For the first time in 16 years, the Sacramento Kings will not participate in the NBA lottery. In the 2023 NBA draft, the Kings hold the 24th overall pick. This 2023 draft class is loaded with talent, and Sacramento could steal hope with their last first-round pick. However, the Kings are reportedly expected to try and trade their 24th overall pick instead of taking a chance on a starter.
After the first round of the playoffs, the Sacramento Kings are looking for immediate impact players to help them make the playoffs next year. The Kings will also try to get impact players through free agency, and some rookies will come in and have a positive impact, as we saw with Keegan Murray this year.
ClutchPoints recommends two players the Sacramento Kings should try to acquire in exchange for the 24th pick in the draft.
1. Alex Caruso – G, Chicago Bulls
Alex Caruso, 29, has cemented his place as one of the best defensemen in the league. The Chicago Bulls’ lockdown shooting guard earned NBA All-Defensive First Team honors this season. Caruso is 6’5″, so he’s focused on guarding the opposing team’s best guard. ClutchPoints believes the Kings could use Caruso after a defensive failure against Stephen Curry in Game 7 of the first round.
A trade to acquire Alex Caruso from Clutch Points might look something like this:
Bulls get
Richawn Holmes
2023 1st round pick (#24)
2023 2nd round election
2024 2nd round election
The Bulls may be looking to gain some big man depth while giving up a piece of their loaded backcourt. Richaun Holmes will be a great backup center for Chicago as they receive the Kings first round and two second round picks. Alex Caruso has two years left on his $19.35 million contract; This contract kings will be happy to bring.
Alex Caruso joins De’Arron Fox, Kevin Hurter, Davion Mitchell and Malik Monk in the backcourt. A bench
I think Alex Caruso is a great player and a great defender, but I don’t see the Kings trading him.
2. Royce O’Neal – F, Brooklyn Nets
Sticking with the defense theme, we take a look at Royce O’Neale. While the Sacramento Kings are rumored to be targeting Michal Bridges and Cameron Johnson, they could also take the Brooklyn Nets’ entire wing team. Royce O’Neale is a 3-and-D threat, which may be what the Kings need this offseason. O’Neale has consistently impacted the defense this season, shooting 38.9% from deep.
ClutchPoints suggests a trade for Royce O’Neal will be similar to the one for Caruso:
Find the nets
Richawn Holmes
2023 1st round pick (#24)
The Nets have impressive forward depth, but 29-year-old Royce O’Neill may not fit their vision for the future. Centered around 26-year-old star Mychal Bridges, the Nets may want to trade O’Neal for a late first-round pick and a big man along with Richaun Holmes.
This trade is fantastic for the Sacramento Kings, as Royce O’Neal is a player who can come in and contribute, especially if the Kings lose Harrison Barnes or Trey Lyles in free agency. The only problem with that trade is that I don’t think the Nets will accept it, but if I were the Kings front office, I would make this trade 9 out of 10 times.
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