Under the Radar Trade Candidates for the Kings at the Deadline
Despite trade rumors dwindling for the Sacramento Kings ahead of Thursday's deadline, a move to shake up the roster would not catch anybody by surprise. The Kings sit 5th in the Western Conference at 29-20, but many feel that they are not built to get past the first round of the playoffs.
Led by All-Star snub duo De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, with sophomore Keegan Murray on the rise, the Kings have one of the strongest cores in the league. The main concern for Sacramento should be their depth, which must be addressed at the trade deadline.
Outside of Sixth Man of the Year candidate Malik Monk, Sacramento's bench has been unpleasant this season, but finding gems on the trade market could be the solution. Here are three under-the-radar candidates that the Kings should target ahead of Thursday's deadline.
Apr 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward AJ Griffin (14) shoots against the Washington Wizards in the first half at State Farm Arena.
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AJ Griffin
In the 2022 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks selected AJ Griffin with the 16th overall pick. After a promising rookie year, averaging 8.9 points per game on 46.5/39.0/89.4 shooting splits, Griffin has been almost entirely omitted from the lineup this season.
Griffin has appeared in just 18 games this season, logging slim minutes when he does get action. Why have the Hawks given up on the talented 20-year-old? Atlanta sits toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 22-28 and seems to be sellers at the deadline.
Playing just 7.3 minutes per night, Atlanta could be selling Griffin for a discounted price, one that Sacramento should be willing to pay. If the Kings want to improve their depth, taking a flyer on Griffin could be the best move.
Jan 28, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Jalen McDaniels (2) shown on the court prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
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Jalen McDaniels
While many Kings fans would dream of having Minnesota Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels on the team, trading for his brother, Jalen McDaniels, on the Toronto Raptors could be a sneaky move. Jalen, 26, might not be the offensive player that Jaden has become, but his defensive ability is on par.
McDaniels is averaging a career-low 3.1 points this season, playing a career-low 9.2 minutes per game. The Raptors signed McDaniels to a two-year deal worth $9.3 million in the off-season, yet have not used him properly. Toronto is sitting outside of the playoff picture at 17-33, and bringing in assets in exchange for McDaniels could be best for them.
McDaniels would be a great defensive fit off the bench in Sacramento, with the versatility to play alongside the starters when necessary. If McDaniels could find a consistent jump shot like he had a couple of seasons ago, he could be a fantastic fit with the Kings.
Oct 25, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig (13) shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of a basketball game at United Center.
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Torrey Craig
Chicago Bulls' Torrey Craig, 33, could be the most realistic option for the Kings ahead of the deadline. The seven-year veteran is shooting 38.9% from deep over the past two seasons, averaging 7.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
At 6'7", Craig could be a serious candidate to be the backup small forward in Sacramento. In the past two seasons, Craig has been a positive defender, an efficient jump shooter, and an impressive rebounder. The veteran wing fills three holes that the Kings desperately need, especially in the second unit.
The Bulls have been disappointing this season, sitting 9th in the Eastern Conference at 24-27 with several trade rumors surrounding them. Craig missed 22 consecutive games this season, but after being back in action, he could be on the move ahead of the deadline.
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