The Sacramento Kings wrapped up the 2023-24 season with a respectable 46-36 record but ended just 9th in the Western Conference. This secured them a spot in the Play-In Tournament, where they achieved a significant victory against the Golden State Warriors. However, their playoff aspirations were cut short when they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans in the game for the 8th seed.
As the offseason approaches, the Kings face critical decisions regarding their roster. Key bench player Malik Monk, who provided valuable scoring off the bench with an average of 15.4 points per game, is entering free agency. Retaining or replacing such contributions will be pivotal if they aim to get back to the postseason like they did last year, as the 3rd seed in the West.
To transform into a genuine championship contender, the Kings must bolster their defensive capabilities in the paint and perhaps bring in some veteran experience. Strategic trades could provide the necessary upgrades to take this promising team to the next level.
An Ideal Backcourt Partner For De’Aaron Fox
Trade Details
Kings receive: CJ McCollum
Pelicans receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Kevin Huerter
The New Orleans Pelicans are in a delicate situation. After being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, rumors of trading Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, and even Zion Williamson started to circulate. With a 49-33 record and several seasons without advancing past the first round, the Pelicans might consider becoming a younger team.
McCollum could be the piece to move, and he would fit seamlessly with the Kings. De’Aaron Fox currently lacks an elite backcourt partner, and the franchise needs to find a third scoring option to alleviate Fox’s playmaking burden. McCollum, with his averages of 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the 2023-24 season, is a realistic and possible option in the offseason. His ability to hit 42.9% of his three-point shots would help balance Fox’s weaker outside shooting.
CJ McCollum is a seasoned veteran who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a reliable scorer. At 32, he has consistently averaged around 20 points per game throughout his career. Furthermore, his accuracy from deep would be invaluable to the Kings, who have struggled with consistent three-point shooting from their backcourt.
McCollum’s ability to play both on and off the ball makes him a versatile fit alongside Fox. When Fox drives to the basket, McCollum can spot up and shoot from beyond the arc, drawing defenders away from the paint. His off-ball movement creates additional spacing, making it easier for Fox to penetrate defenses. Moreover, McCollum can take over playmaking duties when Fox needs rest or when the team needs a different look, providing a secondary ball-handler who can create his own shot and facilitate for others.
To make this trade happen, the Kings would send Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, and Kevin Huerter to the Pelicans. Barnes brings veteran leadership, solid defense, and floor spacing with 12.2 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Mitchell is known for his tenacious defense, and Huerter, averaging 10.2 points and shooting 36.1% from three, adds another reliable shooter.
This trade scenario offers significant benefits for both teams. The Kings get a proven scorer and shooter in McCollum, perfect for pairing with Fox, enhancing their backcourt. The Pelicans get a balanced mix of experience, defense, and shooting, supporting their young core and making them more balanced and competitive. This realistic trade could push both teams closer to achieving their goals next season.
The Kings Need To Strengthen The Interior
Trade Details
Kings receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Trey Lyles, Chris Duarte, Keon Ellis, 2028 first-round pick
Nic Claxton is set to become a free agent, and the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly reluctant to offer him the $20+ million per year he might command. This situation creates an opportunity for a sign-and-trade deal, where Claxton could be moved to the Kings in exchange for a package of young players. The Kings’ offer includes Trey Lyles and Chris Duarte, both on expiring contracts, and Keon Ellis, who is a promising young talent. This trade would help the Nets clear cap space for the 2025 offseason, with approximately $18 million freed up, alongside the $40 million from Ben Simmons’ expiring contract.
For the Nets, this deal makes financial sense as it allows them to rebuild while managing their salary cap effectively. The addition of young players like Ellis adds potential to their roster, and the expiring contracts of Lyles and Duarte provide immediate financial relief. This strategic move prepares Brooklyn for future free agency, positioning them to make significant moves in the 2025 offseason with a much cleaner cap sheet.
In Sacramento, Claxton would be a game-changer. Joining a lineup that includes De’Aaron Fox, CJ McCollum, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis, Claxton’s defensive abilities would be crucial. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Claxton’s shot-blocking and rebounding would provide the Kings with a defensive anchor, something they have been lacking. His presence in the paint would complement Sabonis’ offensive prowess, creating a balanced frontcourt duo that can dominate both ends of the floor.
Claxton’s addition would also allow Fox and McCollum to focus more on their offensive roles, knowing they have a reliable defender behind them. His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim would make the Kings a more formidable defensive team. This trade not only strengthens the Kings’ interior defense but also enhances their overall team balance, making them a serious contender in the Western Conference.
Key Free Agents Signings
Re-signing Malik Monk is a no-brainer for the Kings. Monk had a breakout season, becoming a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year. He averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, showing he can be a game-changer off the bench. A three-year deal worth around $15 million per season would be a smart investment. Monk brings instant offense, can create his own shot, and adds depth to the Kings’ rotation. His playmaking skills also give the team flexibility in their guard rotations.
With Davion Mitchell and Kevin Huerter potentially on the move, the Kings need a solid backup point guard. Enter De’Anthony Melton. This guy is a jack-of-all-trades guard who averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season. Melton stands out for his defensive prowess and ability to handle the ball, shoot from deep, and guard multiple positions. Adding Melton would give the Kings a reliable floor general for the second unit, ensuring they don’t miss a beat when Fox is resting.
The Kings could use a tough, versatile forward like Jae Crowder. Crowder is the quintessential 3-and-D player, averaging 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His defensive skills and ability to knock down threes would be invaluable, especially in tight playoff games. Crowder’s experience and leadership would provide a steadying presence on a young Kings team. Plus, his ability to guard multiple positions adds another layer of flexibility to the Kings’ defensive schemes.
A Newly Formed Kings Lineup
Starting Lineup: De’Aaron Fox, CJ McCollum, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, Nic Claxton
Bench: De’Anthony Melton, Malik Monk, Jae Crowder, Sasha Vezenkov, Alex Len
The newly formed lineup for the Sacramento Kings is a well-balanced mix of scoring, defense, and versatility. In the starting lineup, De’Aaron Fox continues as the primary playmaker, utilizing his speed and court vision. Partnering him with CJ McCollum adds a lethal scoring threat from the perimeter and a reliable secondary ball-handler. McCollum’s shooting ability (42.9% from three) will spread the floor, allowing Fox more space to drive and create plays.
Keegan Murray, developing into a versatile scorer and defender, slots in perfectly as a small forward, contributing on both ends of the floor. Domantas Sabonis remains a key player, providing rebounding, scoring, and playmaking from the post. His chemistry with Fox and McCollum will be crucial. Adding Nic Claxton, who averaged 11.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, gives the Kings a defensive anchor. Claxton’s shot-blocking and rebounding prowess will enhance the team’s interior defense, complementing Sabonis’ offensive game.
The bench unit adds depth and versatility. De’Anthony Melton, known for his defensive skills and ability to handle the ball, offers reliability off the bench. His scoring (11.1 points per game) and defensive capabilities ensure that the second unit stays competitive. Malik Monk, re-signed for his scoring and playmaking (15.4 points, 5.1 assists), leads the bench offense, bringing energy and the ability to take over games.
Ready To Compete At The Top
The Sacramento Kings have seen significant developments over the past two seasons, each highlighting the team’s potential and areas for improvement. The Kings broke their playoff drought in 2022-23, finishing with a 48-34 record and securing the 3rd seed in the Western Conference. Despite their progress, they faced an early exit, losing 4-3 in the first round to the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. This season demonstrated the team’s promise but also highlighted the need for better defensive capabilities and more reliable scoring options.
In the following season, the Kings aimed to build on their previous success. They finished with a 46-36 record, placing them 9th in the Western Conference, which landed them in the Play-In Tournament. They won their initial game against the Golden State Warriors but were ultimately eliminated by the New Orleans Pelicans, failing to advance to the playoffs. This outcome emphasized the necessity for strategic roster improvements to become a true playoff contender.
For 2024-25, the Kings could land two huge players in CJ McCollum and Nic Claxton with massive trades that would see them skyrocket in the West. Not only that, the Kings could also aim for key free agents to address critical needs like bench scoring in Malik Monk, and perimeter defense on the second unit.
With new signings and trades, the Kings are well-equipped to make a significant impact in the Western Conference. This revamped roster gives Sacramento a realistic shot at becoming a serious contender for a deep playoff run, bringing them closer to competing at the highest level in the NBA. The additions of defensive stalwarts like Melton and Crowder, along with Monk’s scoring punch off the bench, provide the balance needed for sustained success and a strong playoff push.
