kingofthejungle
G-League
Below are three moves that may be reasonable and make the Kings better.
Marcus Thornton for Batum and filler (Kurt Thomas, Elliot Williams, and Chris Johnson)
Why for Portland: The Trailblazers need help at guard and Thornton provides an immediate upgrade. Jamal Crawford is on the trade block and may not return to the Blazers, so they will need a replacement. Who better than Marcus Thornton? The Blazers also already have Gerald Wallace at small forward, so Batum may be expendable for the right price. In this deal they rid themselves of Kurt Thomas and a couple of other bums, just so salaries match, which may add incentive. Last, there is also no guarantee that Batum will re-sign with Portland, as they low-balled him in re-negotiations, so they may make a move now to get some value.
Why for the Kings: Small forward is arguably the weakest spot on the roster and Batum fits the bill perfectly: a young rangy athlete who doesn’t need the ball and can hit open threes. The Kings probably get better value, but take a risk since there is no guarantee that Batum will re-sign. I think it’s worth it though and the Kings might too, since they have reportedly inquired about Batum according to Jason Jones.
JJ Hickson for Dorell Wright
Why for Golden State: Mark Jackson has indicated that he will go with Stephen Jackson at starting small forward, now that the dust has settled on their deal with Milwaukee. With Brandon Rush off the bench, what room is there for Dorell Wright? Meanwhile, JJ Hickson is a young front court piece with potential and an expiring contract. With no Andrew Bogut this year and an already thin front court (basically Biedrins and Lee), the Warriors may welcome this deal and hope that Hickson finds his way with this new opportunity.
Why for the Kings: Even with Batum, Tyreke Evans and company can always use reliable outside shooters to stretch the floor. Wright is similar to Batum in some ways but a little older and with less upside. He seems like a good fit as a reliable spark plug off the bench.
Greene and Garcia for Okafor and one of their first round picks (ultimately from Minnesota, so 10-15).
Why for New Orleans: They are looking for a huge salary dump and need a “cap mule.” Since the Kings have the lowest payroll in the league, the Kings can save New Orleans a lot of money. Sacramento does not have to match salaries, so the Hornets would immediately save about 6.5 million this year (Garcia + Greene – Okafor). Greene is expiring and the Hornets would have one less draft pick to sign, so they would save roughly 9 million the next year. Garcia expires one year before Okafor, so in two years they save 14 million.
Why for the Kings: Although Okafor’s contract is wildly inflated, the Kings could use another veteran front court player who can provide a defensive presence next to Cousins. He doesn’t need the ball and has a good head on his shoulders. The Kings get a first rounder out of this as well, which the Hornets are apparently offering as incentive to take Okafor off their hands.
P.S. I tried to dump Outlaw but he is simply too awful!
Thomas/Fredette
Evans/Salmons
Batum/Wright/Honeycutt
Okafor/Hayes/Outlaw
Cousins/Thompson/Whiteside
+2 first round picks. The Kings could land a nice front court piece with their pick and then take the best point guard avaiable with New Orlean's pick.
Thoughts? Do any offers need sweetener? Do you like it for the Kings?
Marcus Thornton for Batum and filler (Kurt Thomas, Elliot Williams, and Chris Johnson)
Why for Portland: The Trailblazers need help at guard and Thornton provides an immediate upgrade. Jamal Crawford is on the trade block and may not return to the Blazers, so they will need a replacement. Who better than Marcus Thornton? The Blazers also already have Gerald Wallace at small forward, so Batum may be expendable for the right price. In this deal they rid themselves of Kurt Thomas and a couple of other bums, just so salaries match, which may add incentive. Last, there is also no guarantee that Batum will re-sign with Portland, as they low-balled him in re-negotiations, so they may make a move now to get some value.
Why for the Kings: Small forward is arguably the weakest spot on the roster and Batum fits the bill perfectly: a young rangy athlete who doesn’t need the ball and can hit open threes. The Kings probably get better value, but take a risk since there is no guarantee that Batum will re-sign. I think it’s worth it though and the Kings might too, since they have reportedly inquired about Batum according to Jason Jones.
JJ Hickson for Dorell Wright
Why for Golden State: Mark Jackson has indicated that he will go with Stephen Jackson at starting small forward, now that the dust has settled on their deal with Milwaukee. With Brandon Rush off the bench, what room is there for Dorell Wright? Meanwhile, JJ Hickson is a young front court piece with potential and an expiring contract. With no Andrew Bogut this year and an already thin front court (basically Biedrins and Lee), the Warriors may welcome this deal and hope that Hickson finds his way with this new opportunity.
Why for the Kings: Even with Batum, Tyreke Evans and company can always use reliable outside shooters to stretch the floor. Wright is similar to Batum in some ways but a little older and with less upside. He seems like a good fit as a reliable spark plug off the bench.
Greene and Garcia for Okafor and one of their first round picks (ultimately from Minnesota, so 10-15).
Why for New Orleans: They are looking for a huge salary dump and need a “cap mule.” Since the Kings have the lowest payroll in the league, the Kings can save New Orleans a lot of money. Sacramento does not have to match salaries, so the Hornets would immediately save about 6.5 million this year (Garcia + Greene – Okafor). Greene is expiring and the Hornets would have one less draft pick to sign, so they would save roughly 9 million the next year. Garcia expires one year before Okafor, so in two years they save 14 million.
Why for the Kings: Although Okafor’s contract is wildly inflated, the Kings could use another veteran front court player who can provide a defensive presence next to Cousins. He doesn’t need the ball and has a good head on his shoulders. The Kings get a first rounder out of this as well, which the Hornets are apparently offering as incentive to take Okafor off their hands.
P.S. I tried to dump Outlaw but he is simply too awful!
Thomas/Fredette
Evans/Salmons
Batum/Wright/Honeycutt
Okafor/Hayes/Outlaw
Cousins/Thompson/Whiteside
+2 first round picks. The Kings could land a nice front court piece with their pick and then take the best point guard avaiable with New Orlean's pick.
Thoughts? Do any offers need sweetener? Do you like it for the Kings?
