After missing out on the playoffs the Kings have some serious decisions to make this off-season. The duo of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox gives the Kings two stars to build around. However, they are still a few pieces away from contention and will need significant upgrades in the off-season. Let’s dive into the Kings’ current position and some possible roster upgrades.
2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What’s Next For The Kings?
Season Recap
Coming off a magical 2022-23 season in which the Kings ended their 17-year-long playoff drought and finished third in the Western Conference. The Kings elected to run it back with virtually the same roster in the off-season. Unfortunately, this season saw the Kings take a step back. Not necessarily in the win column winning 46 games compared to 48. However, the Kings would miss out on the playoffs finishing ninth and losing to the Pelicans in the final Play-In game. The Kings suffered late injuries to Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter. Nevertheless, the season did have positives.
Sabonis had a historic double-double streak and Fox made strides as a three-pointer shooter. Sabonis averaged 19.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 8.2 assists on .594/.379/.704 shooting splits. Fox averaged 26.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, on .465/.369/.738 shooting splits. The duo is a long-term fit and their styles complement each other nicely. Neither player made an All-Star team however, Sabonis was named to the All-NBA third team. Furthermore, Keegan Murray showed tons of promise in his second year and Monk remained one of the league’s best sixth men.
The Kings’ top-ranked offense from the year before dropped to 13th this season while their defense improved from 24th to 14th. Ultimately this season showed Kings as currently constructed are a piece or two away from contending in an increasingly competitive West. Upgrading the Harrison Barnes forward spot for a more dynamic two-way wing should be a top priority. Adding a two-guard next to Fox is also a possibility. Given these factors, the Kings face one of the most pivotal off-seasons in the league.
Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks
Over The Cap
The Kings are projected 30 million dollars over the cap but aren’t within the first apron tax penalty. This gives the Kings a mid-level expectation contract to use in free agency. Sacramento could use this to target some defensive-minded players and round out their rotation.
13th, and 45th overall picks
Primary Targets
Jared McCain’s dynamic shooting makes him an ideal fit with the Kings’ playstyle. Devin Carter would give the Kings a versatile connector and defender as a guard off the bench. Ja’Kobe Walter also offers high upside while being a classic three-and-D wing. These picks, especially Carter or McCain, would serve as crucial insurance if top free agent Malik Monk leaves. Alternatively, if the Kings want to land a star via trade this pick should absolutely be on the table. In the second round, wings like Antonio Reeves and Harrison Ingram are realistic targets.
Pending Free Agents and Possible Departures
Free Agents
- Malik Monk
- Alex Len
- Kessler Edwards
- JaVale McGee
Monk is by far the Kings’ most important free agent. Monk has been vital for the Kings off the bench as a dynamic scorer and playmaker. Much of their off-season success will be determined by retaining Monk and trading for a star. However, it’s complicated. Currently, the most Sacramento can offer Monk is a four-year-78 million deal. Teams like the Magic could use Monk’s services and could afford to pay him more upwards of a 100 million dollar contract. Other reported suitors could include the Thunder, Pistons, and 76ers.
Another possibility is a team hands Monk a Bruce Brown-type deal with a large amount over a short period of time. Additionally, the allure of a starting role and more opportunity could draw Monk away from the Kings. While a return isn’t impossible as the Kings could do some salary dump moves Monk leaving feels very likely and the Kings must have backup plans.
Another decision that looms for Sacramento is Fox’s extension. Fox has two years left on his five-year $163 million dollar contract. Notably, Fox is eligible for a three-year $167 million dollar veteran extension. He declined a two-year $105 million dollar contract before the season started likely in hopes of becoming eligible for the supermax contract however, he didn’t make an All-NBA meaning he’s only eligible for the smaller veteran extension. Extending Fox should be a no-brainer and he will likely be on board. Luckily the Kings recently extended head coach Mike Brown on a three-year $30 million dollar deal. Brown won Coach of the Year in 2022-23 and is a crucial part of the Kings’ future.
Possible Departures
- Harrison Barnes
- Kevin Huerter
Barnes and Huerter are the most likely trade pieces as those of the roles Sacramento would likely be willing to upgrade. Crucially, their salaries add to up to 34 million allowing the Kings to trade for an All-Star-level player. Both players’ trade values aren’t high as they are coming off down seasons, especially Huerter. However, for a rebuilding team along with a combination of picks a big-time trade is realistic. Alternatively, one of these players could be used as a salary dump move to make room for Monk or one player could be traded in another smaller move.
Realistic Off-Season Targets
Trade
Given Monk’s free agency situation and the Kings’ need for roster upgrades, a trade would be logical. The Kings have the ability to trade up to six first-round picks to make an enticing deal. Trading all these picks is extremely unlikely however, these picks give the Kings flexibility, and trading a few for an area of need is logical.
Kyle Kuzma is rumored to be on the market using a few draft picks on a versatile four-man like Kuzma is an intriguing option. The Kings should explore prying Jerami Grant away from the Blazers with a package of picks. The Blazers are in the midst of a rebuild and Grant is a win-now player. He would be the perfect fit for the Kings as a defender and three-point shooter. Brandon Ingram is the most talented name on the market. If the Kings can land him with draft capital and have confidence he signs for a long time this could be a home run move. Ingram’s fit would be ideal as a wing creator and complementary playmaker next to Fox and Sabonis.
One player who has been linked to the Kings that they shouldn’t pursue is Zach LaVine. The Bulls have reportedly lowered their asking price for LaVine after failing to trade him at the deadline. However, LaVine’s five-year, $215 million dollar contract and extensive injury history are cause for concern. While LaVine would be a great replacement for Monk scoring-wise his poor defense and ball dominance pose further fit issues. Clarkson and Caruso are two viable Monk replacements via trade. Clarkson, similar to Monk, is an elite volume scorer off the bench. Caruso offers less scoring but elite perimeter defense which would give the Kings a new dimension.
Free Agents
The Kings don’t have a ton of spending money so they’ll be looking for smaller yet meaningful ways to upgrade their roster. Derrick Jones Jr. would be on the higher end for production and the Kings may have to offer him a mid-level expectation deal. He would offer high-level three-and-D wing play. Gordon would be a microwave scorer off the bench for a discount price. Dinwiddie could be a fairly cheap Monk replacement; he offers versatile guard play and is a high-level playmaker. Drummond is a serviceable low-cost backup for Sabonis while Jackson is the same for Fox. These moves along with other minor signings would round out the Kings roster nicely. However, given the Kings’ current situation, the need for a big trade is apparent and should be Sacramento’s primary way to improve their roster.
