Heading into the NBA offseason, Sacramento Kings rumors have connected the franchise as suitors to trade for either All-Star forward Pascal Siakam or forward OG Anunoby or sign Kyle Kuzma in free agency. Now, there’s a new potential target in the eyes of rival executives.
Sacramento has more than $30 million in cap space this summer, giving it a significant advantage at a time when a majority of the top NBA teams don’t have cap space. The Kings also hold an advantage over the teams with $30-plus million in cap space, offering free agents an opportunity to compete for a championship.
Related: NBA execs think Sacramento Kings planning two big moves
It’s made the Kings a viable landing spot for Kuzma in free agency and they’ve also been tied to four-time NBA champion Draymond Green. However, there’s another All-Star forward with championship experience who some around the league believe could be a target.
According to Jake Fisher of Yahoo Sports, there’s a shared thinking among NBA executives and teams that Sacramento could go after All-Star forward Khris Middleton in free agency.
“Sacramento going after Bucks All-Star guard Khris Middleton has been a popular theory floated by league figures.”
Jake Fischer on NBA teams connecting Khris Middleton to the Sacramento Kings
Related: Why Mike Brown could be key to Sacramento Kings landing Draymond Green
- Khris Middleton stats (2022-’23): 15.1 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.2 RPG, 43.6% FG, .117 WS/48
Middleton, entering his age-32 season, is a three-time All-Star selection who played an integral role in the Milwaukee Bucks winning the 2021 NBA Finals. While the 6-foot-7 forward isn’t the perfect fit with Sacramento’s young core, he would provide complementary skills and strengthen Sacramento’s championship odds next season.
Related: Sacramento Kings ‘determined’ to sign EuroLeague MVP
Prying him away from Milwaukee would also significantly weaken a championship contender next season and could make Sacramento one of the favorites to win the Western Conference in 2024.
However, the Bucks and Middleton are reportedly on the same page regarding a long-term deal and there is a strong likelihood he re-signs with Milwaukee. If Middleton is off the board, Kuzma would logically become Sacramento’s top target.
Even if the Kings miss out on Kuzma and Middleton, it’s clear the perception of the franchise has changed around the league. Once a team that draft prospects refused to work out with and free agents only used for leverage, Sacramento is now a viable landing spot for All-Star players.