The Sacramento Kings aren’t the most desired destination in the NBA, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make some noise this offseason, landing one or two interesting pieces to compete in the stacked Western Conference.
After 15 years without making the NBA playoff, the Kings are ready to leave that behind and start a new era in franchise history. That’s why they’re monitoring some players this summer, trying to take advantage of their unclear situations.
According to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee, the Californians are interested in Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons and Toronto Raptors big man Pascal Siakam.
Multiple sources tell The Sacramento Bee the Kings have shown interest in both Ben Simmons and Pascal Siakam, the two most prominent names linked to Sacramento since the trade and free agency frenzy began. Some remain skeptical the Kings can pull off that kind of deal, but McNair wants to make an impact move as pressure to win begins to build within the organization 11 months after he was hired, sources said.
Talks could pick up this week with all 30 teams convening in Las Vegas, where the Kings will play the Charlotte Hornets in their summer league opener at 3 p.m. Monday at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. Outside the organization, there is a perception that Sacramento’s new front office is already “feeling the heat” from Kings owner Vivek Ranadive.
As Anderson says, completing these moves can and will be challenging for Sacramento. More teams are interested in their targets, with the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors trying to land Siakam, too.
A source with knowledge of the situation in Toronto said the Raptors are receiving numerous calls about Siakam and team president Masai Ujiri is “listening like a good negotiator.” The Kings, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers are said to be particularly “enamored” with Siakam. A trade is possible, but not likely, the source said, adding Siakam has no desire to be moved despite the possibility of a rebuilding situation in Toronto.
If the Kings make at least one of these moves, they will increase their level big time. However, not everybody believes they can do so. Siakam and Simmons can definitely help this team make a statement, but time will tell if they can lure them away from their respective franchises.
