7 Trade Targets The Sacramento Kings Need To Go All-In This Upcoming Summer

Potential Trade Offer For Paul George: Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, 2025 first-round pick

Paul George, a perennial All-Star and one of the most versatile players in the league, stands at a crossroads this offseason. He has the option to become a free agent by declining his $48M player option, or he could opt-in and request a trade if the Los Angeles Clippers fail to make a significant playoff run. Given their first-round matchup against Dallas and the uncertainties surrounding their postseason success, George’s future with the Clippers could be up for discussion.

In the scenario where the Clippers falter early in the playoffs, Paul George may start eyeing opportunities beyond Los Angeles. The Sacramento Kings, with their eyes set on bolstering their roster, could present an intriguing destination. Should they extend a lucrative offer, it could tempt George, especially if he's looking for a fresh start with a team eager to ascend in the Western Conference standings. 

The proposed trade package from the Kings—Keegan Murray, Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, and a 2025 first-round pick—represents a substantial offer. Murray, a promising young talent, has shown glimpses of his potential to be an impactful player in the league. Harrison Barnes provides a veteran presence and consistent production, while Kevin Huerter adds sharpshooting capabilities that any team could use. The inclusion of a future first-round pick further sweetens the deal, making it a compelling offer for the Clippers should they decide to rebuild or retool around different pieces.

Paul George's fit with the Sacramento Kings could be transformative. Averaging 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, George brings a dynamic skill set that includes scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. His ability to play both the small forward and shooting guard positions would provide the Kings with flexibility in their lineup configurations. George's experience in high-stakes games would also be invaluable for a relatively younger Kings squad looking to make a deeper playoff run.

George's presence on the Kings would elevate the team's perimeter defense and add another reliable scoring option alongside De'Aaron Fox, potentially creating one of the more formidable backcourts in the Western Conference. Furthermore, his veteran leadership and playoff experience could help instill a winning culture and mindset that the Kings have been missing.

Mikal Bridges

Potential Trade Offer For Mikal Bridges: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte, 2025 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

With the Brooklyn Nets missing the playoffs, it would be prudent for them to consider moving their more seasoned assets, particularly those who might not fit into their long-term plans as franchise cornerstones. At 28 years old, Mikal Bridges is a valuable player but might not be the piece around which the Nets want to build their future. The proposed trade package offers Brooklyn a chance to get younger and add valuable draft capital, featuring Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte, and first-round picks in 2025 and 2028.

Mikal Bridges could be an excellent fit for the Sacramento Kings, who are looking to solidify their roster with reliable, impactful players. Known for his defensive prowess and efficient scoring, Bridges averages 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His ability to slot into multiple positions on the perimeter makes him a versatile option for any team.

One of Bridges' most significant contributions would be on the defensive end. The Kings have struggled defensively, and Bridges is one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA. His length and agility allow him to guard multiple positions, and his defensive IQ helps in creating turnovers and disrupting the opposition’s offensive flow.

Offensively, Bridges is not just a catch-and-shoot player; he has developed a knack for scoring efficiently both from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. His presence would relieve some of the scoring pressure off of De'Aaron Fox and could open up more space for other players by stretching the defense. Additionally, Bridges' ability to handle the ball and make plays would add another layer to the Kings' offense, giving them a multi-faceted threat on the perimeter.

Despite not being old, Bridges brings a mature, stabilizing presence to the team. His playoff experience with the Phoenix Suns, where he played crucial minutes in a Finals run, would be invaluable to a Kings team that aims to make a deeper postseason impact. This type of experience could help transform the Kings from a fringe playoff team to a serious contender.

Lauri Markkanen

Potential Trade Offer For Lauri Markkanen: Harrison Barnes, Colby Jones, 2025 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

As Lauri Markkanen approaches the final year of his contract with an $18M salary, his value on the trade market could be more accessible, especially for a team like Utah that is in the midst of a rebuild. Offering two first-round picks for an expiring contract of a former All-Star like Markkanen could be an attractive proposition for the Jazz, who would be looking to accumulate assets and young talents.

Lauri Markkanen's offensive capabilities would be a significant boost for the Sacramento Kings. Averaging 23.2 points per game, Markkanen has established himself as a potent scoring threat, particularly from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting would open up driving lanes for guards like De'Aaron Fox and provide more space for interior players to operate. Additionally, Markkanen's height and scoring versatility allow him to take advantage of mismatches, giving Sacramento another dimension in their offensive playbook.

With 8.2 rebounds per game, Markkanen also brings a much-needed presence on the boards. The Kings have often struggled with rebounding, and adding a player of Markkanen’s size and skill on the glass would help alleviate some of those issues. His ability to play both forward positions and occasionally step in at center in smaller lineups provides the Kings with flexibility in their frontcourt rotations.

While not known primarily for his defense, Markkanen has shown improvements in his positional defense and effort on that end of the floor. In Sacramento, he wouldn't need to be the primary defensive anchor, which could allow him to focus more on maximizing his strengths while being part of a team defensive scheme that mitigates his limitations.

Given that Markkanen would be on an expiring contract, the Kings would have the opportunity to evaluate his fit within the team and potentially negotiate a new deal based on his performance throughout the season. This setup minimizes long-term risk while providing the Kings with a high-caliber player who could help push them into deeper playoff contention.

Kyle Kuzma

Potential Trade Offer For Kyle Kuzma: Harrison Barnes, Chris Duarte, 2026 first-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2025 second-round pick

As the Washington Wizards linger near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings at 14th place, lacking a clear direction for their rebuild, leveraging their best assets becomes crucial. Kyle Kuzma, at 28 years old and evidently disinterested in remaining part of a bottom-tier team, emerges as a prime trade candidate. Notably, the Sacramento Kings showed interest in Kuzma around the trade deadline during discussions that fell through for Pascal Siakam, indicating a persistent pursuit of his talents.

Kyle Kuzma could bring a dynamic offensive presence to the Sacramento Kings. Averaging 22.2 points per game, Kuzma has demonstrated his ability to score efficiently across various play types, including spot-up shooting, driving, and in transition. His versatility would complement De'Aaron Fox's playmaking, offering another scoring option that can create his shots both inside and outside the perimeter. Furthermore, Kuzma's passing skills, evidenced by his 4.2 assists per game, would facilitate better ball movement, enhancing the Kings' overall offensive cohesion.

With 6.6 rebounds per game, Kuzma also provides a solid rebounding presence. His ability to play both forward positions allows the Kings to utilize him in different lineups depending on matchups, potentially exploiting his size against smaller wings or his agility against larger forwards.

While Kuzma is not renowned for his defense, his size and length give him the potential to be an effective defender within a team-oriented defensive scheme. Sacramento could benefit from his ability to handle various defensive assignments, which would help shore up their perimeter defense.

Kuzma's experience, including a championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers, would bring a seasoned perspective to the Kings' locker room. This experience is invaluable for a team looking to make significant playoff pushes and could help foster a more competitive and disciplined environment.

Donovan Mitchell

Potential Trade Offer For Donovan Mitchell: Keegan Murray, Kevin Huerter, Kessler Edwards, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick

As the Cleveland Cavaliers finished fourth in the East, the looming uncertainty over Donovan Mitchell's future could prompt significant changes. If the Cavs do not make a deep run in the Finals, there’s a real chance they might lose Mitchell, who has a player option in the 2024-25 season. This possibility puts Cleveland in a position where trading him while his value is high could be considered, especially if they anticipate difficulties in re-signing him.

Donovan Mitchell’s integration into the Sacramento Kings could create one of the most explosive backcourts in the NBA. With Mitchell's 2024 stats boasting 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, his ability to score from anywhere on the court complements De'Aaron Fox’s speed and playmaking. Both players can handle the ball, drive to the basket, and shoot from the perimeter, offering Sacramento diverse and dynamic offensive strategies. Their speed and agility would make the Kings a formidable force in transition, capitalizing on fast breaks.

While Mitchell is not primarily known for his defensive prowess, his athleticism provides him with the potential to be a competent defender in a system that emphasizes team defense. Pairing him with Fox, who has similar characteristics, would require a well-structured defensive scheme from the Kings to cover for their size limitations in the backcourt.

Mitchell brings playoff experience and a proven track record of performance under pressure. His presence could help instill a deeper competitive spirit and resilience in the Kings, qualities necessary for making and advancing in the playoffs. His experience in leading a team deep into the postseason could be invaluable for a Kings squad that aims to solidify itself as a legitimate contender.

Zion Williamson

Potential Trade Offer For Zion Williamson: Harrison Barnes, Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick

Following another injury setback for Zion Williamson during the play-in game against the Lakers, which is likely to sideline him for the rest of the first-round series against Oklahoma City, the New Orleans Pelicans may find themselves reconsidering his long-term viability. Given Zion's history of injuries and challenges in staying healthy, trading him for a significant haul of future assets might be the most prudent course of action for New Orleans.

Zion Williamson’s potential addition to the Sacramento Kings could create one of the most dynamic and physically imposing frontcourts in the NBA, alongside Domantas Sabonis. Zion’s ability to score, evidenced by his 2024 average of 22.9 points per game, combined with his explosive athleticism, makes him a formidable offensive threat. His pairing with Sabonis, who is one of the best passing big men in the league, could be particularly effective. Sabonis’ ability to find Zion in high-percentage areas where he can utilize his strength and leaping ability would likely increase Zion’s efficiency.

Zion's playmaking abilities, with an average of 5.0 assists per game, would also complement De'Aaron Fox's speed and slashing ability, allowing the Kings to exploit multiple layers of defense. The presence of both Zion and Sabonis could create a gravitational pull on defenses, opening up perimeter shooting opportunities for teammates.

On defense, Zion's athleticism could help improve the Kings’ interior presence. While he has not been consistently heralded for his defense, Zion possesses the physical tools to be a difference-maker on this end of the floor. His ability to block shots and his agility in guarding multiple positions—when healthy—could help shore up some of Sacramento's defensive shortcomings.

However, the primary concern with Zion remains his health. His injury history might require Sacramento to manage his minutes and provide a robust support system to maintain his fitness. This factor could influence the overall effectiveness and longevity of the trade's impact.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Potential Trade Offer For Jaren Jackson Jr.: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

The Memphis Grizzlies faced a tumultuous season, marred by the suspension and injury of star player Ja Morant, along with numerous other injuries, which contributed to their disappointing finish as 13th in the West. Despite this, the team's true potential is significantly better than their record suggests.

Yet, given the rough season, Sacramento might see an opportunity to strike, offering an attractive package for Jaren Jackson Jr. that includes a starting-caliber power forward and a young point guard to back up Morant, especially given the injury concerns over Derrick Rose and Marcus Smart, as well as future draft picks.

Jaren Jackson Jr., known for his defensive prowess, could bring a transformative presence to the Sacramento Kings. His ability to block shots and defend multiple positions would shore up the Kings' defensive liabilities, particularly in the interior. JJJ's average of nearly 3 blocks per game not only highlights his individual defensive skills but also his potential to elevate the team's overall defense. Pairing him with Domantas Sabonis, who is more offensively oriented, could balance the frontcourt, allowing each to play to their strengths.

On the offensive end, Jackson's versatility would mesh well with De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Averaging 22.5 points per game, JJJ can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, which is a tremendous asset for a big man. This ability to shoot from the perimeter would create more driving lanes for Fox and more operating room for Sabonis inside. Jackson's presence outside the arc can pull opposing bigs away from the basket, disrupting traditional defensive setups.

Acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr. could significantly bolster the Sacramento Kings both defensively and offensively. His unique skill set as a shot-blocking, three-point shooting big man would provide the Kings with the tools to improve their standings in the Western Conference. This trade could potentially turn Sacramento into a more complete and competitive team, capable of challenging the top-tier teams in the playoffs.