Emeka Okafor

[Bricklayer]

Any update on this?

The initial report was just that they were talking, so doubt its an hour by hour update thing. They were talking, and maybe something happens eventually. Or maybe not. Probably if we keep on winning and the Hornets keep on losing the odds go up. But I don't think Petrie can afford to be passive on this one if the idea is to make a playoff run this year -- if that's the idea, then the sooner you get him in here, learning the system, and helping us win games, the better. But could happen tommorow, next week, next month, or never. And we'll probably not hear another peep until something is imminent.

 

[bajaden]

if the cap goes down next season and we add okafor's salary we will be a luxury tax team by the beginning of next season. adding okafors 11.5 million plus any rookies we add... we'll be over the cap by the time free agency starts in july. if he doesnt improve the team enough to put us in the running to make the playoffs we'll have to use part or in geoffs case all of the mle to sign another roleplayer just to get a few more wins. so by the time the season starts we'll be at like 60 million in salaries... thats almost 5 million over the cap if it drops to the projected 54 million, some say it might be as low as 50 million. they might be right, the cap is based on revenue and ive watched a lot of games on league pass. the stadiums look empty.... unless lebron or kobe are in town....

if it doesnt work with okafor(if we trade for him) this season how long do we wait before trying to move him? we couldnt move thomas, we probably wont be able to move nocioni or beno unless one of them is moved with martin. damn, i just dont see how this is gonna work in the long run. all of the players that we would want to keep will be free agents before all of the dead weight expires. but knowing petrie he wont even let our dead weight expire, he trades them for vets with long contracts at inappropriate times.

There's no way we would be over the luxury tax threshold. The cap is susposed to go down, but I haven't read anywhere that it will go as low as 50 mil. Its at 57.7 this year. Somewhere between 52 and 54 sounds about right. Of course it all depends on the economy.

The difference between KT's salary this year and Okafor's salary next year is $2,765,375.00. So if we just add Okafor's total salary onto what the total salaries would be if we just let KT's expire, our total salaries would be $52,872,940.00. Even if the worse case senario happened and the cap went all the way down to 50 mil, we would be over the cap, but no where near the luxury tax threshold.

 

[roasthawg]

I agree with the pro-Okafor crowd. He is a legit big under contract and still fairly young at 27. That's a nice trio with him, JT, and Hawes. We still have KMart as a bargaining chip too so it's not like we put all our eggs in one basket with Okafor. Great move if Petrie can pull it off.

 

[bajaden]

When you think about it. This almost the same type of senario that landed the Lakers Pau Gasol. I remember some on this fourm that wern't that enthused with Gasol. Some called him soft and unathletic. Well, he ended up being the piece to the puzzle that propelled them to a championship run.

I wonder that if we were talking about Gasol right now, would the disscussion have been any different. I remember people saying that the Lakers stole Gasol. That they gave up nothing that they wanted. After rethinking this. I've decided that this is our chance to aquire a very good player, and basicly give up nothing in return. Sorry Kenny! The length of contract is the only gamble to the equation. I think this is a gamble worth taking..

 

[roasthawg]

When you think about it. This almost the same type of senario that landed the Lakers Pau Gasol. I remember some on this fourm that wern't that enthused with Gasol. Some called him soft and unathletic. Well, he ended up being the piece to the puzzle that propelled them to a championship run.

I wonder that if we were talking about Gasol right now, would the disscussion have been any different. I remember people saying that the Lakers stole Gasol. That they gave up nothing that they wanted. After rethinking this. I've decided that this is our chance to aquire a very good player, and basicly give up nothing in return. Sorry Kenny! The length of contract is the only gamble to the equation. I think this is a gamble worth taking..

Exactly... all we're giving up (that we know of) is money- money that will be spent on another player if not Okafor. If we'd be willing to sign Okafor to the contract he already has in place if he were a free agent in the offseason then we make this deal... and get the added bonus of an extra 73 games out of him (hopefully). I mean really we're already paying this year's salary to KT... much rather have Okafor for that money. So from that standpoint it's a big win for the Kings... virtually a free season out of Okafor.

If we wouldn't sign him to that deal as an fa anyways then pass... otherwise it's a steal.

 

[hrdboild]

If you consider that New Orleans was already willing to send Chandler to Oklahoma City for expiring contracts last year, then doing the same for Okafor a year later doesn't sound that unlikely. Especially if the team owner is bleeding money, just fired their head coach, and the team looks like it's going into a rebuilding mode. I think they made the trade initially hoping the talent difference would be enough to get them back into the playoffs, but since that isn't happening they may be ready for a "do-over".

The ultimate poetic justice would be if Kenny (yes, you really did trade the best player in franchise history for me) Thomas somehow, someway ends up getting us that year's rookie-of-the-year winner 4 years down the line. That's just too perfect. You'd almost expect the good team karma emanating off that move alone to propel us into playoff territory. Flexible piece indeed!

 

[Emma]

The difference between KT's salary this year and Okafor's salary next year is $2,765,375.00. So if we just add Okafor's total salary onto what the total salaries would be if we just let KT's expire, our total salaries would be $52,872,940.00. Even if the worse case senario happened and the cap went all the way down to 50 mil, we would be over the cap, but no where near the luxury tax threshold.

Put me in the camp that believes the luxury tax should be static. Especially during these trying economic times. This sort of monetary worry should not even be lurking around right now. Unnecessary.

 

[CalsFinest]

The initial report was just that they were talking, so doubt its an hour by hour update thing. They were talking, and maybe something happens eventually. Or maybe not. Probably if we keep on winning and the Hornets keep on losing the odds go up. But I don't think Petrie can afford to be passive on this one if the idea is to make a playoff run this year -- if that's the idea, then the sooner you get him in here, learning the system, and helping us win games, the better. But could happen tommorow, next week, next month, or never. And we'll probably not hear another peep until something is imminent.

Yeah, you're right. I just get antsy/impatient.

 

[AriesMar27]

There's no way we would be over the luxury tax threshold. The cap is susposed to go down, but I haven't read anywhere that it will go as low as 50 mil. Its at 57.7 this year. Somewhere between 52 and 54 sounds about right. Of course it all depends on the economy.

The difference between KT's salary this year and Okafor's salary next year is $2,765,375.00. So if we just add Okafor's total salary onto what the total salaries would be if we just let KT's expire, our total salaries would be $52,872,940.00. Even if the worse case senario happened and the cap went all the way down to 50 mil, we would be over the cap, but no where near the luxury tax threshold.

here ya go.... nothing is set in stone but it could happen.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314858

according to hoopsworld.com the kings salaries would be at 41 million for 2010-11 without thomas... if you add okafor's 11.5 million we would be at 52 million not including any draft picks which would be about 4 million if we get a top 5 pick and a 2nd rounder. since we would be over the cap the onloy way to add another piece would be the mle which is 5 million and we all know petrie loves using it. that comes to a total of nearly 60 million in salaries depending on how high of a pick we get, if we dont add our pick in the trade.

 

[AriesMar27]

When you think about it. This almost the same type of senario that landed the Lakers Pau Gasol. I remember some on this fourm that wern't that enthused with Gasol. Some called him soft and unathletic. Well, he ended up being the piece to the puzzle that propelled them to a championship run.

I wonder that if we were talking about Gasol right now, would the disscussion have been any different. I remember people saying that the Lakers stole Gasol. That they gave up nothing that they wanted. After rethinking this. I've decided that this is our chance to aquire a very good player, and basicly give up nothing in return. Sorry Kenny! The length of contract is the only gamble to the equation. I think this is a gamble worth taking..

i wanted petrie to trade for gasol but everyone here said that it was a dumb idea because he and brad would make the softest frontcourt in nba history...

 

[stevetaebo]

Decent argument against Okafor:

http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009...7-blog+(Hornets247.com+Blog)&utm_content=ESPN

Summary of the Post:

• Chandler is an A+ defender and a C offensive player,(offender?) though that is mitigated by his injury risk.
• Okafor is a B- defender and a B offensive player. Okafor has played 81 and 82 games the last couple seasons.

 

[Vlade4GM]

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Emeka-Okafor-3810/

May 6, 2008
Overview: A big, physical, athletic young post player who is starting to play a defined role. Not only strong enough to defend the post, but has the athleticism to step out and defend the midrange as well. Can take care of business on both ends. Something he showed at UCONN by winning the Big East Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Awards as a junior. Won the NCAA Championship with UCONN in 2004. Former second-overall selection has faced some injuries early in his career, but has overcome those setbacks to begin to fulfill his potential. Turned down a 55 million dollar extension offer in 2007, something he’s been criticized for considering his uneven production.

Offense: Gets almost half of his offense from post ups, with the rest coming from pick and rolls, cuts off the ball, and offensive rebounds. Loves to turn over his left shoulder, and does a good job of shielding the ball and finishing with contact. Shows a decent right handed hook, but needs to diversify his offensive game with fakes and shots with his left hand. Has nice form on his jumper, and has consistent range out to about thirteen feet. Will miss open looks from time to time, but has improved his touch considerably. Not turnover prone in the least. Extremely stingy with his dribble, and doesn’t put the ball on the floor unless he is going to get into position to score. Major offensive weakness is his free throw shooting. Has made some improvements on the offensive end, but is still fairly mechanical at times. His ability to maintain position and grab offensive rebounds makes him a valuable addition regardless of how many touches he gets in close. Not the most talented offensive player around, but is effective regardless.

Defense: Few players in the League play better post defense than he does. Uses his hands extremely well for a post player, and is the type of player than can change shots and create turnovers. Rebounding ability is exceptional. Gets loose balls outside of his area on a regular basis. A legitimate weak-side shot blocker. The leverage he uses on the defensive end, and the way he moves with his man’s fakes is special.

DX's 2008 scouting report on him.

 

[ockingsfan]

does anyone know if the last year of Okafor contract is guarenteed or is a player option or team option?

i still think the kings would become a playoff team with okafor with room to grow... we can throw in sean may with KT for Okafor to make the salaries more even...

this team would be deep and if evans can develop into an all-star, then the kings could challenge the lakers in two years....

PF Thompson Greene Brockman
SF Nocioni Casspi
C Okafor Hawes
SG Martin Garcia Udoka
PG Evans Udrich Rodriguez

 

[AriesMar27]

you would think that sergio would be the one added to the deal, he doesnt get any minutes here and paul is injured... hate to see him go but i dont see him much here anyways since he doesnt play. what a waste of a trade, for a player that i like too... damn petrie you ruin everything... he should have just drafted blair...

 

[Jespher]

i wanted petrie to trade for gasol but everyone here said that it was a dumb idea because he and brad would make the softest frontcourt in nba history...

Not I. I wanted Gasol pretty badly, and began several threads justifying why he would help the Kings, and many trade permutations to get him here...

Anyways, I like this idea a lot, as I have been preaching all summer of the Kings need for another quality big man. Okafur may be only 6'10, but he would be the perfect complement to Hawes and Thompson adding his athleticism, post scoring, and shot blocking to form a great three headed monster in the post. Along with the Brockness monster that front court would be fun to watch for years to come!

As for the salary concerns, the Kings are young and up and coming. The best thing to insure future success is to build a solid core and stick with it. The "glory years" Kings didn't build their kingdom in a day, they had to build their chemistry over several seasons before they could perfect it into deep playoff runs. This swap will solidify a young nucleus up front in Hawes, Okafur, and Thompson, that is versatile and covers each other's weaknesses, while complimenting each other's strengths. Add to that 2 promising young forwards in Greene and Casspi, 2 young guards in Martin and Evans, and the veteran leadership and grit of Nocioni, Garcia, and dare I say Beno Udrih, and you have the makings of a group that can grow and improve over the next several seasons to really compete for something over the long term. The only reason to give a crap about salary implications is if the Kings are 1) approaching the luxury tax and still losing 60 games a season, 2) planning on conning some high impact post scoring free agent to sign here for less money than his old team is able to pay him, or 3) the Maloofs found a way to lose money in the gambling business and can no longer finance the team. Just get a nice core and stick with it, and winning, and salaries will work out. Trust me .

Lastly, upon further review I've come to find that Emeka Okafur's full name is Chukwuemeka Noubuisi Okafur. How can you not like a player named Chukwuemeka? Add him to a roster with Ime Udoka, Omri Casspi, and Beno Udrih, and we're a power forward away from a broadcaster's worst nightmare . Vana, I'd like to buy some vowels please...

 

[LPKingsFan]

Yes.

 

[Vlade4GM]

does anyone know if the last year of Okafor contract is guarenteed or is a player option or team option?

i still think the kings would become a playoff team with okafor with room to grow... we can throw in sean may with KT for Okafor to make the salaries more even...

this team would be deep and if evans can develop into an all-star, then the kings could challenge the lakers in two years....

PF Thompson Greene Brockman
SF Nocioni Casspi
C Okafor Hawes
SG Martin Garcia Udoka
PG Evans Udrich Rodriguez

It's guaranteed.

 

[Uncia03]

If the deal is really Kenny Thomas for Okafur straight-up then I'd do this in a heartbeat. If they want our first, or one of our young guys I'd probably balk. Sean May, Sergio, or our 2nd I'd absolutely throw in if necessary.

I was pretty upset when I saw NO trade Chandler to the Thunder for basically expirings, as I thought the Kings might have been able to put a better offer on the table. (I was surprised when that deal eventually fell through) A big in the middle who's primary job is to defend is what this team needs, and I felt that Chandler would have been great.

Now if NO is looking to trade Okafur for KT, it's pretty much the same scenario. Yes, I thought that Okafur was overpaid when he got his last contract. But he's been consistently healthy, and you know exactly what you're going to get with him. And he would be an absolute perfect fit with JT and Hawes. By signing him, you've pretty much established your big-man rotation for the next 5 years. And, barring injury, I don't think we'd have any problems trading any one of those three if things didn't work out.

To be honest, I like the length of his contract. It makes it far more likely that NO might actually do this deal as it saves them so much money. Plus, if Okafur gels with JT and Hawes like he has the potential of doing, I would want to have him locked up for as long as possible.

------------------

Someone posted earlier that we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves and the winning streak, while nice, should not make us do anything crazy like thinking we're on the cusp of making the playoffs.

I completely understand this tentative objection. If instead of winning four of the last five, we would have lost four of the last five, we'd all be talking about Wall or some of the top promising big men in the draft. I have to be honest and say that I would not be as in favor of the Okafur trade if we were currently at 2-7 instead of 5-4.
BUT, the thing is, we've seen a glimpse of what Tyreke can do. We've seen glimpses of the tenacity of our young players. We've actually seen Beno become a player worthy of that contract he signed.
I think it mostly stems from Westphal, and he's got this team running towards their potential at a pace none of use could have expected.
Tentatively we have our coach. Tentatively we have our superstar. Tentatively we have a lot of young players who are actually growing into their full potential.
If we actually have all of that, Okafur has the ability to solidify this team, and provide the opportunity for a young team to grow into it's strengths over the course of the next few years.

As much as I'd love Bosh, I just don't think we could land him. As I look at the free-agents for next year, I'm not sure there is a realistic chance of getting a player who addresses our needs better than Okafur.

 

[bench_blob]

We have so many talented SFs that Greene just wont have much oppurtunity here in Sacramento

Donte has been playing back-up minutes at the '4'.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

The real question on this trade is do you think you can get a BETTER post player in this upcoming year's draft or free agency class ? This is an opportunity cost issue as taking on Okafor's contract will mean No cap space this upcoming year and likely no high lottery pick as well.


Draft: Motiejunas, Derrick Favors, Aldrich, Ed Davis, Larry Sanders, Greg Monroe, Craig Brackins


Free Agency: Brad Miller, Jermaine Oneal, Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Tyson Chandler, Memet Okur, Boozer, David Lee, Theo Ratlif


(just a quick list i put together, not likely to be very accurate but just to give people an idea)


At this time, I'm not sure if I'm for or against this trade.

The draft pick question is an interesting one. We would have a good shot at the playoffs with Okafor, so we would miss out on a chance at a top 3 pick, but with our pesky habit of winning games right now, I feel like we will get stuck in the 8-10 range anyway. I would still pull the trigger on this deal. Our team would suddenly be a playoff caliber team with enough tradeable pieces (Martin, JT, Reke, Hawes, Omri, Cisco, draft picks) that we could make a run at another big name player if we needed to. The opportunity to add talent without giving up any is just too much to pass up on. Especially since Okafor fits our new team mentality.

 

[Sptsjunkie]

Decent argument against Okafor:

http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009...7-blog+(Hornets247.com+Blog)&utm_content=ESPN

The most compelling part to me is the defensive statistics which are actually from another blog. And those say that Okafor is exceptional guarding opposing PFs, where their PER drops from an expected of 17.6 to an actual of 13.75. He appears less effective against Centers, which makes sense since he is 6'10'', but I would also guess that since he always guarded the other team's best post player, that he was matched up largely on PFs and that the few times he was guarding Cs, he was probably guarding elite Centers, since most teams have better scoring PFs. So I am guessing the Centers these stats were compiled against probably include Shaq, Yao, Bynum and Howard. Although the matchups against Bynum may not be full matchups since the Lakers-Cats games I saw last year he spent equal time on Bynum and Gasol. Even those four he held below their expected PER, but only by about .5.

 

[ParniValjak]

This draft pick argument is really flawed. A number of us have claimed that last year we were better, or certainly more talented than a 17 win team. Really we should have been around the 30 win mark with a proper coach. Add Tyreke to that squad and we really are no where near the top 5 pick (odds wise anyway)

So this notion that we will wase a chance for a top 3 or top 5 pick this year if we traded for Okafor is just pipe dream. Even if we do not make a deal and let things sit as they are now, we will not have legitimate chance for a top 5 pick. Realistically we are in the 6-12 range. I ask are we really throwing away a chance at a top 5 pick?! I don't think we are, or should be in the hunt for one given out talent level. There are quite a few teams out there who are worse than us this year.

Getting Okafor would solidify our "core". Our improvement will come from natural development of our young players. Martin, Garcia, Beno, Nocioni, Okafor etc are pretty much who they are. There is not much scope for improvement there. Where we will get the improvement from is the Evans, Hawes, Thompson, Casspi, Greene group. There is a massive scope for improvement there. You have a potential super star, a franchise player in Evans. You have players like Hawes, Thompson, Casspi and Greene with potential to be very good players, borderline stars in this league. Thats where the improvement will come from.

So if we do Okafor for KT deal, we would go forward with Evans, Martin, Casspi, JT, Okafor, Hawes, Greene, Garcia, with 5 of these players having a big scope for improvement.

 

[Chupacabra]

When I first saw this rumor, I was very excited, but the more that I think about it, the less excited I get. I'd rather wait for a better KT deal, or just let him expire. If we're truly rebuilding into a championship contender, and not just a perennial 1st round washout club, Okafor's not going to do it for us. Even if Tyreke becomes a bonafide superstar, we still need another player who's at least in the all-star discussion every year if we want to compete. Superstars win championships. Unless you truly see Hawes as Kevin McHale 2.0, Okafor just eats up way too much salary and, even worse, makes us mediocre. The last four games have been nice, but who have we beaten? OKC, GS, Houston, and Utah. Houston, equal to us in W/L column, is overachieving (Rick Adelman), OKC is probably only a little better than us in terms of talent, and GS is a mess. Utah is the only legit team we've defeated. This is the easiest part of our schedule, I don't want to be a party pooper or anything, but we're going to come crashing back down to earth sooner or later. I still think 30 wins is about as good as we're going to get (I'll fully admit it if I'm wrong, however). We need to suck for one more season. This draft is full of guys who could very well end up better than Okafor, and, if nothing else, Petrie has an eye for Rookie talent.

Food for thought: The Blazers finished 32-50 in 2007, won the draft lottery, and drafted Greg Oden. Are we going to win the draft lottery? Likely not, but do you know how I can guarantee we won't win it? Acquire Okafor, make the playoffs, and get splashed in the first round.

And what's up with everybody thinking that FA's won't want to come play in Sacramento? The arena deal is the only issue I can think of that would put them off. Sacramento's a decent sized city, the players seem to love it here, it's in California, and they'd be immediately be playing with Reke, Martin, and Thompson (who's gaining a LOT of respect around the league this year). I like Okafor as a player, he's the defensive big we need to round out this roster, but I can't see any scenario where we become Championship contenders with him on board. The last thing I want is to be mediocre again. That's worse than being bad (in our first BAD season in years, we drafted Tyreke Evans, what did we have to show for the previous years of post-Webber mediocrity?).

04 Detroit Pistons didnt have a superstar. Unless youd say Chauncey Billups is a superstar. Even so thats only 1 superstar. With the right mix of players any team can contend. It doesnt always need to be a star studded cast. Evans/Martin/Nocioni/Thompson/Okafor looks PRETTY TOUGH. All hardnosed guys except for the scorer/shooter. Id truely love to see that lineup together. It would be exactly what ive dreamed of for years now after seeing a layup drill for the opposing team everytime ive watched a kings game.

PLEASE ACQUIRE OKAFOR!

 

[Sptsjunkie]

04 Detroit Pistons didnt have a superstar. Unless youd say Chauncey Billups is a superstar. Even so thats only 1 superstar. With the right mix of players any team can contend. It doesnt always need to be a star studded cast. Evans/Martin/Nocioni/Thompson/Okafor looks PRETTY TOUGH. All hardnosed guys except for the scorer/shooter. Id truely love to see that lineup together. It would be exactly what ive dreamed of for years now after seeing a layup drill for the opposing team everytime ive watched a kings game.

PLEASE ACQUIRE OKAFOR!

My argument for the '04 Pistons is that they did have a superstar in Ben Wallace, it just is not as noticable because people are used to having "offensive" superstars. And before anyone says you need to play 2 ways to be considered a superstar, I am sure pure offensive players like Nash and Magic would be considered superstars by most. The way Ben Wallace was able to shut down individual offensive stars while providing weak side help, control the boards and generate a high volume of steals for a big man was exceptional. I am sure as our understanding/development of advanced defensive metrics continues to progress, the Ben Wallace as a superstar argument will become clearer.

 

[Chupacabra]

My argument for the '04 Pistons is that they did have a superstar in Ben Wallace, it just is not as noticable because people are used to having "offensive" superstars. And before anyone says you need to play 2 ways to be considered a superstar, I am sure pure offensive players like Nash and Magic would be considered superstars by most. The way Ben Wallace was able to shut down individual offensive stars while providing weak side help, control the boards and generate a high volume of steals for a big man was exceptional. I am sure as our understanding/development of advanced defensive metrics continues to progress, the Ben Wallace as a superstar argument will become clearer.

I dont have a problem with that statement. However, you and I are in the minority. Anyhow, Even if the trade doesnt make us a championship contender it would still greatly imrpove our team and talent. The Kings need to put fans back in the seats asap.

 

[Chupacabra]

Decent argument against Okafor:

http://www.hornets247.com/blog/2009...7-blog+(Hornets247.com+Blog)&utm_content=ESPN

Meh, Chandler got atleast half of his points from alleyoops off the pick and roll with Chris Paul. Okafor had Ray Felton.

 

[JJ_Evans]

okafor is horrible.. he cant even put up good stats with chris paul as his pg...

 

[Nighthawk1]

okafor is horrible.. he cant even put up good stats with chris paul as his pg...

He's not an offensive player, never has been and never will be. He's a defensive center.

 

[midtowner]

This rumor is getting me excited for Kenny's trade value

I am not completely sold on Okafor. That being said, if you put someone out there that can finish strong down low when Tyreke breaks down the defense, watch out. If we ever put an Evans, Martin, Greene, Thompson and Okafor line-up on the floor, the team could dunk the rim off the backboard (if they learn how to play together and Donte keeps getting better).

Whether we get Okafor or not, it is good to know these types of opportunities are out there. We have the guy on the perimeter that can destroy a defense's scheme. We need a guy on the interior that can finish strong. They are hard to find. If the Kings have a chance to grab one, they should.

 

[bajaden]

here ya go.... nothing is set in stone but it could happen.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314858

according to hoopsworld.com the kings salaries would be at 41 million for 2010-11 without thomas... if you add okafor's 11.5 million we would be at 52 million not including any draft picks which would be about 4 million if we get a top 5 pick and a 2nd rounder. since we would be over the cap the onloy way to add another piece would be the mle which is 5 million and we all know petrie loves using it. that comes to a total of nearly 60 million in salaries depending on how high of a pick we get, if we dont add our pick in the trade.

Look, all I'm saying is that adding Okafor's salary would not put us over the luxury cap threshold. And thats a fact! Now you can add anything you want after the fact and make it anything you want to get the outcome you want, but the only fact in your post is that the Kings total salaries would be close to 41 mil without Thomas and if you add Okafor's salary it would bring it to around 52 mil and some change. Thats not over the luxury tax threshold, and, may not end up being over the salary cap depending on where its happens to be set.
Everything else is woulda, coulda, shoulda. But their not facts..