The Sacramento Kings could be in line to swing a trade for Oklahoma City Thunder big man Steven Adams, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com. The Thunder have already emptied part of their older roster, trading Paul George early in free agency, then consequently Jerami Grant and Russell Westbrook, leaving Adams as the only keep remnant of that core.
While no trade is close, Deveney reports the Kings as a favorite if talks heat up:
“If there is a team that is a favorite to move for Adams, sources said, it would be Sacramento,” wrote Deveney. “The Kings had interest in Adams before free agency began and discussed a potential deal with the Thunder. The talks did not get very far, however. Oklahoma City had eyed one of Sacramento’s young shooting guards, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Sacramento also has forward Harry Giles, who could blossom with more playing time.”
OKC won't say it, but they are in full rebuild mode — even with Chris Paul running the team (for now). Adams is still owed $53.37 million for the next two years of the four-year, $100 million extension he signed in 2017.
Sacramento is seeking a long-term answer at center after the departure of Willie Cauley-Stein. Marvin Bagley III is set to start at power forward, while veterans Dewayne Dedmon and Richaun Holmes are in place at center. Harry Giles III has promise, but he's a major question mark because of injuries.
Acquiring Adams would come with a 7.5% trade kicker, according to Spotrac, which could make matters a bit more difficult unless he chooses to drop it at the time of the trade.
The Kings' refusal to give up some of their young players could also play a part in keeping this deal from happening, as OKC will want rebuild-worthy young pieces to make the trade worth their while.
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