The Sacramento Kings are attempting to get back into the postseason for the first time since the 2005-06 season. Sacramento traded for two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis at the deadline to pair with De'Aaron Fox.
Fox and Sabonis played well together in the limited games at the end of the season. While rumors swirled for months that the Kings would trade away the 4th pick for an established player, they kept it and selected Keegan Murray. Murray is a 3&D forward that is projected to start at the power forward position.
He showed his skills in his first Summer League game, finishing with 26 points on 10-14 from the field and 4-5 from three. Murray was second on the team in plus-minus with a +17. The 21-year-old fills what the Kings needed at forward.
Sacramento has also made a great move in free agency, signing Malik Monk to a two-year $19 million deal. Monk had a breakout campaign for the Los Angeles Lakers, being one of their only reliable players last season. He averaged 13.8 points while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three. Although he is not a great defender, he provides much-needed shooting alongside Fox in the backcourt.
Monk has the tools to be the 6th man with his scoring if Sacramento prefers to start another guard next to Fox. Kevin Huerter may be the starter for the Kings, as they traded Justin Holiday, Moe Harkless, and a 2024-protected first-round pick for him.
Huerter is another good shooter who averaged 12.1 points and shot 38.9 percent from behind the arc. He was a reliable two-guard with Trae Young during his tenure with Atlanta. His length at 6'7” could make him an ideal starter over Monk, who is 6'3.”
The Kings have had a good offseason thus far. With that said, here are two moves the Kings still must make after the first weekend of the 2022 NBA free agency.
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Kings 2022 NBA Free Agency Moves
Acquire a backup forward
The Kings will have two solid forwards in the starting lineup this upcoming season with Harrison Barnes and Murray but lack a reliable backup. Preferably, Sacramento would get a 3&D forward, but that could be hard to come by at this stage of free agency.
Finding someone that can either play great defense or shoot the lights out is the next best thing. They can look for someone to fill this role through free agency or by making a minor trade.
Sign a third-string point guard
While this may not be a flashy move, it is important to have a third-string point guard. Fox is the starter, with second-year guard Davion Mitchell behind him. If one of them gets injured, then the Kings will need someone to pick up minutes.
Free agency has some veteran options like Austin Rivers and D.J. Augustin, who could fill this role. They could also bring experience to the group as they try to make a playoff push.
The Kings have a shot at making a postseason run this season, and fans should be excited. It won't be easy as the competition in the Western Conference is fierce, but they have a roster to contend for a playoff spot.
Adding more depth at forward and point guard will help Sacramento's roster for the upcoming campaign.
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