The Sacramento Kings are building up toward becoming a playoff team after trading for Domantas Sabonis at the deadline. Sacramento now has a star duo with De'Aaron Fox and Sabonis but lacks the surrounding pieces to make them a playoff roster. Trading the 4th overall pick could help the Kings acquire an established piece. Many teams will likely be interested in the 4th overall pick, as there are talented players available. There have already been rumors that the Kings are likely to move the pick.
Finding a forward, wing, or center are all possible positions of need depending on where they want to play Sabonis. Sabonis can play power forward or center, and their next target depends on where they want him to play.
With that said, here are the two best trades the Kings can make using the number 4th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Best Trades Kings Can Make With No. 4 Pick
1. Kings trade Harrison Barnes, Justin Holiday, Alex Len, the 4th overall pick, and a 2024 first-round pick to the Wizards for Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal has been subject to trade rumors throughout the past few years. It may be time for Washington to finally move on. Beal will be heading into the final year of his deal if he opts into his player option.
This package would make the salaries match and give the Wizards a high pick to select someone to be a cornerstone for their young core. They would also get an additional first-round pick to help their rebuild. If Washington holds onto Beal, they may lose him next year for nothing via free agency. Acquiring these expiring contracts could make for more assets to trade at the deadline. Even if they aren't able to flip Barnes, Holiday, and Len, they will be off the books at the end of the season.
Beal would give the Kings a star-studded big three alongside Fox and Sabonis. Before getting injured, Beal averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. In the previous two seasons, Beal had averaged over 30 points per game, proving that he is one of the best scorers in the league.
He is a three-level scorer, making him tough for defenses to defend. If the Kings are able to acquire the star guard, they will need to surround him with defensive-minded players. Whether it's through free agency or other trades, Sacramento could add defensive forwards and a center to complement their star trio.
New head coach Mike Brown will be an important part of taking the Kings back to the playoffs. While Beal would make the roster top-heavy, it will still be a long road to the playoffs in the challenging Western Conference.
2. Kings trade Richaun Holmes, Justin Holiday, and the 4th overall pick to the Pistons for Jerami Grant and a 2024 first-round pick
As Jerami Grant enters the final year of his deal, the Pistons could look to move off of him. Sacramento could send Richaun Holmes, Justin Holiday, and the 4th overall pick to get the deal done. The main piece of the deal is the draft pick, with Holmes and Holiday as salary fillers.
Holmes was recently dealing with some legal troubles involving a domestic abuse allegation, but he appears to be past those and is mainly in this deal to make the salaries work anyway. However, he can also provide depth for the Pistons off of their bench.
Jerami Grant has shown that he is a great defensive player and solid scorer.
In 47 games last season, Grant averaged 19.2 points per game along with 4.1 rebounds. He shot 42.6 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from behind the arc.
Grant would be an ideal fit next to Fox and Sabonis as a defensive stopper. He would also be a solid third scoring option. Building the rest of the roster through free agency around these guys could make a legitimate playoff roster.
One of the aforementioned trades will be a start to get the Kings to the postseason for the first time since the 2005-2006 season.
Editor's Note: This story was updated with a note on Richaun Holmes' legal situation.
Follow Us
Subscribe