The Kings have been making strategic moves throughout the 2024 offseason, one of the most notable being the addition of DeMar DeRozan a few months ago. With a balanced roster in place, they surprised many with a recent sneaky trade involving Jalen McDaniels to the Spurs. This gives the Kings more roster flexibility as they head into the season, with an open spot and $5 million below the luxury tax after signing Doug McDermott. With this trade, rumors suggest that the Kings could be looking at adding another key player or a defensive specialist to strengthen their lineup.
A Bold Move Trading For Zach LaVine
Bulls receive: Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, 2027 First-Round Pick
Kings receive: Zach LaVine
The Kings could make a splash by trading for Zach LaVine, especially given his strong preseason debut. LaVine dropped 28 points on an incredibly efficient 9-for-12 shooting, including a perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc in just 22 minutes during the Bulls’ loss to the Grizzlies. His offensive firepower is well-known, and he looks ready to continue that dominance in the regular season. LaVine’s scoring prowess, combined with De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, could turn the Kings into an offensive juggernaut.
However, there’s a catch: this deal can’t go through until December 15 due to Malik Monk’s recent contract extension, which restricts him from being traded until that date. This gives both teams some time to assess their rosters further before making any big decisions.
For the Bulls, the package makes sense as they’re rumored to be shopping LaVine and looking for the right return. Adding Huerter gives them a reliable shooter, while Monk offers an explosive scoring option, especially in transition. Trey Lyles adds depth to the frontcourt, as the team is poised to rebuild around younger assets, while needing vets around their future core.
LaVine’s contract, which has three years and $129 million remaining, makes this a big investment for the Kings, but it could be the piece that helps them break into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. His dynamic scoring would pair nicely with Fox’s playmaking, and the presence of DeMar DeRozan would allow LaVine more freedom as a secondary scorer. Given his recent injury history, the Kings will be hoping LaVine stays healthy and delivers at an All-Star level.
For the Bulls, moving LaVine could allow them to hit the reset button, with new assets and cap flexibility to work with. This trade could benefit both sides if the timing and fit are right.
Going All-In For Brandon Ingram
Pelicans receive: Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, Colby Jones, 2027 First-Round Pick
Kings receive: Brandon Ingram
The Kings could make a massive move by going all-in for Brandon Ingram, especially with the current uncertainty surrounding his future with the Pelicans. Ingram is entering the final year of his $36 million contract, and reports suggest he’s looking for an extension in the range of $45 to $50 million per year. This hefty demand, along with internal friction, has kept Ingram in the middle of trade rumors all offseason. His fit with the newly acquired Dejounte Murray, a ball-dominant guard, raises questions about how the Pelicans’ offense will function, and whether Ingram will be content with a diminished role on the team.
Ingram’s production is undeniably elite—last season, he posted 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. But tensions surfaced late in the 2023-24 season, particularly after Ingram was benched in the fourth quarter of the Pelicans’ play-in game. Additionally, he skipped a team-organized mini-camp, which he had previously been a part of, fueling speculation about his long-term commitment to the Pelicans.
The arrival of Murray also complicates things. With Murray, Zion Williamson, and CJ McCollum all locked into major contracts, the Pelicans’ financial flexibility is stretched thin. They have shown hesitancy in committing to a max deal for Ingram, especially with a potential extension for Trey Murphy on the horizon. This is where the Kings could step in, offering a package that would free the Pelicans from a potential financial logjam while adding depth and assets.
For the Kings, Ingram would be a perfect offensive fit. His shot creation, versatility, and playmaking ability would slot seamlessly alongside De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, while his outside shooting would make DeMar DeRozan’s job much easier inside. He could give the Kings a Big Four to challenge the top teams in the Western Conference. Ingram could thrive in Sacramento’s system, where his mid-range game and ability to initiate offense would be highly valued.
This trade makes sense for both sides: the Kings would acquire a star who could push them into serious contention, while the Pelicans would free themselves of Ingram’s looming contract demands, allowing them to build around their new core with more flexibility. If the Kings are willing to give up Huerter, Lyles, Colby Jones, and a first-round pick, they could walk away with a player that elevates their roster to the next level.
A Defensive Boost With Jerami Grant
Blazers receive: Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, 2028 First-Round Pick
Kings receive: Jerami Grant
The Kings have made impressive strides in recent seasons, but one glaring issue remains—defense. While their offense, led by De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, is expected to become elite once again, their defense got thinned out while bringing DeRozan in. Adding a player like Jerami Grant could solve many of their problems on that end of the floor. Grant is versatile on defense, able to guard multiple positions with his combination of size, length, and quickness. Last season, Grant averaged 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, which, while not gaudy, only tells part of the story. His ability to switch onto guards and wings while holding his own against bigs would immediately elevate Sacramento’s defensive identity.
Grant’s name has been swirling around in trade rumors, especially as the Blazers pivot toward a rebuild. Portland’s front office, led by Joe Cronin, seems willing to listen to offers for Grant, who is set to make $29.8 million this upcoming season as part of a five-year, $160 million deal. The Blazers are reportedly seeking multiple first-round picks in return, but the Kings could offer a competitive package that includes Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, and a 2028 first-rounder, providing the balance Portland needs between future assets and immediate contributors. This trade aligns with the Blazers’ desire to get younger while still maintaining flexibility.
For the Kings, the addition of Grant would address not just defense but also depth and offensive versatility. Grant is coming off a season where he averaged 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on efficient shooting splits of 45.1% from the field and 40.2% from three. His ability to score from the perimeter or take his man off the dribble would add another layer to Sacramento’s already potent offense. Paired with Fox’s speed and Sabonis’ playmaking, Grant would allow the Kings to space the floor even more, providing DeMar DeRozan with better mid-range opportunities.
The Kings have been on the lookout for a player who can contribute on both ends of the court. Last season, the Kings had a disappointing offensive performance and often struggled in games where they couldn’t get key defensive stops. Grant’s ability to fit into various schemes would help the Kings shift from simply outscoring opponents to locking them down in critical moments. His presence would also lighten the defensive load on Sabonis, allowing him to focus more on his playmaking role.
Another crucial aspect of this potential trade is Grant’s contract situation. While he is locked in for four more years, the Kings might view this as a positive, securing a long-term piece without worrying about a contract extension in the near future. Sacramento’s front office has shown a willingness to spend to build a winner, and Grant’s deal, although significant, aligns with the Kings’ current financial outlook. Additionally, pairing Grant with DeRozan, who also excels in isolation scoring, would provide the Kings with more lineup versatility in closing lineups.
With Grant’s two-way capabilities and the Kings’ desire to build a contender, this trade could be the key to making them serious players in the Western Conference. The Western playoff race is always competitive, and acquiring a player like Grant could give the Kings the defensive and offensive balance they need to compete with the elite teams. If they can pull off this trade, the Kings might be looking at one of their best seasons in decades.
The Kings’ Big Bet For Myles Turner
Pacers receive: Keegan Murray, Trey Lyles, 2027 First-Round Pick
Kings receive: Myles Turner
The Kings are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2024, and adding Myles Turner could be the key to getting them back into contention. Turner, who is entering the final year of his contract at $19.9 million, has been a staple of the Pacers for years, providing elite shot-blocking and floor spacing. Last season, he averaged 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 37% from three. His ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor makes him a unique asset for any team looking to balance offense and defense.
Turner’s situation in Indiana has been surrounded by trade rumors for multiple seasons. Although he remains a valuable piece for the Pacers, the team’s focus has shifted towards Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, leading to speculation that Turner could be available for the right price. For the Pacers, acquiring Keegan Murray, a rising star with 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists last season, would align with their youth movement. Murray has shown great potential as a two-way player, making him an enticing asset for the Pacers’ future.
For the Kings, Turner would address multiple needs, starting with rim protection. Although the Kings were in the top 10 in defensive rating last season, they lacked a dominant interior defender. Turner’s shot-blocking would immediately elevate their defense, giving them a better chance to match up against the big men in the Western Conference. Offensively, Turner’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc would complement De’Aaron Fox’s driving and DeMar DeRozan’s midrange scoring. Turner’s three-point shooting would help space the floor, making it harder for opposing defenses to collapse in the paint.
Turner’s experience and leadership would also be valuable for the Kings. As a veteran who has been with the Pacers for nearly a decade, he’s taken on a leadership role, especially with younger players like James Wiseman. In Sacramento, his presence could help guide a team that is aiming to return to the playoffs after a disappointing season. His versatility allows the Kings to be more flexible with their lineups, whether going small or big, depending on the matchup.
On the other side, the Pacers would be gaining a young, versatile forward in Murray who can play alongside Haliburton and Siakam. Murray’s ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions fits well with the Pacers’ long-term vision. The addition of Trey Lyles adds depth to their frontcourt, and the future first-round pick gives the Pacers more assets to continue building around their core.
This trade would signal that the Kings are serious about competing in the crowded Western Conference. Adding Turner would give the Kings the defensive presence they need and help balance their offense, making them a more well-rounded and dangerous team heading into the 2024-25 season.
