses in the NBA – Fultz excels in these actions.
  • He gets to the rim at an elite rate (55.6% FG in the paint) – making him an ideal drive-and-kick creator for Sacramento’s shooters (Murray, Monk, LaVine, McDermott).
  • His ability to push tempo & initiate fast breaks fits perfectly with the Kings’ high-pace attack.
Fultz in Sacramento would be the best version of himself because the Kings’ offensive system is built to complement his strengths.

3️⃣ Why Fultz is Better Than Other Available PGs
Player Playmaking Defense Shooting Fit w/ Kings Risk Markelle Fultz✅ 5.5 APG, 3.1 AST/TO ratio✅ Strong on-ball defender❌ 27% 3PT✅ Thrives in fast-paced offense, great in PnR Injury historyMonte Morris✅ 5.3 APG, 5.3 AST/TO ratio❌ Below-average✅ 40% 3PT❌ Not a strong transition player Small size, defensive liabilityJohn Wall✅ Still a decent passer✅ Solid defender❌ Bad shooter (29% 3PT)❌ Hasn’t played in a year Too riskyDJ Augustin❌ Too old❌ Poor defender✅ 38% 3PT❌ No longer an NBA-caliber player Not a real option

Final Verdict: Fultz is the best available option if Sacramento wants to improve defensively, get more structure in their offense, and maximize their core.

4️⃣ How the Kings Can Sign Him
Contract Projection:

  • The Kings only have the veteran minimum or a portion of the Mid-Level Exception (MLE) left.
  • Fultz’s market is low due to injury concerns, meaning he likely signs for the vet minimum or a short-term deal.
  • Sacramento could offer him a prove-it contract (1-year, $2.5M) and get massive upside if he stays healthy.
5️⃣ Final Takeaway – This Move Makes Too Much Sense
✅ Fixes Sacramento’s biggest weakness (lack of a true PG).
✅ Elevates perimeter defense instantly.
✅ Fits seamlessly in the Kings’ offensive system.
✅ Low-risk, high-reward signing.

If the Kings want to push for a deep playoff run, signing Markelle Fultz is the smartest move they can make.
 
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