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The Sacramento Kings need to make changes to their roster if they hope to overcome their 15-year NBA playoff drought. With the NBA offseason around the corner, the Kings have an opportunity to improve their squad ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season.
Despite the individual quality of players on the Kings' roster, the team has struggled to achieve success. They finished 12th in the Western Conference rankings with a 31-41 run in the regular season.
It will be a busy offseason for the Kings as they are in a rebuilding phase of sorts. The aim is to build a team around their exceptional youngsters - Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox. Hence, anyone else who might not be a good fight is on the chopping block.
The Sacramento Kings have the eighth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Given the depth and quality of this draft class, the Kings could land a decent prospect.
A draft trade is not likely for the Sacramento Kings as their general manager, Monte McNair, has stated that they will be aggressive this offseason. It will be exciting to see how this plays in the NBA draft that is scheduled to be held in under 24 hours (at the time of writing) at the Barclays Center.
While the draft and free agency hold talents that can help bolster the Kings' squad, the bulk of their acquisitions will come via trade. It will be the perfect opportunity to lessen their salary burden and simultaneously bring in decent talent.
That said, let's take a look at the top three assets the Sacramento Kings can use in the 2021 NBA offseason to strengthen their roster.
#3 Marvin Bagley III
Marvin Bagley III is a prominent player with the Sacramento Kings. However, he has fallen out of favor amidst off-the-court debacles.
The forward has subtly expressed his desire to leave the franchise in a manner that might seem unsportsmanlike to some. Bagley is clearly displeased with proceedings and would like to part ways with the Sacramento Kings.
Although injuries have been a stumbling block in his development, the 22-year-old is still a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor. Bagley played in only 43 games in the 2020-21 season, averaging 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Bagley is eligible for a rookie extension of about $168 million. But chances are that he will not spend the final year on his rookie contract with the Sacramento Kings. He is due to earn $11.3 million in the 2021-22 season.
The Sacramento Kings have their eyes on getting a replacement for Bagley through the NBA draft. If the Kings successfully sign a rookie forward, Bagley will likely be used in a trade that will bring a guard.
#2 Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield will most likely be the first to leave the Sacramento Kings as several franchises are interested in acquiring the shooting guard. Hield has grown weary of the situation in Sacramento and would like to contest for a championship.
The LA Lakers are at the top of that list as they pursue a trade that will send Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrel to the Sacramento Kings. Reports also suggest that the Philadelphia 76ers have shown interest in the guard.
For the Sixers, their most likely tradeable asset would be Ben Simmons. Although he might not play as a point guard if he lands in Sacramento, he will make an excellent forward and be a huge help on defense. The Sacramento Kings finished the 2020-21 season with the worst defensive rating (117.2).
As things stand, Hield's departure will be a win for the Kings. Fox and Haliburton will be the preferred backcourt pairing, which will make it difficult to slot Hield into the lineup.
It will make no sense for an elite scorer like Hield to come off the bench, especially one that will earn a base salary of $22.4 million. The main problem will be him fitting into the roster. However, he is valuable enough to bring in elite talent to help the Sacramento Kings for the 2021-22 season.
#1 Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes is arguably the most valuable trade asset the Sacramento Kings have. Although he might get traded, there is a high chance that the Kings would hold on to him, mainly because he has proven to be a good fit for Fox and Haliburton.
Barnes brings balance to the team, as his experience and feel of the game is top tier. Although he is not the most explosive player, his production on offense and defense is commendable.
Trading Barnes would be a huge loss for the Sacramento Kings. He finished as the third-best scorer and three-point shooter for the Kings. Barnes' floor spacing was also excellent and gave Fox the room to drive up the lane.
The Kings' cap space situation might be a factor in the 29-year-old's trade. Barnes' $20 million salary for the 2022-22 season will be a burden for the Kings, especially as Fox recently penned a five-year $163 million max rookie scale contract extension.
Guess the Lakers players!
