The Sacramento Kings are a legitimate force in the Western Conference again this season, and a new report claims the team will be focused on adding a star player via a trade to bolster their championship aspirations this season.
In 2022-23, the Sacramento Kings were the biggest surprise in the NBA as the team was well ahead of schedule and shockingly was able to win the Pacific Division title. Beating out established Western Conference powerhouses like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers in Mike Brown’s first year as head coach.
Related: 2023 NBA power rankings
While they had a short run in the postseason and were eliminated in the opening round by the aforementioned Warriors, last season was still a massive success. However, that huge leap forward has created a major shift in their goals. Now, ending a nearly two-decade streak of missing the playoffs is no longer the objective. Competing for an NBA title is the new target.
While the Kings are off to another strong start in 2023-24 — after De’Aaron Fox returned to the lineup — they are still likely one big piece away from being a serious title contender. That is why one top NBA insider expects them to be searching for a blockbuster deal that elevates their standing in the league over the next couple of months.
On Monday, The Athletic’s NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Kings “are going to be involved in every star player [on the trade market]. … Whatever stars become available, because that organization has done a good job of keeping their assets, they have tradable contracts, so they’re going to be a player for stars for sure.”
Assuming Sacramento does go looking for a major impact player on the trade block in the next month or so, here are five stars they could target around the NBA.
5 stars Sacramento Kings could target in a blockbuster trade
Zach LaVine
The schism between Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls has been growing since last season. While there were rumors he could be traded before the trade deadline earlier this year, Chicago never pulled the trigger. However, new reports claim things have changed for the organization and they are taking calls for the two-time All-Star.
He is a proven 20-plus point scorer, would take a lot of pressure off De’Aaron Fox, and give an already elite offense another high-level weapon.
Also Read: 2024 NBA Draft: Top prospects, date, time, latest NBA Draft order and 2024 NBA Draft lottery
OG Anunoby
While adding more offense would be fun, a defensive-minded rising star like OG Anunoby might be a better fit. There is certainly risk with him set to become a free agent next summer and looking for a huge contract. However, he is a special talent who doesn’t need the ball often and can do a lot of important dirty work that championship teams need from top stars.
Clint Capela
There have been rumblings about the Atlanta Hawks trading Clint Capela for years, however, they always come and go. This year could definitely be different with the organization nearly blowing things up last season and not taking a notable leap forward so far this season. Moving Capela gets the Hawks draft assets and out of the $22 million left on his contract next year. For the Kings, they get a high-level rim protector who makes life easier for Domantas Sabonis and is a talented pick-and-roll player.
Dejounte Murray
Speaking of the Hawks blowing things up, the backcourt combo of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young has not elevated them into being an elite team in the East. Chances are ownership would prefer to keep Young, which means Murray is an All-Star-caliber player that could be up for grabs and another deadly weapon for Mike Brown’s high-powered offense.
Pascal Siakam
If not OG Anunoby, the Sacramento Kings could target his teammate — and another player who will be looking for a big deal next summer — Pascal Siakam. The two-time All-Star is a proven talent in the league and would give the Kings a deadly scoring frontcourt that would be an absolute handful for every team in the West during the playoffs.