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The Sacramento Kings had another mediocre season in the NBA, finishing 12th in the Western Conference standings. They failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs for the 15th consecutive year.
Although there are no superstars on their roster, there are top-drawer talents that can impact the course of a game. However, the Sacramento Kings have found it hard to develop the right synergy between these talents to improve production.
Which Sacramento Kings players will likely part ways with the franchise
Roster change is inevitable, as every franchise is looking to strengthen their squad at every given opportunity. The Sacramento Kings have a few core players to build a squad around, but the challenge might be finding players that will be a "good fit" for the 2021-22 season and beyond.
Several factors play a role in the decision to trade or re-sign a player. While productivity is a mainstay, salary obligations are also largely considered.
That said, let's take a look at three players who are unlikely to return with the Sacramento Kings for the new season.
#3 Harrison Barnes
While Harrison Barnes will be a player the Sacramento Kings will benefit from greatly on the court, he might be one of the players that will be traded to free up cap space. Although he is on a descending contract, his $20 million salary for the 2021-22 season might become a burden.
Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair has said the franchise will be aggressive this off-season in draft, trade and free agency. With that statement, it is a clear indication that the Kings are looking to shake things around in a bid to improve the team.
Barnes is perhaps the most valuable player for the Sacramento Kings in the trade market because he provides a good mix of shot creation and defense. He has shown that he fits perfectly with De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, the Kings' dynamic duo, who the franchise will be building a team around.
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old had a sublime season, finishing with an average of 16.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Barnes also had the best field goal percentage of his career (.497) while shooting 39.1% from the 3-point range.
#2 Marvin Bagley III
Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III is an exceptional talent whose season was derailed due to injuries. He featured in only 43 games during the 2020-21 season, bringing his total NBA appearances over three seasons to 118 games.
With his durability being questioned, the Sacramento Kings might opt out of extending his rookie contract. Aside from his injury problems, the power forward is not good enough to anchor a defense as his strengths lie in his offense.
The Sacramento Kings' financial situation has them in a pickle, which will make an extension offer seem less likely. Trading the big man and his $11 million salary will create room for the front office to acquire an impact player with less salary obligation.
Things have been tense with Bagley III and the Sacramento Kings of late. His father was the first to request a trade because he was unhappy with his son being on the bench towards the end of games.
Bagley III has also received fire for liking a tweet suggesting that he be traded from the Sacramento Kings. The 21-year-old was unapologetic and stated that he could do what he likes with his Twitter profile.
With these issues surrounding Bagley III, a return for the 2021-22 season is unlikely. The Sacramento Kings are already considering replacements as a pre-draft workout was reportedly scheduled between the team and the Senegalese big man, Biram Faye.
#1 Buddy Hield
With the reported unrest of Buddy Hield in Sacramento, his departure in the off-season is the most likely. Although he is only one year into his four-year $94 million deal, the emergence of rookie sensation Tyrese Haliburton might make this decision a tad easier for the Sacramento Kings.
Hield's production rate has continually declined over the past two seasons. Regardless, he is still an elite shooter that will spark a lot of attention.
Although cap space will be a major deciding factor if he is to be traded, his fit in a lineup that would be built around Fox and Haliburton is questionable. The favorable situation will be to have him come off the bench when the backcourt duo are resting. But it is unwise to have the team's highest-paid players come off the bench.
As things stand, Hield might be the most valuable to the Sacramento Kings in a trade situation. With several teams in the NBA looking to bolster their scoring, getting a decent trade package for the 27-year-old should not be a problem.
Guess the Lakers players!
