Potential Free Agent/Trade/Sign Tracker, '25-'26 Season

So is the idea we draft a pg + add schroder? if that's the case, we need to move at minimum 3 of Demar, LaVine, Carter, Monk right?
New PG + Schroder
LaVine/Keon
Keegan
New PF
Sabonis/Jval

I dont see how you add Schroder + a rookie pg, but hang onto Keon, LaVine, Monk, Demar. Unless we are just committing to playing undersized all year again. Priority #1 needs to be moving Keegan back to the 3 so we can see what we have there.

And the end result is about the most throwing crap at the wall thing the Kings could do. The good 'ol days would be back for sure. If the Kings are intent on moving into this draft to get a PG, well, I just don't know what to say. I can see players like Fleming, Thiero, Coward, etc. The Kings need upside, not to balance their roster via the draft. If you want to replace a Fox level player in the long run, you don't do it like this. Not at all.
 
As they should. I'm tired of drafting pgs. I need a 20th pick steal like Jalen Johnson or Trey Murphy.

If there were a huge pool of potentially surefire greats at PG in this draft that would be OK. Take the upside. This draft isn't deep in great PG prospects. Harper probably isn't ending up on the Kings and he's the only one with any reason to think the might be that good.
 
If there were a huge pool of potentially surefire greats at PG in this draft that would OK. Take the upside. This draft isn't deep in great PG prospects. Harper probably isn't ending up on the Kings and he's the only one with any reason to think the might be that good.
I just want them to pick a direction honestly. Trade Sabonis/Monk now for the best possible package, or go offer a large package for a Lamelo/Garland type, while adding someone like PJ Washington and actually try to get back to home court in the playoffs.

It seems like more of the same Monte rumors. Sign Schroder, trade Carter for a draft pick (maybe for a wing who knows?), "PATIENCE". PTSD is sinking in
 
I just want them to pick a direction honestly. Trade Sabonis/Monk now for the best possible package, or go offer a large package for a Lamelo/Garland type, while adding someone like PJ Washington and actually try to get back to home court in the playoffs.

It seems like more of the same Monte rumors. Sign Schroder, trade Carter for a draft pick (maybe for a wing who knows?), "PATIENCE". PTSD is sinking in

Better for Perry to be patient than be a fool. If Perry has to bleed value just to make a move, don't unless it makes you younger and provides cap flexibility. Be the Thunder, not the Kangz. If Perry goes deeper in to win now with some of the names and draft picks we're hearing, this is going to more steps back if a rebuild is needed. I'll still have faith in Perry since he hasn't done anything yet, but it's pretty easy to see what's going on. Now the Jazz liked Carter? Teams are trying to steal him for sure and using worse picks in a thinner draft to do it. Depending on what Perry does will determine if the Vivek era is returning after a very brief hiatus.
 
I haven’t seen any discussion on the content of that Stiles video, pardon me if I missed it. The kings have talked with the Heat about a trade but it didn’t include Deebo. Who did it include? The source said any deal the Kings do will likely happen in free agency not during the draft. Is that player Sabonis? Straight trade for players or future draft capital? Lavine? Is Deebo staying? A lot of unanswered questions and sounds like we will have to be patient.
Kings have made it clear they will have a 1st round pick. If that doesn’t happen it won’t be an auspicious start to the Perry era.
 
Better for Perry to be patient than be a fool. If Perry has to bleed value just to make a move, don't unless it makes you younger and provides cap flexibility. Be the Thunder, not the Kangz. If Perry goes deeper in to win now with some of the names and draft picks we're hearing, this is going to more steps back if a rebuild is needed. I'll still have faith in Perry since he hasn't done anything yet, but it's pretty easy to see what's going on. Now the Jazz liked Carter? Teams are trying to steal him for sure and using worse picks in a thinner draft to do it. Depending on what Perry does will determine if the Vivek era is returning after a very brief hiatus.
To be clear, I'm not suggesting we make a move to make one. I don't want another protected pick for Huerter type of deal. I want a real deal or a sell off.
My actual guess here is perry is looking at the team and realizes there is no path to success with this core, meanwhile Vivek is thinking we are a pg away. So maybe Perry signs Schroder, gives it half a year then sells the farm?
I'm not in or out on Perry yet, he hasn't made a deal yet, but running it back to me is a clear sign of tanking, so lets actually tank.
 
If there were a huge pool of potentially surefire greats at PG in this draft that would be OK. Take the upside. This draft isn't deep in great PG prospects. Harper probably isn't ending up on the Kings and he's the only one with any reason to think the might be that good.
This is Kasparas Jakucionis erasure and I will not stand for it lol
 
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To be clear, I'm not suggesting we make a move to make one. I don't want another protected pick for Huerter type of deal. I want a real deal or a sell off.
My actual guess here is perry is looking at the team and realizes there is no path to success with this core, meanwhile Vivek is thinking we are a pg away. So maybe Perry signs Schroder, gives it half a year then sells the farm?
I'm not in or out on Perry yet, he hasn't made a deal yet, but running it back to me is a clear sign of tanking, so lets actually tank.

Yeah, one can only hope that he's not seriously thinking the path forward is wasting another MLE on a 30 year old PG and drafting a lower ceiling one because "we need PG, argh", haha. Gosh, this would feel eerily similar to the wasted Cuz years where they think the ticket through is FA scraps. Running it back would at least be kind of like, lets see what Doug can do with a training camp as assess. Even keeping it as is is better since at least they didn't do anything to make it more difficult in a worst case. Sign Schroder to a full MLE contract and say hello to the teams new Kenny Thomas/Holmes/Lyles while maybe being a little closer to the play in. Filling the PG spot with a role player isn't a tricky thing so hopefully they don't think it is.
 
Yeah, one can only hope that he's not seriously thinking the path forward is wasting another MLE on a 30 year old PG and drafting a lower ceiling one because "we need PG, argh", haha. Gosh, this would feel eerily similar to the wasted Cuz years where they think the ticket through is FA scraps. Running it back would at least be kind of like, lets see what Doug can do with a training camp as assess. Even keeping it as is is better since at least they didn't do anything to make it more difficult in a worst case. Sign Schroder to a full MLE contract and say hello to the teams new Kenny Thomas/Holmes/Lyles while maybe being a little closer to the play in. Filling the PG spot with a role player isn't a tricky thing so hopefully they don't think it is.
I'm hoping at least Schroder would be tradable on that contract.
The problem I have with all the we need a PG before anything else is it ignores that we have had a forward hole forever. We have 5 play-able guards already on the roster, 2 centers, and 1 forward. I didn't love Monk/Keon at the PG, but I'd rather role with that and fill the forward hole before thinking adding a 6th guard was the answer.
 
I'm hoping at least Schroder would be tradable on that contract.
The problem I have with all the we need a PG before anything else is it ignores that we have had a forward hole forever. We have 5 play-able guards already on the roster, 2 centers, and 1 forward. I didn't love Monk/Keon at the PG, but I'd rather role with that and fill the forward hole before thinking adding a 6th guard was the answer.

I don't know, Schroder on a full MLE is probably a massive overpay and could be an anchor contract. He's a solid player, but obviously not someone that changes the direction of anyones franchise. If he's on the Kings it would be like if the Kings traded for Cam Johnson, all that productivity the Nets got out of them is going to vanish and so will most of the value. The Nets played it smart because they really pumped Schroder and only got 3 2nds in the end and then the Warriors bought the sauce and regretted it almost instantaneously. Not a good sign. If Perry added Schroder on a short 2 year deal then it's not horrible and between he and Tyus I'd pick Schroder in a vacuum but I still think the Kings need to prioritizing 2027 and not doing anything to potentially damage the prospects of being able to clear their cap if this blows up in their face anymore than it already has.
 
I don't know, Schroder on a full MLE is probably a massive overpay and could be an anchor contract. He's a solid player, but obviously not someone that changes the direction of anyones franchise. If he's on the Kings it would be like if the Kings traded for Cam Johnson, all that productivity the Nets got out of them is going to vanish and so will most of the value. The Nets played it smart because they really pumped Schroder and only got 3 2nds in the end and then the Warriors bought the sauce and regretted it almost instantaneously. Not a good sign. If Perry added Schroder on a short 2 year deal then it's not horrible and between he and Tyus I'd pick Schroder in a vacuum but I still think the Kings need to prioritizing 2027 and not doing anything to potentially damage the prospects of being able to clear their cap if this blows up in their face anymore than it already has.

Dennis is not getting a full mle. I've advocated for us to take MLE swings in the past; absolutely not for a guy like Dennis.

But like a 2/10 type deal? Sure, that never kills you and he is a rotation player
 
Yeah, but what if the possible steals in the 20th pick range are actually PGs? (Demin, Clayton)
Exactly. That’s why I’m not sure the Kings are targeting a point guard in all these hypothetical trade ins. Maybe they go for Jace if he falls but he’s also not what anyone would call a pure point guard prospect.
 
Exactly. That’s why I’m not sure the Kings are targeting a point guard in all these hypothetical trade ins. Maybe they go for Jace if he falls but he’s also not what anyone would call a pure point guard prospect.

That's the issue, most of them aren't. Again though, a teams "PG" if it means running offense is usually just their best player. SGA isn't a true PG but he's ramming that pick and roll just the same as Tatum. Same as Durant. Same as any number 1 option. If a guard can handle, take contact, keep a live dribble, and run pick and roll it's all spray and pray these days anyway.
 
Sam Amick linking the Kings to Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook, in addition to the previously rumored Dennis Schroder.
1750914839722.jpeg

I’d probably rank them, from most to least appealing, as

1) Schroder
2) Westbrook
3) Jones
 
AI's case for just adding Precious Achiuwa and Chris Boucher to the team:

I. Strategic Need: Defensive Frontcourt Versatility

Current Core Deficiency:​

  • The Kings’ confirmed core includes Sabonis, Valančiūnas, Murray, Jones as the only true frontcourt players.
  • Sabonis: Elite rebounder/playmaker, but subpar rim protector and drop-only defender.
  • Valančiūnas: Physical, traditional 5 with spacing issues and poor lateral mobility.
  • Murray: Modern stretch 4/3, but not a true rim protector or post defender.

Enter Achiuwa and Boucher:​

  • Achiuwa: Switch 1–5 defender, elite help-side athleticism, 7′2″ wingspan.
  • Boucher: Shot-blocking specialist (5.6 BLK%/36), hits ~34% from 3, plays with high motor.
Defensive synergy: Both allow the Kings to cover Sabonis’ rim protection and lateral mobility flaws without compromising rebounding or pace.

II. Statistical Case

MetricBoucherAchiuwaSabonisLeague Avg (PF/C)
DBPM+1.9+1.3–0.20.0
BLK%7.3%2.6%1.1%2.4%
REB%15.3%14.1%21.7%~14%
3PT% (Catch)34.2%30.0%~28%~33%
  • Boucher offers rare value as a spacing big who blocks shots.
  • Achiuwa brings high switchability with plus rebounding and effort defense.
  • Both outperform league-average bench bigs in defensive advanced metrics and mobility-based impact.

III. Rotational Role Fit

RoleAchiuwaBoucher
Defensive SubstituteYes (vs switch-heavy or high PnR teams)Yes (vs rim-attacking lineups)
Stretch PF❌✅
Vertical Threat✅❌
Energy Bench Anchor✅✅
Closing Lineup OptionSituationalSituational
  • Boucher starts in matchups needing spacing + rim protection.
  • Achiuwa closes in matchups needing mobility + help defense.
  • Both improve bench defense alongside Clifford, Ellis, and Carter.

IV. Cap Efficiency & Availability

  • Both are likely MLE or below targets:
    • Boucher: ~$6–8M projected AAV
    • Achiuwa (RFA): ~$5–7M AAV depending on market
  • Kings can likely get both for under $15M total, using MLE + minimum or exception slot.
Alternative stretch 4s or defensive bigs (e.g., Olynyk, Claxton) are costlier and less versatile.

V. Tactical Identity Impact

  • With both: Kings can field units with rim protection, perimeter switching, defensive rebounding, and energy.
  • Enables strong defensive rotations without gutting offense, particularly when Monk/LaVine sit.
  • Protects Sabonis from bad matchups without removing him from the court.



🔥 Best Starting Unit (Balanced Two-Way Lineup)

PG: Devin Carter
SG: Zach LaVine
SF: Keegan Murray
PF: Chris Boucher
C: Domantas Sabonis

Justification:​

  • Carter brings elite point-of-attack defense, relieves LaVine of defensive duties, and pushes tempo.
  • LaVine is the lead scorer and PnR initiator with spacing support from Murray and Boucher.
  • Murray stabilizes both ends—spot-up threat (41% 3PT) and secondary defender.
  • Boucher gives rim protection and functional spacing (~34% C&S 3PT).
  • Sabonis is the offensive fulcrum (DHO, short roll, rebounding) anchoring the system.

Key Traits:​

  • Top-10 defense potential with Carter–Murray–Boucher perimeter spine.
  • Balanced scoring: LaVine (isolation), Murray (catch), Sabonis (hub), Carter (transition), Boucher (secondary pop/lob).
  • Rebounding dominance.

🔄 Best Bench Unit (High-Motor Disruptive Lineup)

PG: Malik Monk
SG: Keon Ellis
SF: Nique Clifford
PF: Precious Achiuwa
C: Jonas Valančiūnas

Justification:​

  • Monk becomes microwave scorer and initiator (15–18 PPG role).
  • Ellis defends primary guards, cuts off-ball, and hits 3s (~37%).
  • Clifford brings rebounding, cutting, and defensive length; can guard 2–4.
  • Achiuwa is the energy big—switches everything, rim protection, vertical spacer.
  • JV provides physical interior presence and post scoring against backup 5s.

Key Traits:​

  • Elite defensive versatility with Ellis–Clifford–Achiuwa.
  • Monk gives pure scoring punch—drives, floaters, pull-ups.
  • Achiuwa and JV complement each other (one mobile, one physical).
  • Crushes the glass, pushes tempo, and holds leads.

🧠 Strategic Structure​

UnitIdentityStrengthsRisks
StartersTwo-way balancedDefense, rebounding, spacing, system synergyCarter’s scoring ceiling
BenchHigh-energy disruptorsPerimeter defense, transition play, rim protectionHalfcourt creation if Monk is off

✅ Final Verdict​

This structure maximizes synergy and matchup flexibility:
  • Carter over Monk as starter creates defensive balance and lets Monk attack 2nd units.
  • Boucher/Achiuwa split lets you deploy size, speed, and rim deterrence without spacing collapse.
  • Both units rebound and defend at a high level—top-6 potential in defensive rating.
  • Offense flows through LaVine (star), Sabonis (hub), Monk (bench engine).


✅ Final Justification Summary​

ReasonValue Added
Defensive CoverageElite switch/corner help + vertical contests
Rebounding DepthTop-5 rebounding ceiling team
Flexible LineupsCan play fast, switch, zone, jumbo, or pace-and-space
Low CostHigh impact, low cap hit—non-premium salary slot
Playoff ScalabilityAdds defensive counters Kings lacked in 2024–25 stretch

Conclusion:
Adding Boucher and Achiuwa modernizes Sacramento's frontcourt, fixes defensive blind spots, and balances the roster without sacrificing core assets or offensive flow. Both are low-risk, high-leverage upgrades that align with the current core’s age curve and competitive window.
 
None of those guys are starting PGs on a deep playoff team. I hope they are only seen as temporary solutions in the org.

Shroder was awesome for the German national team that surprised everyone and was great in Brooklyn and Detroit. A two year deal for him would be just fine by me if they don’t land a big swing.
 
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