The Sacramento Kings went through any other tumultuous season by failing to track even a play-in spot. The Kings have failed to reach the NBA Playoffs since the 2006 season, but their fans must remain optimistic and hopeful about the future of the squad. Even if it was shocking for the franchise to trade sophomore Tyrese Haliburton, the pairing of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis was pleased to wrap up the season.
Having Fox and Sabonis along with Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, and new acquisitions Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter is currently the nucleus of Sacramento for next year. This could still change in the next months as they have tradable contracts which could entice a few squads. Barnes is on an expiring contract, while Sabonis has one more year left on his deal. Thus, here are a few men they should target in the offseason even if it may seem unrealistic.
3 unrealistic trades Kings must try to make in 2022 NBA offseason
John Collins
This could be realistic in some instances for the Kings, but the Atlanta Hawks could be more interested in other packages that other organizations could offer. Keegan Murray would seem to be untouchable in this deal, so Davion Mitchell would be the centerpiece of the return from Sacramento. The intrigue for Sacramento would be due to the fact that he would be tremendous with Domantas Sabonis on the floor.
Sabonis flourishes as a four or five through incredible passes and manufacturing play from the elbow. On the other hand, Collins thrives through pick-and-roll situations and lobs at the rim. Newly-hired head coach Mike Brown could even run a big-big pick-and-roll with Collins and Sabonis or other schemes that would unlock their potential.
Ben Simmons
There have been no reports or discussions of the Brooklyn Nets open to trading Ben Simmons even if he has not played a single game for them yet. Even before going to the Nets, Simmons was rumored to possibly move to Sacramento, but it never materialized. This could be the second trial of the Kings organization to add Simmons into their roster, especially with his value now at its lowest.
Any NBA fan would know that Simmons has a slew of off-court issues, but this Kings squad could take this calculated risk because they have not had a star-caliber player since DeMarcus Cousins. Conversely, the Nets must somehow be enticed with De'Aaron Fox's enormous contract that would match Simmons for this swap or possibly even find a third team to join the deal. It is the versatility and defensive prowess of Simmons that would be the primary reason why Sacramento would want him on their roster.
Donovan Mitchell
After trading Rudy Gobert a few days ago, the Utah Jazz may entertain or negotiate any sort of trade offer involving star guard Donovan Mitchell. There have been reports from Adrian Wojnarowski that the intention is for the organization to build around Mitchell, but that could still change before the start of training camp. The duo of De'Aaron Fox and Donovan Mitchell would be a dream come true for the Kings fans.
Fox would fit more with a Klay Thompson or Bradley Beal type of wing, but Mitchell is more than enough to fill in the gap vacated by Haliburton and Buddy Hield. As a spectacular slasher, Fox must manufacture ways to open up more chances of receiving great shots from the outside. Mitchell has been used to become a ball-dominant guard in Utah, but in Sacramento, his minutes could be staggered with Fox and create the offense for the team.
These are some star-studded names that the Kings franchise must keep in mind for the next few months. The likelihood of these three individuals welcoming the possibility of playing in Sacramento may be low, but there is not much to lose for them, and try offering up a substantial package. For the Sacramento Kings fans, they are hoping more and more big names start suiting up for their squad to snap the disappointing playoff drought.
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