The Sacramento Kings broke a 16-year Playoff drought in 2023 but couldn’t make it to the postseason last year after a loss in the Play-In Tournament. They made a win-now move this summer to replace Harrison Barnes with DeMar DeRozan, adding another offensive weapon to a team full of them. The Kings will be nearly impossible to stop with their phenomenal three-level scoring talent, but scoring rarely wins you titles.
The Kings are yet to reinforce them defensively outside the breakout of Keon Ellis last season. They need more solid wing defense options to minimize the defensive pressure on Domantas Sabonis in the middle. They could add the perfect multi-positional two-way player who has already shown his value on a title-winning team with his crucial performances for the Nuggets in 2023. Bruce Brown has not found the right home with the Pacers or currently, the Raptors, but the Kings might be the perfect place for him.
Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Bruce Brown
Toronto Raptors Receive: Kevin Huerter, Colby Jones, 2029 First-Round Lottery Protected Pick (SAC)
Brown likely starts alongside De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt, moving the sophomore Keon Ellis to the bench to add two certified defensive presences on the roster. The Kings have plenty of offensive talent in their forward positions, so a major difference-maker could only be brought in as an off-guard or swingman who can play next to De’Aaron Fox, something Brown is perfect for.
The Kings Announce Their Intention To Stay Atop The West
Everyone believes the West has a clear top four with every other team chasing them. The top four teams include the four Conference Finalists from last season, with everyone else hoping to fight for No. 5 and No. 6 place. The Kings came close to getting a top-six seed on their own but a season-ending injury to Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner Malik Monk ensured that wouldn’t happen. They can’t afford to miss the Playoffs again, so a deal for Brown might be the elixir to return to contention that they need.
Brown averaged 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season. He won’t be a major offensive weapon but this team doesn’t need another player to hog the ball and make it difficult for winning players to do their jobs. Brown can reliably knock down shots and guards the perimeter with a lot of energy, making him the perfect addition to this Kings team that prefers to play with a lot of panache instead of looking to optimize and maximize results.
Brown could be a bench piece that comes in place of Ellis or start ahead of him, which will allow the Kings to rely on stronger, especially the POA defense, while also grabbing as many executive rebounds as he can catch. This deal will send a message to the West, as it allows a real contender to get a fantastic upgrade.
The Raptors Will Want To Maximize Value
The Raptors could have dealt Bruce Brown in a deal last winter or this summer but have held on to the prized swingman up until now. He’s on a $23 million contract, which means most winning franchises can’t acquire him without losing key pieces in a deal. The Kings lose a phenomenal shooter like Huerter but there’s an upside to be found here if the receiving team looks hard enough for it.
Huerter averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season, shooting 36.1% from three. While his value is slightly reduced right now, his pure shooting availability will help the Raptors be a solid team now or be a great asset for some other team looking to upgrade their shooters. Regardless, this is a player the Raptors could easily move for additional trade assets as they get ready to possibly join the 2025 Tank for Cooper Flagg.
Brown’s value isn’t as high as the Raptors might have made it appear, especially when they held on to him through the deadline. The Raptors could wait until the deadline to make a deal, but Brown will add wins to their tally while also having the chance of falling off enough that his trade value is considerably lower. Getting Huerter and young swingman Colby Jones along with a first-round pick is a great return for the Raptors for a player who can’t be as impactful for them.
The Kings Need To Keep Improving Until They’re Genuine Contenders
The Kings have taken a patient and measured approach to team-building over the last few seasons. The acquisition of Domantas Sabonis for Tyrese Haliburton changed the trajectory of the franchise, bringing them a Playoff appearance in 2023 which wasn’t followed up in 2024 due to poorly-timed injuries. Acquiring players like Brown provides insurance for roster instability by bringing versatility to the table.
The Raptors have no incentive to keep haggling for Brown, with his expiring deal minimizing his value the closer we get to the winter. Teams won’t be forking picks out for a high-level role-player who could hit free agency without even playing 30 games for the franchise. A lottery-protected pick at this stage for a player like Brown is a solid return, along with a tradeable shooter and a young player who could develop into a two-way star.
The Kings can’t let the pressure off the West now after emerging as Playoff threats. Acquiring DeRozan shows they’re determined to keep getting better, with a Brown acquisition furthering that process.
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