Sacramento Kings rumors are emerging regarding the team’s interest in acquiring Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. However, another impact player in the Eastern Conference appears to be their top target this summer.
After ending one of the longest playoff droughts in sports, Sacramento is expected to be aggressive this summer. The reigning EuroLeague MVP is heavily considering a deal to join the Kings and it could just be among the moves made by the front office this offseason.
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According to Damien Barling of ESPN 1320 Sacramento, the Kings are aggressively pursuing a deal with Toronto to acquire OG Anunoby. Shams Charania confirmed the Kings’ interest in the small forward.
- OG Anunoby stats (2022-’23): 16.8 PPG, 5 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 2.9 Defensive Win Shares, +2.2 Defensive RAPTOR
Anunoby, a 6-foot-7 wing, would address one of Sacramento’s biggest weaknesses last season. During the regular season, the Kings allowed the second-most points per game (23.43) to small forwards and opposing wings averaged the third-most assists per game (4.19) vs Sacramento.
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Anunoby, who turns 26 in July, is owed an $18.642 million salary this upcoming season. He also holds a $19.928 million player option next summer, which he is expected to decline to become one of the top free agents in 2024.
While the Kings don’t have the assets to build off a trade for Beal, Anunoby is a viable option who would fit perfectly with their young core.
Projecting an OG Anynoby trade to the Sacramento Kings
The Raptors have made it clear to interested teams that they are willing to trade Anunoby this summer. While he’s one of the best defensive wings in the NBA, Toronto wants to reshape its identity and take advantage of Anunoby’s trade value before he departs next summer.
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While the Raptors would prefer a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Sacramento could build an appealing trade package of young players and future draft picks. The Kings also have the contracts to make a deal work.
- Sacramento Kings trade: Davion Mitchell, Richaun Holmes, 24th overall pick, 38th overall pick, 2026 first-round pick (top-5 protected)
- Toronto Raptors trade: OG Anunoby
Holmes’ contract helps the salaries match and Mitchell can step in as the next lead guard in Toronto. The Raptors could use the 24th overall pick on a young, complementary player with Mitchell and the 2026 first-round pick serving as the centerpieces in a deal.
If a deal is made, Sacramento could be one of the best teams in the Western Conference next season. They would also have a young core to build around with De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Anunoby locked in as high-end starters. However, the Kings would need to sign Sabonis and ANunoby to contract extensions before next summer.
