The Sacramento Kings are heading into a crucial free agency period with several roster holes to fill, following a disappointing season where they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. General Manager Scott Perry, relatively new to the role, faces the challenge of reshaping the team to better compete in the Western Conference.
One of the most glaring needs for the Kings is at the point guard position. After trading away De'Aaron Fox in February, the Kings have lacked a true floor general. They have been linked to several point guards in free agency, and have reportedly reached a deal with Dennis Schroder. The Kings were also reportedly interested in Russell Westbrook and Malcolm Brogdon. Schroder, a 12-year NBA veteran, has played for nine teams and earned $13 million last season. He averaged 13.1 points and 5.4 assists last season while demonstrating strong defensive abilities. While Schroder is likely to take over as the starting point guard, some view him as a stopgap solution rather than a long-term answer.
Beyond point guard, the Kings need to improve their frontcourt, particularly in terms of size, length, and athleticism. The Kings would prefer to find a power forward/center type who would allow Keegan Murray to move back to small forward, which would improve Sacramento's size and length at both positions. The Kings have shown interest in players like Jonathan Kuminga, John Collins, Michael Porter Jr., and Andrew Wiggins. Acquiring Wiggins would likely involve trading DeMar DeRozan to the Heat. John Collins, currently with a player option, could provide size, rim protection, and three-point shooting.
Another key area of focus should be adding youth to the roster. The Kings' youngest player under contract is 23-year-old Devin Carter. Former GM Monte McNair's tendency to draft older rookies and bring in veterans has left the Kings short on young potential. The Kings also need to improve their overall depth. With several big contracts on the books, filling out the roster will be a challenge. Perry should look to bring in players who fit the team's needs in terms of shooting, defense, and athleticism.
The Kings have a few of their own free agents to consider. Keon Ellis is the most likely to return, as the Kings value his defensive abilities. The team exercised their team option on Ellis' contract. Trey Lyles, Jake LaRavia, Markelle Fultz, Isaiah Crawford, and Mason Jones are also free agents.
Sacramento has limited financial flexibility. They are projected to be over the salary cap and will need to use the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception and the $4.67 million bi-annual exception to sign free agents. The Kings may also explore trades to acquire higher-priced players. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, and Harrison Barnes are among the players who could be traded.
Overall, the Kings face a critical offseason with multiple needs to address. New GM Scott Perry will need to make strategic moves in free agency and the trade market to improve the team's point guard play, frontcourt size, youth, and overall depth. With limited financial flexibility, Perry will need to be creative in finding value and building a roster that can compete in the competitive Western Conference.
