The Sacramento Kings missed the NBA playoffs once again with the team resetting its fortunes. They now search for new pieces in the mix after closing the book on the DeMarcus Cousins run. As most know, Cousins was traded back in February. It was a surprise move, with most believing that team owner Vivek Ranadive and general manager Vlade Divac were set to hand “Boogie” a long-term deal. Instead, they decided to ultimately give up on the all-star center and start anew. But the big question now is who they will target. The NBA Draft and free agent market are prime sources but the Kings seem to be locking in on in their present players.
Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore to be kept
Two names repeatedly mentioned in NBA trade talks are looming as the Kings' cornerstones. Rudy Gay, who saw his 2016-17 NBA season end abruptly, is expected to opt in on his deal. Though he initially mentioned he would be opting out, his ruptured Achilles injury poses a problem in terms of gaining big bucks. The Kings will welcome him back to the fold but Sacramento can always pull off a surprise to waive Gay for someone else.
Ben Mclemore being kept is good news as well, though his position poses a question. The Kings have an overloaded bunch of shooting guards at the moment. McLemore is joined by the likes of Garrett Temple, Buddy Hield, Malachi Richardson, and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Looking at the mix, someone could be left out before the next NBA season kicks off.
Which King will be exiled?
Aside from the crowded backcourt, there are other roster spots that need to be decided. Aside from the shooting guards, there are the two first round rookie spots and other players such as Skal Labissiere, Georgios Papagiannis, Kosta Koufos, and Langston Galloway that need evaluation.
Sacramento’s rebuilding is unlikely to include some of the names mentioned. The decision on that will stem from how coach Dave Joerger, Divac, and Ranadive evaluate performances last season. They will also factor in their outlook moving forward.
The search for a new big man
One of the key positions Sacramento will be looking for is a new big man.
They do have Willie Cauley-Stein and Koufus but both pale if the Kings are looking for a franchise-quality big man close to Cousins. Tyreke Evans, Aaron Afflalo and Darren Collison will likely be evaluated as well. All in all, there are a lot of things management can do moving forward, and, as far as the current roster is concerned, it may be best for the players to keep their guard up and expect that anything can happen. If the Kings let Cousins go, it stands to reason that no one is guaranteed a roster spot in Sacramento.
