NBA trade rumors are starting to heat up as the season nears its halfway mark. Unfortunately for veteran point guard George Hill, he is turning out to be a hot topic in these discussions.
George Hill is back in NBA trade rumors because he is reportedly unhappy with the Sacramento Kings. Usually, when a player is disappointed with his current squad, a trade is inevitable.
Failed promise
Tony Jones of The Salt Lake Tribune suggested that the current campaign of the Sacramento Kings is the reason why George Hill is disappointed with the organization.
On July 10, 2017, Hill, together with Vince Carter and Zach Randolph, signed with the Kings.
Jones mentioned in his article that according to sources, Scott Perry, who is the former vice president of basketball operations in Sacramento, told Hill, Carter, and Randolph that the goal this season is for the Kings to be "playoff competitive." However, just days after the three were acquired, Perry left to join the New York Knicks. It seemed like Perry's departure changed the plans of the Kings who many believe are tanking right now, to get a top pick in next year's draft.
Diminished performance
The direction the Sacramento Kings are heading may have affected the performance of George Hill. Last season, with the Utah Jazz, Hill proved why he deserved a lucrative deal.
He averaged 16.9 points (career-best), 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per outing for the Jazz, whom he helped end a playoff drought. Sadly, this season, Hill is only averaging 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists each game.
Rise of the youngbloods
Aside from George Hill's frustrations, another reason why he returned in NBA trade rumors are the younger point guards on the roster.
Even if the Kings deal the 31-year-old away, their No. 1 position is expected to remain competitive with rookies De'Aaron Fox and Frank Mason III. Both Fox and Mason are showing tremendous promise this season despite the Sacramento Kings having an inconsistent run.
Playoff-bound
Since George Hill is present in NBA trade rumors once again, CBS Sports suggested two organizations that could pursue him.
These are the Washington Wizards and the Denver Nuggets. The Wizards and the Nuggets are doing well this season even though they are dealing with various problems like injuries. They are competing for a spot in the playoffs. Washington and Denver are fifth in their respective conferences with 16-13 records.
