The Sacramento Kings kept their promise to acquire a star in hopes of reaching the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, the addition of Domantas Sabonis wasn't enough to get them into the postseason. Their playoff drought has now extended to the historic length of 16 years.
The Kings' front office has now put themselves in a tricky position. They have to keep adding pieces in order to show how they are truly all-in on competing. It's a tough position to be in when your division has three playoff teams (as well as LeBron James) but these are parameters you set when you trade Tyrese Haliburton for a quick fix.
After making other moves at the trade deadline to surround Sabonis and De'Aaron Fox with a solid supporting cast, the clock is ticking. The work is far from done for the Kings.
3 early trade targets for Kings in 2022 NBA offseason
The Orlando Magic already have plenty of intriguing young big men and forward but could add another one in the draft. If they have eyes for the likes of Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren, Isaac becomes expendable. A team like the Kings should inquire about him.
Isaac has trouble staying healthy, as he has missed the entirety of the last two seasons. When he is healthy, he could be the perfect guy for a Kings team that needs defense. He has the ideal build for a versatile defender and can slide into the forward spot in between Harrison Barnes and Sabonis. In his last full season, he averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals.
Sacramento could acquire Isaac for next to nothing, as his injury woes have driven down his trade value. Of course, that also means that the move has less of a chance of paying off for the Kings. He is due $17 million in each of the next three seasons. It would be a high-risk, high-reward move.
2. Jerami Grant
The Detroit Pistons kept their stellar forward at the trade deadline despite tons of interest from opposing teams. Jerami Grant should drum up trade interest and the Kings should pursue him.
Grant is averaging 19.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a career-high 0.9 steals per game this season while shooting 35.8 percent from deep on 5.4 attempts. He only played 47 games this season but should be able to bounce back well ahead of next season. Sacramento needs another high-volume scorer and, as mentioned with Isaac, defenders.
Although Grant having an expiring contract makes the trade risky, he should be able to give the Kings a boost on both sides of the ball.
1. John Collins
Collins has been one of the Atlanta Hawks' key players for the past few seasons. But there have also been several instances in which he has found himself in trade rumors. The 24-year-old has the right skills to be complimentary to Sabonis and Fox.
This season, Collins averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals. He is shooting 52.6 percent and 36.4 percent from the field. Although he has posted better numbers in the past, he could unlock the Kings' offense as a shooter and lob threat.
Collins has three more guaranteed years on his contract, all of which are worth between $23 million and $26 million. The Kings would be making a sizable commitment, both in terms of paying that contract and trading away significant assets to Atlanta, but Collins is among one of the best players that could be available this offseason.
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