We saw the Sacramento Kings take a leap forward from 2022 to 2023, improving their win total from 30 to 48 after trading for Domantas Sabonis and hiring Mike Brown as head coach. Those changes led to the team’s first playoff berth since 2006, but now there’s a desire to take another step forward.
The Kings are in a strong position to improve their roster yet again, building around a strong core led by Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, with the ability to create as much as $35 million in cap space this summer.
With NBA free agency set to begin on Friday at 6 PM ET, the Kings are expected to replace outgoing free agent Harrison Barnes among others. One of the potential replacements could even include an eight-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive team.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Kings could have interest in four-time All-Star Draymond Green if a contract extension can’t be reached with the Golden State Warriors. Green recently declined his $27.5 million player option and could be looking for a larger multi-year commitment.
Whether that opportunity comes again with the Warriors or another contender like the Kings remains to be seen. Windhorst also mentioned the Detroit Pistons as another possibility as they also have at least $25 million to spend and could create more space if needed. Plus, Green is a Michigan native who even starred locally for the Spartans. Helping the Pistons become a contender could be appealing for the right price to a proven vet who’s already won four rings.
If Green does become available, the Kings, who shed Richaun Holmes’ $12 million salary on draft day, should have plenty of cash to pique his interest. Coach Brown, who worked with Green for six seasons, should only help at the negotiation table in Sacramento.
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