The Sacramento Kings have a star-studded roster but, for all of their talent, they\u2019re remarkably average.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re 12th in the Western Conference standings at 8-8. They rank 11th in points per game (115.1), 17th in opponent\u2019s points per game (113.1), and 12th in net rating (+1.9). They\u2019ve played multiple games without DeMar DeRozan<\/a> and Malik Monk<\/a>, which has certainly affected the team. Yet, neither DeRozan nor Monk would have drastically improved the team\u2019s three-point shooting, where they rank 22nd in average attempts (35.1) and 26th in percentage (.331).<\/p>\n Numbers aside, Sacramento\u2019s longstanding issue has been that they have a lack of rim-protection at center. In the same vein, their three-point defense<\/em> is also a concern. Fortunately for Sacramento, there\u2019s someone who may become available on the trade market<\/a> that can protect the rim, affect shots on the perimeter, and perhaps knock down 3s as well.<\/p>\n To make it all the better, Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III<\/a> can play alongside or behind Domantas Sabonis.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the trade:<\/p>\n Blazers receive<\/em> \u2014 Kevin Huerter, Colby Jones, Jordan McLaughlin, Orlando Robinson, 2026 second-round pick<\/p>\n Kings receive<\/em> \u2014 Robert Williams III, Matisse Thybulle, Kris Murray<\/p>\n Upon completion, here\u2019s what the Kings\u2019 depth chart could look like:<\/p>\n If 2024 No. 13 pick Devin Carter<\/a> is still out, Monk would more than likely play as De\u2019Aaron Fox<\/a>\u2019s backup. If so, two-time All-Defensive Team selection Matisse Thybulle<\/a> would backup Keon Ellis<\/a>. Moving down the list, if Thybulle becomes Ellis\u2019s backup, one of Doug McDermott and 2023 No. 23 pick Kris Murray<\/a> may backup DeRozan.<\/p>\n Of note, Murray is the twin brother of 2022 No. 4 pick Keegan Murray<\/a>. So far as his chances of landing in Sacramento\u2019s rotation, the chemistry he has with his brother could give him an advantage over McDermott. McDermott is a career 40.9 percent three-point shooter; the Kings\u2019 most efficient stretch-forward. Though Kr. Murray being a more mobile defender than McDermott gives him an advantage at that end, Kings head coach Mike Brown may be more moved by how he can help get Ke. Murray out of his shooting slump.<\/p>\n The Kings surprisingly rank third in opponent\u2019s points in the paint (43.6).<\/p>\n On the one hand, Sacramento has occasionally played big men with traditional size, like Orlando Robinson<\/a> and Alex Len<\/a>. However, both Robinson and Len only receive spot minutes. Sacramento has kept opponents from scoring in the paint largely because of their team defense.<\/p>\n Rather than relying on a shot-blocker, the Kings dig down into the gaps when their opponents drive and force turnovers. To that point, their vice grip defense ranks 15th in steals per game (8.1). That number isn\u2019t impressive in a vacuum, but considering their personnel, it is.<\/p>\n Williams offers a level of individual rim-protection that Sacramento hasn\u2019t ever had in the Mike Brown Era. Though he\u2019s just 6-foot-9, his athleticism and anticipation have allowed him to block at least 1.2 blocks per game (2.1 blocks per 36 minutes every season). His shot-blocking isn\u2019t just confined to manning the middle though, as he has a knack for knocking away three-point attempts.<\/p>\n Robert Williams 4 blocks vs Rockets<\/p>\n (via : @shotcreatordata<\/a> ) pic.twitter.com\/3tzAheR4qQ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Nik\u2618\ufe0f (@__Kingnik) November 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nBlazers Center Robert Williams III An Ideal Trade Target For Kings<\/h2>\n
Trade Parameters<\/h3>\n
Fox, Carter\r\n\r\nEllis, Monk\r\n\r\nDeRozan, Thybulle, McDermott\r\n\r\nMurray, Lyles, Murray\r\n\r\nSabonis, Williams III, Len<\/pre>\n
Shoring Up The Defense<\/h3>\n
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