NBA Superstar that has Been Kings’ Top Trade Target just…
This summer, the Sacramento Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan, which was a significant move, but could they take it a step further?
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report created a list of the best “realistic trade targets” for each NBA franchise. A superstar is first on the Kings’ priority list. In a move that might change the league, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard was mentioned as a possible target for the Kings.
Given his defensive prowess, Leonard would be an ideal addition to this squad if he stays healthy. During the previous season, the 33-year-old participated in 68 games and averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 steals, and 41.7 percent from three-point range. Sacramento would have one of the strongest cores in the NBA if he were paired with players like De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeRozan.
Just Leonard’s defensive skills may elevate the Kings’ starting lineup to a championship caliber. He can guard anyone on the floor and stop the Association’s top scorers with to his 7-foot-3 wingspan.
A concern with Leonard is his load management philosophy, which advocates skipping games on purpose in order to maintain optimal health. Kawhi’s trade value is probably diminished by the fact that he has never participated in all 82 games. After 13 seasons in the league, the 33-year-old would undoubtedly be a risk for a team like the Kings.
It’s difficult to envision a Leonard trade that doesn’t involve rising sensation Keegan Murray. Murray is undoubtedly the team’s most valued trade addition aside from Fox, Sabonis, and DeRozan, even though the Kings supposedly made him untouchable during trade negotiations this summer.
Sacramento is prepared to assume the risk of relying on Murray to mature into a two-way player akin to Leonard since they are pleased with the direction his growth is going. Expect the squad to hold onto Murray for a while as general manager Monte McNair picked him with the fourth overall pick in 2022.
Leonard is unlikely to get a deal, especially in light of the potential contract situations. Given that Leonard makes $50 million a year, the Kings have limited space for maneuver given that they currently have five contracts worth over $16 million annually.
Although the Kings could always use additional defensive support, this move seems unlikely to occur. Any transaction involving a lesser brand is more likely to happen if the team wishes to reach an agreement prior to the start of the season.
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