The reported discussions between the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks in swapping forward Zach Randolph for center Enes Kanter are likely to include a third team in hopes of trading away more expiring contracts. Among them could be center Willie Cauley-Stein, who the Kings could part ways with in hopes to get another run at Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr., according to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee.
The Kings were optimistic after deploying Cauley-Stein as a full-time center for the first time last season, seeing encouraging results and flashes of consistency, but wanted to see another season of it before committing to an extension of his rookie contract. The Kentucky product has been arduously motivated by the big money ahead, but simply hasn't shown enough promise to merit the commitment.
The 25-year-old center has improved his scoring and rebounding averages and is having a career year when it matters most, but the arrival of Marvin Bagley III has made it clear that in order for the latter to flourish, there must be a free slot at center.
Bagley has proven to be a better shot-blocker and a more refined finisher, despite having a slim role through his rookie season, averaging only 23 minutes through 27 games.
Sacramento coveted Porter as a restricted free agent, but could look to strike now while the Wizards are in sell mode, with their season likely in shambles despite winning four out of their last six games. Netting Porter in a trade won't come cheap, as the sharpshooting 3-and-D specialist is making over $26 million this season, $27 million next season and $28 million in 2020-21, which is a player option.
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